A stylish new category of smart eyewear arrives, blending display technology with muscle-signal controls for a futuristic, phone-free experience.
Meta has officially launched the Ray-Ban Display, a new category of smart glasses that could redefine how people interact with technology on the go. They look like a classic pair of Ray-Bans, with high-resolution display, AI computing power, and an innovative EMG wristband that translates subtle muscle movements into digital commands.
Mark Zuckerberg, speaking at Meta’s headquarters in Menlo Park, called glasses the
“only form factor where you can let AI see what you see, hear what you hear, and eventually generate what you want to generate, such as images or video.”
In an official statement, Meta says, this launch lets users stay connected without being glued to their phones. As the company puts it:
“Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses are designed to help you look up and stay present. With a quick glance at the in-lens display, you can check messages, preview photos, see translations, get help from Meta AI, and more — all without needing to pull out your phone.”
What Can the Glasses Do?
The glasses combine a display, microphones, speakers, cameras, and on-device AI into a single wearable. With the addition of the Meta Neural Band, users can issue commands with subtle finger movements instead of swipes or button presses. Meta says the band is based on years of EMG research involving nearly 200,000 participants, making it adaptable to almost anyone.
Key Features include:
- In-lens display: View notifications, texts, directions, and translations without blocking your vision.
- Messaging & video calls: Privately read WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram messages or take live video calls hands-free.
- Camera tools: A real-time viewfinder and zoom to capture and share photos or videos instantly.
- Navigation: Turn-by-turn walking directions in select cities at launch.
- Live captions & translation: Break language barriers by displaying captions or translations in real time.
- Music control: Navigate playlists and adjust volume with simple finger gestures.
Price, Release, and Variants
The Ray-Ban Display glasses and Meta Neural Band will launch on September 30 at $799 in the US through Best Buy, LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, Ray-Ban Stores, and later Verizon. Expansion to Canada, France, Italy, and the UK is expected in early 2026.
The glasses come in Black or Sand, with Transitions® lenses and up to six hours of mixed-use battery life. A collapsible charging case extends life to 30 hours. The wristband will be available in three sizes for a snug fit.
Alongside the Ray-Ban Display, Meta also introduced the Oakley Meta Vanguard, a $499 set of sport-focused smart glasses designed for athletes, in partnership with Garmin.
Oakley Meta Vanguard
The new Oakley Meta Vanguard is a Performance AI glasses, welcoming you to the world of Athletic Intelligence. The Oakley Meta Vanguard amplifies performance to help you push past limits and maximize your potential in the moments that matter most.
You can easily use them if you're biking, running, or tackling any other intense activity; these glasses are built to elevate your experience. Here’s what makes the Oakley Meta Vanguard the ultimate sport companion:
- 12MP Camera with 122° Field of View: Capture ultra-wide-angle photos and 3K resolution videos during your most intense workouts and outdoor adventures.
- IP67 Water & Dust Resistance: These glasses are Oakley’s most water-resistant frames yet, with an IP67 rating, making them tough enough for any sport environment, from rain to dust.
- Open-ear Speakers & 5-Mic Array: These are the loudest speakers in Oakley’s AI glasses lineup — 6 decibels louder than the Oakley Meta HSTN, perfect for high-speed environments like biking or running in strong winds. Plus, the five-microphone array reduces wind noise, ensuring crystal-clear communication for calls and voice-activated Meta AI.
- PRIZM™ Lens Technology: The wraparound design features Oakley's advanced PRIZM™ Lens technology to block out sun, wind, and dust, enhancing visual clarity in any condition.
- Athletic Fit: The glasses come with Oakley’s Three-Point Fit system and three replaceable nose pads, allowing you to customize the fit for maximum comfort. They’re also optimized to wear with helmets and hats.
- Battery Life: Get up to 9 hours of continuous use and 6 hours of music playback, so they last through marathons or extended training sessions. The included charging case adds another 36 hours of power. Need a quick boost? Charge up to 50% in just 20 minutes.
Lastly,
Meta’s Ray-Ban Display and Oakley Meta Vanguard redefine smart eyewear, blending AI, gesture controls, and powerful features for everyday users and athletes. With seamless connectivity, fitness tracking, and real-time insights, these glasses are set to revolutionize how we interact with technology on the go.
