Meta Unveils New Wearables at Meta Connect 2026
During its annual Meta Connect showcase held on Wednesday, Meta showcased an exciting array of new wearable technologies aimed at elevating the user experience in both augmented and virtual realities. The highlight of the event was the newly announced Meta VR Glasses, a lightweight alternative to traditional virtual reality headsets.
Photo by Brett Putman / The Verge
Meta’s VR Glasses deliver full virtual reality functionality in a sleek smart glasses-style design. Weighing just 100 grams, these glasses are five times lighter than the Meta Quest 3, and they come without any cumbersome straps. Instead, they utilize a convenient tethered puck containing all necessary computing hardware, including a Qualcomm Snapdragon Reality Elite processor, 128GB of storage, and 12GB of RAM. The 5K micro OLED “Infinite Display” provides a resolution of 2412 x 2288 pixels per eye, and supports refresh rates of up to 120Hz.
Set to launch in Spring 2027 at a price of $1,299, the Meta VR Glasses offer a more affordable alternative to the Apple Vision Pro with some comparable features. Users can connect these glasses to laptops running Mac or Windows to utilize them as a virtual external display, complete with options for a virtual keyboard and touchpad. Furthermore, they allow access to the complete Meta Quest catalog of apps and games and support Xbox Cloud Gaming. Remarkably, these glasses have been proclaimed as the “first IMAX Enhanced certified VR device,” enabling users to engage in immersive live sports and enjoy 3D movies. Additionally, a distinctive “hologram” feature produces a photorealistic digital version of the user’s face for calls, reminiscent of personas found in the Apple Vision Pro.
Meta is Launching Camera-Free Smart Glasses
Image: Meta
The recently announced Ray-Ban Meta Audio stands out for one key feature: the absence of built-in cameras. This development caters to privacy concerns associated with previous models. Users can engage in music streaming, phone calls, and AI assistant interactions without the worry of cameras capturing unauthorized snapshots. Weighing only 43 grams, these audio-centric glasses promise up to 12 hours of battery life per charge and an extended 48 hours with the charging case. They will be available for purchase starting on October 13th, starting at $349, with a diverse range of 23 color and lens combinations.
Refreshed Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 Arrive with Battery and Design Upgrades
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The recently updated Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 starts at $449, featuring enhancements such as a battery life of up to nine hours—an hour more than its predecessor—and a new customizable action button that provides instant access to Meta AI. The glasses are equipped with a six-mic array designed to minimize background noise by over 90%, improving overall call quality. Moreover, the Gen 3 series presents a slimmer profile and offers 27 color and lens combinations, including newly introduced Zena and Aviator styles. A remained feature is the built-in LED light indicating when the glasses are recording, addressing privacy concerns raised previously.
Budget Glasses Launch Along with New Styles
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In addition to its high-end offerings, Meta is diversifying with a new budget option: the Meta Adventurer. Priced starting at $249, this version features a basic design with black frames and gray lenses, set to launch on October 23rd. Moreover, Meta announced a “Mix & Match” program allowing users to customize glasses with various frames, lenses, and case colors.
Meta’s eyeglass offerings are also expanding into international markets, with availability in countries like Singapore, South Korea, Mexico, and the UAE, while Brazilian users can anticipate an arrival in the near future.
Meta Ray-Ban Display Debuts in New Regions with Enhanced Features
Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
Following last year’s launch, Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses are expanding to new regions, now available in the UK and Canada. Customers in France, Italy, and Germany can expect the glasses to hit shelves on October 13th, along with enhanced functionalities via an online ordering system across all the mentioned regions. Notably, a new Explore app launching for these glasses will feature experiences specifically designed for user interaction.
Additionally, new functionalities are being rolled out, including photo editing, an upgraded calendar, and mirrored notifications for smartphones. The previously mentioned hologram feature seen in the new VR Glasses will also be accessible for users of the Meta Ray-Ban Display, coming soon on the WhatsApp application in Early Access.
Muse AI Assistant and Future Developments
After launching its Muse AI earlier this month, Meta has plans to incorporate this advanced AI assistant into its line of smart glasses. Once integrated, Muse will assist users in various day-to-day tasks such as workout guidance, meal logging, appointment scheduling, and shopping. The recent update to Muse will also allow video calls featuring a customizable live avatar of the AI, providing a more personalized experience. Users can expect Muse agents to have their own email addresses for efficient task management and communication.
Introducing the Muse Charm
Mark Zuckerberg recently previewed the Muse Charm, a compact AI device resembling a large Tamagotchi, designed to house the Muse agent and support user interactions. More details are on the horizon, with a release anticipated in time for the holiday season.
For more detailed coverage of the event and additional announcements, you can find further information Here.
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