Meta has unveiled a new generation of smart and virtual reality glasses, expanding its push to make wearable technology a bigger part of everyday computing.
The company announced the products at its annual Connect conference, including lightweight VR glasses, camera-equipped Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 glasses and a new audio-only version that removes the camera completely.
New Meta VR Glasses Weigh Just 100 Grams
The biggest announcement is Meta’s new VR Glasses, which weigh around 100 grams and are designed to look more like conventional spectacles than a traditional bulky VR headset.
The glasses feature a 5K microOLED display with 37 pixels per degree, allowing users to view sharp text and high-resolution virtual content.
Unlike conventional VR headsets, the computing hardware and battery are housed in a separate 300-gram pocket-sized device connected to the glasses by a cable.
This design moves much of the weight away from the user’s head.
Virtual Screens, PC Connectivity And Hand Controls
Meta’s VR glasses are designed for productivity and entertainment rather than focusing primarily on gaming.
Users can create multiple virtual windows and mirror displays from a Mac or PC. The glasses also support eye tracking and hand gestures, including a virtual keyboard that can appear on a desk or table.
The device is also compatible with Meta’s existing Quest software ecosystem and supports immersive entertainment, including 3D content.
Meta plans to launch the VR glasses in spring 2027 across North America, Europe and Asia at $1,299.99.
Meta Launches Camera-Free Smart Glasses
Meta is also addressing one of the biggest concerns surrounding smart glasses: privacy.
Its new Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses do not have a camera. Instead, they focus on audio features, including music, calls and interaction with Meta’s AI assistant.
The glasses are thinner and lighter than the camera-equipped models and offer up to 12 hours of battery life.
They will start at £319 in the UK.
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 Gets Longer Battery Life
Meta’s third-generation Ray-Ban smart glasses retain cameras but offer improved battery life.
The new models can last up to nine hours and include Dolby Atmos audio. Meta has also improved its systems designed to detect tampering with the recording indicator.
The glasses feature an LED that flashes when recording is active, giving people nearby a visual indication that the camera is being used.
Privacy Remains A Major Challenge
Meta’s latest launches come as smart glasses face increasing scrutiny over the possibility of people being recorded without their knowledge.
Camera-equipped glasses can look similar to ordinary eyewear, making them less obvious than smartphones or conventional cameras.
The introduction of a camera-free model therefore represents a notable shift in Meta’s product lineup, while the company continues improving safeguards around its camera-equipped devices.
Summary
Meta has unveiled new VR glasses weighing around 100 grams, alongside Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 smart glasses and a camera-free audio model. The VR glasses use a 5K microOLED display and connect to a separate computing puck. Meta’s new audio glasses offer up to 12 hours of battery life, while privacy concerns remain a major issue for camera-equipped wearables.
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