Meta has launched a new generation of smart glasses powered by artificial intelligence. The company wants them to become must-have accessories worldwide.
Presentation at Meta Connect
At the Meta Connect developer conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled several products created with Ray-Ban and Oakley. A neural wristband was among the highlights. It connects with the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses and lets users send messages through small hand gestures.
The announcement came as Meta continues to face criticism about the effects of its platforms. Concerns are especially focused on young users. Zuckerberg described the launch as a “huge scientific breakthrough.” He spoke to hundreds of attendees gathered on the Silicon Valley campus.
Features of the new model
The Meta Ray-Ban Display includes a high-resolution color screen inside one lens. It allows users to make video calls and read messages. The device also features a 12-megapixel camera.
Zuckerberg hopes the smart glasses will integrate Meta AI into daily life. Analysts believe the product could perform better than the costly Metaverse project. Virtual worlds have yet to attract broad audiences.
“Unlike VR headsets, glasses are practical and lightweight,” said Mike Proulx, Research Director at Forrester. He added: “Meta still has to show people that the benefits justify the price.”
Pricing and market response
Meta has not shared sales data. Industry estimates suggest around two million pairs of smart glasses sold since 2023. The new Display model will be released this month for $799, about £586. That makes it far more expensive than Meta’s earlier glasses.
Leo Gebbie from CCS Insight doubts the Display will match the popularity of past models. “Ray-Bans succeeded because they’re discreet, simple, and affordable,” he explained.
Zuckerberg also presented Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses aimed at sports users, priced at $499. In addition, the second generation of Ray-Ban Meta glasses launched at $379.
Heavy investment in AI
Meta is investing heavily in artificial intelligence. In July, Zuckerberg announced hundreds of billions of dollars for US data centers. One site will be nearly the size of Manhattan.
The company is also recruiting experts from competitors. Its ambition is to develop “superintelligence,” a form of AI more advanced than human thinking.
Parents and activists demand safeguards
On Wednesday, parents and activists protested outside Meta’s New York headquarters. They called for stronger protections for children using the company’s platforms.
Last week, two former Meta safety researchers testified before the US Senate. They claimed Meta hid potential risks to children from its virtual products. Jason Sattizahn and Cayce Savage said the company blocked studies that could show harm.
Meta denied the accusations and dismissed them as “nonsense.”
