Meta Unveils New AI-Powered Smart Glasses and Neural Wristband at Meta Connect

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  Newsroom

• September 18, 2025

• Newsroom

Meta Unveils New AI-Powered Smart Glasses and Neural Wristband at Meta Connect

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has announced the launch of a new range of AI-powered smart glasses as part of its strategy to make wearable devices a core entry point for artificial intelligence in daily life.

The unveiling took place at Meta Connect, the company’s annual developer conference, where CEO Mark Zuckerberg presented the latest innovations in front of hundreds gathered at Meta’s Silicon Valley campus.

New Devices and Features

• Meta Ray-Ban Display: Developed in partnership with Ray-Ban and Oakley, the new model features a full-color high-resolution display in one lens, enabling video calls, text messaging, and notifications directly in the user’s field of vision. It also includes a 12-megapixel camera for photos and video capture.

• Neural Wristband: Designed to integrate with the smart glasses, the wristband allows users to perform tasks—such as sending messages—using subtle hand gestures.

Mr. Zuckerberg described the technology as a “huge scientific breakthrough,” emphasizing Meta’s long-term vision of seamlessly embedding AI tools, branded Meta AI, into people’s everyday routines.

Market Strategy and Analyst Views

The new line is priced at $799 (£586), significantly higher than Meta’s current smart glasses. Industry analysts predict that smart glasses may gain more traction than the company’s multibillion-dollar Metaverse initiative, which has struggled to achieve mass adoption.

“Unlike VR headsets, glasses are an everyday, non-cumbersome form factor,” said Mike Proulx, VP and Research Director at Forrester. “But the onus is on Meta to convince the vast majority of people who don’t own AI glasses that the benefits outweigh the cost.”

Meta has sold an estimated two million pairs of smart glasses since entering the market in 2023. Yet, skepticism remains. Leo Gebbie of CCS Insight noted:

“The Ray-Bans have done well because they’re easy to use, inconspicuous, and relatively affordable. I’m not convinced the Display model will match that success.”

AI Expansion and Investment

Meta’s latest hardware push comes as the company embarks on a massive investment in AI infrastructure and talent acquisition. Mr. Zuckerberg has previously pledged hundreds of billions of dollars toward building expansive AI data centers across the United States, with one site expected to span an area nearly the size of Manhattan.

The company’s long-term goal is the development of “superintelligence” – AI technology capable of surpassing human intelligence.

Public Scrutiny and Protests

The product launch occurred against the backdrop of ongoing criticism regarding Meta’s impact on children and teens.

• On Wednesday, parents and activists protested outside Meta’s New York headquarters, calling for stronger safeguards on the company’s social media platforms.

• Last week, two former Meta safety researchers testified before the U.S. Senate, alleging that the company instructed in-house teams to avoid producing evidence of potential harm to children from its VR products.

• Meta has denied the allegations, labeling them as “nonsense.”

Availability

The Meta Ray-Ban Display will be available later this month at a retail price of $799.