Meta has unveiled a range of new wearable devices at its annual Meta Connect showcase, highlighting advancements in virtual and augmented reality technology. The centerpiece of the event was the new Meta VR Glasses, designed to deliver a full virtual reality experience in a lightweight, smart glasses-style form factor.
The Meta VR Glasses are notably lighter than traditional VR headsets, weighing just 100 grams, which Meta claims is five times lighter than the Meta Quest 3. Unlike conventional VR headsets, these glasses feature a tethered puck that houses the compute hardware, battery, and storage. The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon Reality Elite processor, with 128GB of storage and 12GB of RAM. The glasses boast a 5K micro OLED “Infinite Display” with a resolution of 2412 x 2288 pixels per eye and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz.
Scheduled for launch in spring 2027 at a price of $1,299, the Meta VR Glasses are positioned between the Meta Ray-Ban Display and the Apple Vision Pro in terms of cost. They will allow users to connect to Mac or Windows laptops for use as a virtual external display, complete with options for a virtual keyboard and touchpad. Additionally, the glasses will support the full Meta Quest catalog of apps and games, as well as Xbox Cloud Gaming. Meta has also announced that these glasses will be the first IMAX Enhanced certified VR device, enabling users to watch immersive live sports and 3D movies. A unique “hologram” feature will create a photorealistic digital version of the user’s face for calls, similar to the “personas” feature on the Apple Vision Pro.
Camera-Free Smart Glasses
In addition to the VR glasses, Meta introduced the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, a new pair of camera-free smart glasses. These glasses focus on audio functionality, allowing users to listen to music, take calls, and interact with an AI assistant without the privacy concerns associated with built-in cameras. Weighing just 43 grams, they offer up to 12 hours of battery life per charge, or 48 hours with the charging case. The Ray-Ban Meta Audio will be available starting October 13th, with a price tag of $349 and 23 different color and lens combinations.
Updated Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3
Meta also announced the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3, an updated version of its smart glasses, which will start at $449. These glasses feature a new customizable action button for quick access to Meta AI and a six-mic array that significantly reduces background noise. The Gen 3 glasses offer up to nine hours of battery life and come in a slimmer design with 27 color and lens combinations. Notably, they retain the built-in LED light that indicates when recording is in progress, addressing previous privacy concerns.
New Budget Options and Global Expansion
Meta is launching a lower-cost version of the Meta Adventurer, starting at $249, set to release on October 23rd. The company is also introducing a “Mix & Match” program for customizing glasses with various frames, lenses, and case colors. Additionally, the EssilorLuxottica collection will see two new styles, Capri and Nova, along with a new ivory colorway for the Kylie Jenner Starfire frames. Meta Glasses will expand to new markets, including Singapore, South Korea, Mexico, and the UAE, with plans for availability in Brazil soon.
For more details on these announcements, visit The Verge.
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