Meta’s New Ray-Ban Display Glasses Launched by Zuckerberg
On Wednesday, Mark Zuckerberg introduced the eagerly awaited Ray-Ban display glasses from Meta.
These glasses, priced at $799, feature a small digital display integrated into the lens. Users can control it through specific hand gestures, facilitated by a unique wristband known as a metalneural band, which tracks electrical signals from the body.
As of now, these are considered the most cutting-edge glasses from Meta that consumers can purchase. They blend aspects of the earlier audio-centric Ray-Ban glasses with Orion’s augmented reality capabilities.
Zuckerberg described them as, “classic style glasses you’d expect from Ray-Ban, but they’re the first AI glasses to feature a high-resolution display and a new interaction method.” Customers will be able to watch videos, send and receive text messages, and even access live subtitles and translations when conversing.
The small display appears in one frame and is slightly off-center to avoid obstructing the field of vision; it disappears when not in use, according to Zuckerberg.
However, the product announcement was not without its flaws. There were a few technical glitches when Zuckerberg attempted to call Andrew Bosworth, Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, during the demonstration. “This is, uh, you know, it’ll happen,” he remarked amidst the hiccups.
These new Ray-Ban glasses will come in black or sand colors.
Meta has been collaborating with the Franco-Italian eyewear brand Esilol Luluquitica since 2019 and renewed their partnership last year.
Zuckerberg also presented the Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses designed for athletes engaged in high-energy sports like snowboarding and mountain biking. These glasses feature a button under the frame that captures high-quality 3K video, boasts a battery life of nine hours, and larger speakers for taking pictures.
Furthermore, these glasses can link with a Garmin fitness watch to monitor health metrics, including heart rate. They are expected to retail at $499 starting October 21st.
Additionally, Meta launched Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2), which offers double the battery life of its predecessors and includes a more powerful camera that is capable of shooting 3K Ultra HD videos. The Gen 2 went on sale for $379, a hike from the $299 tag of the previous model.
Zuckerberg also introduced Horizon TV, an entertainment platform for Quest VR headset users that will feature television shows, movies, and sporting events. Disney and Universal Pictures will contribute content for this new service.
