Meta Connect 2025 showcased Meta's significant strides in augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) with the unveiling of display-equipped smart glasses and a neural wristband, promising a more integrated and intuitive digital experience. These new products signal Meta's ambition to move beyond smartphones, envisioning a future where smart glasses become essential for productivity and everyday tasks.
The star of the show was the Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, which integrate a full-color, high-resolution display directly into the eyewear. This display, embedded in the right lens, provides visual feedback without significantly obstructing the user's view. It's designed for quick interactions such as reading messages, previewing content, and displaying real-time translations. CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized that these glasses aim to reduce reliance on smartphones, enabling faster and more discreet interactions. The glasses are available in Black and Sand colors and include Transitions lenses for indoor and outdoor use. They offer up to six hours of mixed-use battery life, with a portable charging case extending it to 30 hours.
A key innovation is the Meta Neural Band, an EMG wristband that translates subtle muscle movements into commands for the glasses. This allows users to control the glasses through intuitive hand gestures, such as scrolling, clicking, and even writing messages, without touching the device or using a phone. Meta describes the Neural Band as a "huge scientific breakthrough," featuring a durable, lightweight, and water-resistant design with an 18-hour battery life.
Meta is also releasing a sporty version of its smart glasses, the Oakley Vanguard, designed for outdoor activities. These glasses feature a wraparound design, water resistance, a wider 122-degree field of view, and improved battery life of up to nine hours. They also have a centered camera for better weight distribution and video stabilization.
These advancements are powered by Meta AI, which continues to improve and offer more active assistance. New features include "Conversation Focus," which amplifies the voice of the person you're speaking with while filtering out background noise, and improved live translation in six languages. Meta is also developing AI-powered tools for VR creation, allowing users to generate full VR experiences by simply describing them.
The Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses are priced at $800, including the Neural Band, and will be available starting September 30, 2025. The Oakley Vanguard glasses are priced at $499 and will ship from October 21. Meta plans to roll out the Ray-Ban Display internationally in early 2026, starting with Canada, the UK, France, and Italy.
While the new smart glasses and neural wristband represent a significant step forward, some technical hiccups during the Meta Connect presentation highlighted that the technology is still in its early stages. However, these advancements demonstrate Meta's commitment to AR and AI, with the ultimate goal of creating a seamless and intuitive augmented reality experience. Meta's long-term vision is that smart glasses will eventually replace smartphones, offering a more convenient and immersive way to interact with the digital world.
