Meta has introduced its latest line of smart glasses as it continues to push forward with its vision of blending the physical and digital worlds, despite ongoing financial challenges in its metaverse-focused division.
At its annual developers conference on Wednesday, Meta unveiled the new Ray-Ban Display smart glasses. These advanced wearables feature built-in displays that allow users to view messages, photos, and other content directly in their line of sight, similar to using a smartphone screen.
Described as Meta’s most advanced AI glasses to date, the Ray-Ban Display also includes wearable “neural bands” – sensor-equipped bracelets that enable users to control the glasses through subtle finger gestures. The glasses are priced at $799.
“Our goal is to build great-looking glasses that deliver personal superintelligence and a feeling of presence using realistic holograms,” said Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg during the presentation. He described these innovations as core elements of what Meta envisions as the “metaverse.”
Zuckerberg believes AI-powered smart glasses will be the next major computing platform, eventually replacing smartphones. Meta began its shift toward this vision in 2021, when it rebranded from Facebook to Meta and ramped up investment in virtual and augmented reality through its Reality Labs division.
However, the journey has been costly. Reality Labs posted a $4.5 billion loss in the second quarter of this year, with only $370 million in revenue.
“There’s no realistic chance that smart glasses sales make this division profitable in the short term,” said Leo Gebbie, principal analyst at CCS Insight. “This is about playing the long-term game to break free from smartphones, where Meta has been throttled by rivals Apple and Google.”
Meta has seen more consumer traction with its existing Ray-Ban smart glasses, which already offer features like built-in cameras, music playback, and AI-powered voice interactions.
The company also introduced new models, including the updated Ray-Ban Meta glasses starting at $379, and the Oakley Meta Vanguard, a new line of “performance AI glasses” designed for athletic use, priced at $499. These models include features such as action-ready cameras, integration with fitness apps, and immersive audio for workouts.
According to Meta, Ray-Ban Meta glasses have become the top-selling AI glasses globally, with millions of units sold since their initial launch. The new versions aim to further enhance real-time interaction, including hands-free video capture, digital assistant access, and real-time language translation.
The smart glasses market is currently valued at around $2 billion and is projected to grow to over $8 billion annually by 2030, according to Grand View Research.
“The next computing platform continues to come into focus,” Meta said. “AI glasses connect us to real-world superpowers while keeping us present in the moment.”
SR
