Meta Unveils New Wearables at Annual Showcase
Meta revealed a series of innovative wearables during its recent Meta Connect showcase. Among the highlights was the new Meta VR Glasses, designed with advanced virtual reality technology in a lightweight format akin to traditional smart glasses, featuring a tethered computing puck.
The event also introduced several new screen-free smart glasses, showcasing a range of new styles, frames, and cutting-edge AI functionalities.
Meta VR Glasses: A New Era in Virtual Reality
The Meta VR Glasses stand out by offering full virtual reality capabilities without the typical bulk associated with VR headsets. Weighing just 100 grams, the glasses are claimed to be five times lighter than the Meta Quest 3. They operate in conjunction with a compact pocket puck, which houses the computational hardware, battery, and storage, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon Reality Elite chipset, along with 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The glasses sport a 5K micro OLED display that boasts a resolution of 2412 x 2288 pixels per eye, coupled with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz.
Launch is slated for spring 2027 at a price of $1,299, positioning it between the Meta Ray-Ban Display and Apple Vision Pro in terms of expense while offering comparable features. Users will have the ability to connect these glasses to both Windows and Mac laptops and utilize them as a virtual external display, which includes options for a virtual keyboard and touchpad.
Furthermore, the glasses are compatible with the entire Meta Quest app ecosystem and support Xbox Cloud Gaming. They are the first VR device to receive IMAX Enhanced certification, enabling users to view immersive live sports and 3D films. A unique feature allows users to create a photorealistic digital version of their face for video calls, echoing the “personas” feature introduced in the Apple Vision Pro.
Camera-Free Smart Glasses Launching
The event also marked the introduction of the Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses, which notably lack built-in cameras. While designed for music playback, calls, and AI interactions, these glasses bypass the privacy issues associated with prior models. Weighing only 43 grams, they offer up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge, extendable to 48 hours with a charging case. They will retail from $349 and come in 23 different color and lens options starting October 13th.
Introducing the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3
Meta also introduced an updated version of its flagship Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which begin at $449 and now feature a longer battery life of nine hours. Enhancements include a customizable action button for immediate access to Meta AI and a new six-microphone array that effectively reduces background noise by over 90%. Redesigned to be more streamlined, the Gen 3 series offers 27 combinations of colors and lenses, alongside new frame styles such as Zena and Aviator.
Budget Options and Customization Features
In addition to the premium models, Meta announced a budget-friendly version of the Meta Adventurer glasses, launching at $249. This iteration will also have various frame and lens customizations available through a new “Mix & Match” program. More styles are expected as Meta expands its collaborations, including new styles from the EssilorLuxottica collection and a collaboration with Lisa from Blackpink.
The rollout of Meta Glasses will extend to more countries, including Singapore, South Korea, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates, with Brazilian availability coming soon.
New Features for Meta Ray-Ban Display
The Meta Ray-Ban Display, which originally launched a year ago, is set to expand into additional regions, including the UK and Canada, with sales beginning immediately. By October 13th, distribution will reach France, Italy, and Germany. New online ordering capabilities will be made available for various regions, including the US.
The introduction of the new Explore app will allow users to browse a selection of tailored experiences specific to the glasses. New features including photo editing, enhanced calendar options, and phone notifications will also be included, with the 3D hologram feature from the VR Glasses coming to Ray-Ban Display users later this fall.
The Muse Assistant and Future Developments
After the recent launch of the Muse assistant, Meta announced plans to integrate this AI into its smart glasses. The Muse assistant will help manage daily tasks, including meal logging and appointment scheduling. New functionalities for Muse, such as video calling through customizable avatars and unique email addresses for task execution, were also revealed.
Mark Zuckerberg’s Muse Charm Announcement
Lastly, Mark Zuckerberg teased an upcoming product called the Muse Charm, an AI device that resembles an oversized Tamagotchi. More information about this gadget will be released soon, with an anticipated launch before the holiday season.
Editor’s Take
The launch of Meta’s new wearables signifies a bold step in the tech industry’s race for smart devices that blend functionality with usability. The competitive pricing and extensive feature sets showcase Meta’s commitment to innovation, potentially reshaping user interactions and experiences. This release could attract varied users, from gaming enthusiasts to casual consumers.
Source: www.theverge.com
