Mark Zuckerberg unveils Meta’s newest AI-powered smart glasses
In a live demo at Meta Connect 2025, Meta unveiled the **Ray-Ban Display** smart glasses, its first wearable with a tiny built-in display inside the lens. Along with updated audio-only smart frames, these glasses aim to reduce how much users look at their phones. The glasses are priced at **$799** and go on sale September 30 in the U.S. Other versions with lighter feature-sets start at lower prices. :
Quick Insight: This is a shift: smart glasses are now not just audio companions, but can display visuals (messages, maps, captions) right in your line of sight, controlled via a wristband with gesture support. It’s part of the AI-wearables era.
1. What the Display Glasses Actually Do
• Small visual display in the right lens showing text, captions, maps, message previews, etc.
• Navigated via a **neural wristband** (gesture-based control), so you don’t have to touch or vocally command every action.
• Live captioning and translation features built in—so in busy or noisy environments you can see what’s being said without straining to hear.
2. Strengths & Early Issues
• The display makes several “phone-tasks” glanceable: reading messages, checking directions, taking quick snapshots without pulling out your phone.
• However, the display is small, so not ideal for extended viewing—photos or full videos won’t feel immersive.
• A number of demo glitches: in one demonstration, the video call accept button did not appear correctly.
• Comfort is decent, though thicker/heavier than standard sunglasses or audio-only smart frames. Wearing them constantly may take adjustment.
3. Will People Actually Want These?
• Users who dislike pulling out their phones for simple tasks may appreciate the glanceable convenience.
• For people who want more screen-free time, wearing a screen inches from the eye could feel like replacing one distraction with another.
• Privacy concerns: with camera + mic built in, people around the wearer might be uneasy. Meta includes a recording LED indicator to help, but it depends on awareness.
• Price ($799) puts it in premium range — early adopters likely first, mass market may wait
Final Thoughts
Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses are a bold step forward in smart wearables. They combine visual feedback, gesture control, and AI features in a relatively sleek frame.
But success depends on whether people see enough benefit to justify cost, manage privacy concerns, and adapt to carrying another tech piece.
If everything works smoothly, these glasses might be among the first to move AR wearable tech toward everyday use.
Tip: If you’re planning to buy, try them in person (weight, comfort, clarity), check local support/updates, and compare for your daily needs: some may prefer audio-only for lighter weight, others may need display + privacy + gesture controls.
