Meta announced three new pairs of AI smart glasses at Meta Connect 2025 in Menlo Park, California, on Wednesday.
The lineup includes the groundbreaking Meta Ray-Ban Display with a built-in augmented reality display, the Oakley Meta Vanguard sports glasses, and an updated Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses generation 2.
These devices integrate cameras, audio features, and Meta AI functionalities to enhance user interactions during daily activities and sports.
Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses bring first mainstream heads-up display since Google Glass
The Meta Ray-Ban Display represents the first smart glasses from a mainstream brand to feature a heads-up display since Google Glass launched years ago. The glasses cost $799 and contain a small digital display that can be controlled via hand gestures through a wristband powered by neural technology.
This model adopts classic Wayfarer-like styling that conceals technological components while incorporating a camera, speakers, and microphone. The design ensures Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses blend into everyday wear without drawing attention to their smart capabilities.
Inside the right lens, a small, bright, and crisp color display projects content that floats just below the wearer’s eye line. This display handles text, images, and live video calls, activating only during use while remaining invisible from external view.
Mark Zuckerberg demonstrates unique wearable advantages
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg presented the Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses during the Meta Connect event. He explained the unique advantages of glasses as a wearable form factor, stating, “Glasses are the only form factor where you can let AI see what you see, hear what you hear,” and eventually generate content like images or video.
The demonstration encountered technical issues, which Zuckerberg linked to the event’s Wi-Fi connectivity, highlighting the reliance on stable network conditions for seamless performance.
Advanced interaction methods with Neural Band bracelet
Interaction with the Meta Ray-Ban Display occurs through multiple input methods building on elements from prior Ray-Ban Meta models. A touch panel along the arms allows direct tapping and swiping gestures, while voice commands provide hands-free control.
The accompanying water-resistant Neural Band bracelet functions like a screenless smartwatch, detecting electrical impulses from the forearm to interpret hand gestures. Supported gestures include pinches for selections, swipes for navigation, taps for confirmations, rotations for scrolling, and a virtual d-pad operated by the thumb.
An upcoming software update will add finger-handwriting recognition, allowing users to input text by tracing letters in the air.
Comprehensive connectivity and Meta AI integration
The Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses pair via Bluetooth with Android or iPhone devices, ensuring broad smartphone compatibility. Integration with Meta applications like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram facilitates messaging and video calling directly through the display.
Practical utilities include real-time assistance features: the system generates live captions or translations for ongoing conversations, delivers turn-by-turn walking directions overlaid on the display, and provides intuitive music playback controls. The glasses integrate an in-lens screen that allows users to check notifications, view translations, access Meta AI, preview images, and more.
Oakley Meta Vanguard targets sports enthusiasts
Meta introduced the Oakley Meta Vanguard, display-free smart glasses tailored for sports enthusiasts. This model draws inspiration from Oakley’s Radar and M-Frame designs, featuring wrap-around frames for enhanced peripheral vision during physical exertion.
The Oakley smart glasses weigh 66 grams with swappable lenses for different lighting conditions, water resistance against sweat and rain, and nine hours of battery life per charge. Replaceable nose pads ensure secure fit during intense movements like running or cycling.
Garmin integration for performance tracking
Meta collaborated with Garmin to integrate Oakley Meta Vanguard with Garmin watches and bike computers. This partnership enables voice-activated requests for performance metrics including current speed, pace, heart rate, or distance covered.
The camera incorporates automated recording features, triggering video clips upon hitting predefined milestones like completing kilometers or reaching specific speeds. The system compiles clips into highlight reels with overlay data for direct sharing to Strava. Pricing stands at £499 (€549/$499), with shipments beginning October 21.
How to set up Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses
Sports lovers can set up their Oakley Meta glasses following these steps:
- Download the Meta View app on your smartphone,
- Pair Oakley Meta Vanguard via Bluetooth with your device,
- Connect to existing Garmin watch or bike computer,
- Configure performance metric preferences and milestone triggers,
- Set up Strava integration for automatic workout sharing,
- Customize swappable lens options for different activities,
- Adjust replaceable nose pads for secure fit.
Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses generation 2 improvements
Meta also introduced the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 with improved battery and upgraded camera. This second-generation version doubles battery life compared to the first generation, extending usage time for prolonged activities.
The video camera receives higher resolution upgrade, improving clarity for captured footage. Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses Gen 2 feature advanced AI, enhanced capture capabilities, and more battery life.
These glasses are available for purchase at £379 (€419/$379), offering an accessible entry point into Meta’s smart eyewear portfolio without the augmented reality display.
The three new Meta smart glasses models position the company as a leader in wearable AI technology, offering options from basic AI assistance to advanced augmented reality display capabilities across different price points and use cases.
