Meta Unveils New VR Glasses and Updated Smart-Glasses Line at Connect Event
Meta introduced a tethered VR glasses system and refreshed its Ray-Ban Meta smart-glasses portfolio, adding camera-free audio glasses, a lower-cost Adventurer model and new AI features.
Meta announced a range of new wearable devices during its Connect showcase on Wednesday. The centerpiece was a pair of VR glasses that combine a lightweight frame with a pocket-sized compute puck, offering a 5K micro-OLED display, up to 120 Hz refresh rate and access to the Meta Quest app library and Xbox Cloud Gaming. The company said the glasses weigh about 100 g, are five times lighter than the Quest 3, and will be priced at $1,299 with a spring 2027 release.
The VR glasses can function as a virtual external monitor for Windows or macOS laptops and support a virtual keyboard and touchpad. Meta also highlighted an “IMAX Enhanced” certification and a hologram feature that creates a photorealistic digital avatar for video calls.
In the smart-glasses segment, Meta introduced a new Ray-Ban Audio model that omits built-in cameras, addressing prior privacy concerns. The audio-only glasses weigh 43 g, provide up to 12 hours of battery life (48 hours with the charging case) and will launch on October 13 at $349.
The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 glasses received a battery boost to nine hours, a customizable AI button, an upgraded six-mic array that reduces background noise, and new frame styles, starting at $449. Meta also unveiled a lower-priced Adventurer version for $249, a “Mix & Match” customization program, and several new frame designs in collaboration with artists.
Geographically, Meta expanded the availability of its glasses to Singapore, South Korea, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates and, soon, Brazil. The Ray-Ban Display model entered the UK and Canada markets and will reach France, Italy and Germany on October 13, with online ordering added.
The company said its Muse AI assistant, introduced earlier this month, will be integrated into the glasses, enabling tasks such as workout guidance, meal logging and product recommendations. New Muse features include video calls with a customizable avatar and dedicated email addresses for the AI agents.
Zuckerberg also teased a forthcoming Muse Charm device, a small AI gadget resembling a handheld pet, slated for a holiday-season launch.