Meta introduced multiple new wearable devices at its Connect conference held in Menlo Park, California. The announcements include enhanced smart glasses and a significant entry into the virtual reality market, reflecting the company’s push to establish dominance across wearable technology categories.
The company released new iterations of its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses line. The Ray-Ban Meta Audio AI glasses represent a notable shift in design philosophy, featuring microphones and speakers for audio interaction with Meta’s AI assistant but notably omitting cameras. This audio-only variant addresses mounting concerns from privacy advocates and critics who have raised objections to recording capabilities in existing smart glasses models. The device will be available in Clubmaster and Burbank styles, weighing less than camera-equipped versions and offering battery life extending to 12 hours. Pricing is set at £319, with equivalent pricing in other currencies. The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 model, which retains cameras, features improved battery performance lasting nine hours and includes Dolby Atmos audio support, priced at £409. Meta is also launching new styles in collaboration with entertainer Lisa. All models incorporate LED indicators that activate during recording, with the company implementing enhanced detection systems to prevent unauthorized tampering.
Meta is expanding distribution of its Ray-Ban Display glasses beyond North America. The device, featuring a virtual display integrated into the right lens, became available in the UK and Canada on 23 September at £749 and CA$1,149 respectively. Additional European markets including France, Germany, and Italy will receive the product on 13 October at €899.
The company’s most ambitious announcement centers on new virtual reality glasses designed as a lighter alternative to existing headset technology. The device, weighing approximately 100 grams and constructed from magnesium alloy, displays content through a 5K microOLED screen offering 37 pixels per degree resolution. Unlike traditional VR headsets, the glasses connect via cable to a separate 300-gram computing unit that houses processing capability and battery reserves, reducing head weight significantly compared to Quest 3 devices. The system supports augmented reality features through front-mounted cameras and maintains full compatibility with existing Quest software libraries. The glasses support eye-tracking and hand-gesture controls alongside traditional controllers. Meta plans to offer these glasses at $1,299.99 beginning in spring 2027 across North America, Europe, and Asia.
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