Meta has unveiled a new generation of smart glasses powered by artificial intelligence. The company aims to make them essential daily accessories worldwide.
Meta Connect reveals cutting-edge devices
At the Meta Connect developer conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg presented several products developed with Ray-Ban and Oakley. A neural wristband was a standout feature. It pairs with the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses and allows users to send messages through subtle hand gestures.
The announcement comes as Meta faces ongoing scrutiny over its platforms. Activists emphasize the risks to children. Zuckerberg described the development as a “huge scientific breakthrough” while speaking to hundreds of attendees on the Silicon Valley campus.
Smart glasses features
The Meta Ray-Ban Display integrates a high-resolution color screen into one lens. Users can make video calls and read messages directly. The glasses also include a 12-megapixel camera.
Zuckerberg expects the glasses to become a primary channel for integrating Meta AI into everyday life. Analysts suggest the product could outperform the costly Metaverse project. Virtual worlds have yet to gain mass adoption.
“Unlike VR headsets, glasses are practical and lightweight,” said Mike Proulx, Research Director at Forrester. He added: “Meta must still prove that the benefits justify the cost.”
Pricing and market outlook
Meta has not released official sales figures. Industry sources estimate around two million smart glasses sold since 2023. The new Display model launches this month at $799, about £586. That is significantly higher than previous models.
Leo Gebbie of CCS Insight doubts the Display will reach the same success as earlier versions. “Ray-Bans sold well because they are subtle, simple, and affordable,” he explained.
Zuckerberg also introduced Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses for athletes, priced at $499. The second generation of Ray-Ban Meta glasses was launched at $379.
Expanding investment in AI
Meta is committing billions to artificial intelligence. In July, Zuckerberg announced hundreds of billions of dollars for new US data centers. One planned site will cover nearly the size of Manhattan.
The company is also recruiting top talent from rival firms. Its goal is to create “superintelligence,” AI that can surpass human capabilities.
Activists demand stronger safeguards
On Wednesday, parents and activists protested outside Meta’s New York headquarters. They called for stricter protections for children on the company’s platforms.
Last week, two former Meta safety researchers testified before the US Senate. They claimed Meta concealed potential risks to children from virtual products. Jason Sattizahn and Cayce Savage said internal research showing harm was blocked.
Meta denied the accusations and dismissed them as “nonsense.”
