Meta Unveils Revolutionary Ray-Ban Display Smartglasses at Connect 2025
In a highly anticipated reveal at Meta Connect 2025, Mark Zuckerberg introduced the Meta Ray-Ban Display smartglasses, a groundbreaking fusion of style and technology. Priced at $799, these smartglasses represent Meta’s most ambitious venture into the wearable tech market, aiming to redefine how users interact with their digital environment.
A New Era of Wearable Technology
The Meta Ray-Ban Display smartglasses feature a discreet high-resolution display embedded in the right lens, visible only to the wearer. This innovative screen acts as a personal dashboard, allowing users to glance at messages, maps, or photos without obstructing their view of the real world. The display is designed for quick interactions, enabling users to check texts, navigate directions, or preview images effortlessly. When not in use, the screen turns off, allowing the glasses to function as traditional eyewear.
Available in classic black or a soft sand color, the glasses come equipped with Transitions lenses that adapt to varying light conditions, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Weighing in at 69 grams, they are slightly heavier than standard Ray-Bans but maintain a sleek profile. The accompanying collapsible charging case provides an additional 30 hours of battery life, while the glasses themselves offer six hours of mixed-use functionality.
Intuitive Control with the Meta Neural Band
A standout feature of the Meta Ray-Ban Display is the Meta Neural Band, a lightweight wristband included with every pair. Unlike traditional controls, this device utilizes electromyography (EMG) technology to detect subtle muscle movements in the wrist. Users can perform actions such as selecting, scrolling, or adjusting volume through intuitive gestures, making the experience feel almost like an extension of their own body. This technology has been refined through extensive research involving over 200,000 participants, ensuring its accessibility for a wide range of users, including those with limited mobility.
The band is constructed from durable yet soft Vectran material, boasting an impressive 18-hour battery life and an IPX7 water rating, making it resistant to splashes and moisture. This feature opens new avenues for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to interact with technology in ways previously thought impossible.
Advanced Features for Everyday Use
Equipped with a 12MP camera capable of 3X magnification, the Meta Ray-Ban Display allows users to capture high-quality photographs and 3K video. The integrated viewfinder on the display aids in framing shots, while Meta AI enhances the experience by providing step-by-step instructions or answering queries based on the user’s surroundings. For instance, users can receive real-time information about landmarks they encounter.
Messaging capabilities are seamlessly integrated, enabling users to read and respond to texts or WhatsApp messages with simple gestures. Video calls can also be initiated directly from the glasses, allowing users to share their experiences in real time. Navigation features include turn-by-turn directions, initially available in select towns, while live captions and translations help bridge language barriers by displaying spoken words in real time.
A Stylish Collaboration
The design of the Meta Ray-Ban Display smartglasses is a result of a collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban. This partnership ensures that the glasses do not resemble typical tech gadgets, instead maintaining the classic aesthetic associated with Ray-Ban. They are available in both standard and larger sizes to accommodate a variety of face shapes.
Starting September 30, consumers can experience the smartglasses at select U.S. retailers, including Best Buy, LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, and Ray-Ban, with Verizon stores set to follow. International availability is planned for early 2026 in Canada, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The $799 price tag includes both the glasses and the Neural Band, with in-store demos encouraged to ensure a proper fit and understanding of the technology.
Expanding the Wearable Tech Portfolio
In addition to the Ray-Ban Display smartglasses, Meta unveiled two other models at the Connect 2025 event. The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2, priced at $379, offers an extended battery life of eight hours and features a 3K video camera. Future updates will introduce slow-motion and hyperlapse video capabilities, as well as a “conversation focus” mode designed to amplify voices in noisy environments.
The Oakley Meta Vanguard, priced at $499, targets athletes with its wraparound design, nine-hour battery life, and enhanced speakers for outdoor use. This model is compatible with fitness tracking apps like Strava and Garmin, featuring a camera positioned for a wider field of view. These three models-camera-focused, display-driven, and sports-oriented-illustrate Meta’s ambition to cater to diverse consumer needs in the wearable tech landscape.
Conclusion
The launch of the Meta Ray-Ban Display smartglasses marks a significant milestone in the evolution of wearable technology. By combining advanced features with a stylish design, Meta aims to enhance everyday experiences while making technology more accessible. As the company continues to innovate, the potential for smartglasses to transform how we interact with the world around us becomes increasingly apparent. With a focus on user-friendly controls and practical applications, Meta is poised to lead the charge in the next generation of wearable devices.
