Meta has released new AI-powered smart glasses featuring a built-in display, gesture controls, and real-time translation, starting at US$799. Credit: Anthony Quintano / CC BY 2.0
Meta has unveiled its latest innovation in wearable technology — a pair of smart glasses that blends everyday eyewear with artificial intelligence and a built-in screen. Introduced by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the new Ray-Ban Meta Display glasses are designed to reduce dependency on phone screens by bringing digital content directly into a user’s line of sight.
These glasses allow users to read messages, watch videos, navigate routes, and even translate spoken words — all without needing to reach for a smartphone. A small display, discreetly placed in the top corner of the right lens, projects information visible only to the wearer. The design emphasizes privacy while still delivering digital assistance throughout the day.
Meta’s latest wearable aims to integrate seamlessly into users’ routines without standing out. On the surface, the glasses resemble standard Ray-Bans, but their technology brings a wide range of functions, including photo capture, video recording, video calls, and gesture-based controls.
One of the more advanced features is the glasses’ ability to pair with a wristband that responds to simple hand movements. A light tap of the thumb and forefinger, for example, acts as a control for selecting content or playing music. The wristband runs for up to 18 hours on a single charge, while the glasses offer about six hours of continuous use. A charging case extends the usage time by another 30 hours.
NEWS: Meta has officially unveiled its $799 Meta Ray-Ban Display AI glasses.
• Color 600-by-600-pixel resolution
• 20-degree field of view
• 5,000 nits of max brightness
• 2% light leakage, making it hard for other people to see that there is a display
• Gesture control… pic.twitter.com/N4C1c4D2cH
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) September 18, 2025
In terms of communication, the glasses are capable of real-time speech translation and transcription. These interactions are stored in the Meta AI app, which also includes a built-in assistant that replies to questions with both audio and visual responses. The screen inside the lens ensures only the user can see the content, creating a private, on-the-go experience — although some users may find public use slightly awkward.
New models, upgrades, and future plans
Meta’s new AI smart glasses will be available in the United States starting Sept. 30 at a retail price of US$799. They will be sold through retailers such as Best Buy, Verizon, LensCrafters, and Ray-Ban stores.
The company also announced updated models of its second-generation smart glasses, which now offer enhanced battery life of eight hours, improved video recording at 3K resolution, and new features like slow-motion capture and focused speech enhancement. These updated models are priced at US$379.
A third product, the Meta Oakley Vanguard, is built for outdoor and fitness use. Priced at US$499, this version comes with stronger speakers, a wider-angle camera, and integrations with platforms such as Garmin and Strava. It also boasts a battery life of up to nine hours.
While smart glasses are still considered a niche product, Meta is betting on significant growth. The company expects to scale production to 10 million units annually by 2026, signaling a long-term investment in wearable technology.
