In a strategic move to solidify its position in the wearable technology market, Meta has introduced the Ray-Ban Meta Display, a sophisticated pair of smart glasses featuring an integrated display and a novel wristband controller. This announcement was made during the company’s annual Connect conference on September 17, 2025.
Innovative Features and Design
The Ray-Ban Meta Display stands out with a small digital screen embedded in the right lens, enabling users to access notifications, navigation prompts, and live translations directly within their field of vision. This hands-free interaction is facilitated by the Meta Neural Band, a wristband that interprets subtle hand gestures to control on-screen content. This combination aims to provide a seamless and intuitive user experience.
Priced at $799, the Ray-Ban Meta Display is set to be available starting September 30, 2025. The glasses are designed to resemble classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer frames but with a slightly thicker profile to accommodate the advanced technology. They are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 Platform, ensuring high-quality photo and video processing capabilities. The device also boasts a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera capable of capturing 3K Ultra HD videos at up to 60 frames per second, with HDR support. An IPX4 water resistance rating ensures durability in various environments.
Enhanced Audio and Battery Life
Meta has significantly improved the audio experience in this iteration. The glasses feature custom-designed speakers with extended bass and higher maximum volume, providing clear audio even in noisy or windy conditions. A five-microphone array supports immersive audio recording, capturing sounds from all directions to enhance video recordings.
Battery life has also seen a substantial upgrade. The glasses offer up to eight hours of usage on a single charge, with the redesigned charging case providing an additional 48 hours of battery life. The case itself has been made slimmer and more portable, resembling a classic Ray-Ban case for added convenience.
Integration with Meta AI and Livestreaming Capabilities
A notable addition to the Ray-Ban Meta Display is the integration of Meta AI, the company’s advanced conversational assistant. Users can activate Meta AI by saying Hey Meta, allowing them to access information, control features, and spark creativity through voice commands. This hands-free interaction is optimized for on-the-go experiences, enhancing the practicality of the device.
The glasses also support hands-free livestreaming to platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Users can see comments in their preview or hear them aloud by tapping and holding the side of the glasses, facilitating real-time engagement with their audience.
Additional Product Launches
Alongside the Ray-Ban Meta Display, Meta introduced the Oakley Meta Vanguard, a $499 smart glasses model targeting athletes. These glasses feature a centered action camera, improved speakers, and enhanced water resistance. They integrate with Meta’s AI app and fitness platforms like Garmin and Strava, offering real-time training stats and post-workout summaries. With a nine-hour battery life, the Oakley Meta Vanguard is set to debut in the U.S. and Canada starting October 21, 2025.
Meta also updated its existing Ray-Ban smart glasses line, enhancing battery life and camera capabilities. These models now start at $379, providing consumers with a range of options to suit different needs and budgets.
Strategic Implications and Market Positioning
Meta’s latest product launches reflect its long-term vision to integrate AI into everyday devices and regain a competitive edge in the AI race. By introducing advanced smart glasses with built-in displays and AI capabilities, Meta aims to position itself ahead of competitors like Apple, which has been rumored to be developing its own smart eyewear.
Analysts view these developments as steps toward Meta’s larger 2027 goal: launching the Orion smart glasses prototype. While immediate strong sales are not projected, these products are seen as paving the way for future advancements in augmented reality and AI integration.
Despite facing scrutiny over safety concerns on its platforms, Meta continues to invest heavily in AI talent and infrastructure. The company has revamped its AI division, renaming it the Meta Superintelligence Lab, and has aggressively recruited top AI researchers from rival firms with multi-million dollar incentives.
Conclusion
Meta’s unveiling of the Ray-Ban Meta Display and other smart glasses models signifies a bold step in the wearable technology market. By combining classic eyewear design with cutting-edge technology, Meta aims to offer consumers innovative products that enhance daily life through seamless integration of AI and augmented reality. As the company continues to develop and refine its offerings, it positions itself as a leader in the evolving landscape of wearable tech.
