Meta has revealed a new line of smart glasses driven by artificial intelligence. The company wants them to become everyday essentials worldwide.
Highlights from Meta Connect
During the Meta Connect developer conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg presented several new devices made in partnership with Ray-Ban and Oakley. One highlight was a neural wristband. It connects with the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses and allows users to send messages using small hand movements.
The launch came while Meta remains under pressure over the impact of its platforms. Critics highlight risks for younger users. Zuckerberg called the innovation a “huge scientific breakthrough.” He addressed hundreds of attendees on the company’s Silicon Valley campus.
What the new glasses offer
The Meta Ray-Ban Display comes with a high-resolution color screen built into one lens. It enables video calls and message viewing directly in front of the eyes. The model also features a 12-megapixel camera.
Zuckerberg expects the glasses to act as a gateway for integrating Meta AI into daily routines. Analysts believe the device has a stronger chance of success than the expensive Metaverse project. Virtual worlds have so far failed to gain mass popularity.
“Unlike VR headsets, glasses are lightweight and practical,” said Mike Proulx, Research Director at Forrester. He added: “Meta must still convince consumers that the value outweighs the cost.”
Prices and sales outlook
Meta has not disclosed official sales figures. Industry sources estimate around two million smart glasses sold since 2023. The new Display model will be available this month at $799, about £586. That price is much higher than Meta’s current glasses.
Leo Gebbie of CCS Insight doubts the Display will perform as well as earlier products. “The Ray-Bans worked because they’re easy, subtle, and relatively affordable,” he explained.
Zuckerberg also announced Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses for sports fans, priced at $499. He presented the second generation of Ray-Ban Meta glasses, priced at $379.
Enormous push into AI
Meta is spending billions to grow its AI division. In July, Zuckerberg confirmed plans to invest hundreds of billions in US data centers. One of the facilities will be nearly the size of Manhattan.
The company is also recruiting top specialists from competitors. Its long-term ambition is to build “superintelligence,” artificial intelligence more capable than humans.
Protests and criticism
On Wednesday, parents and activists staged a protest outside Meta’s New York headquarters. They demanded stricter protections for children using the company’s platforms.
The week before, two former Meta safety researchers testified in the US Senate. They claimed Meta suppressed research that highlighted risks for children in virtual products. Jason Sattizahn and Cayce Savage said the company blocked studies that might reveal harm.
Meta denied the claims and called them “nonsense.”
