At its annual Connect keynote, Meta unveiled an array of advancements in wearable technology, virtual reality, and augmented reality, headlined by the highly anticipated Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses. In addition to this launch, the company presented several other noteworthy innovations.
Here’s a summary of the innovative products and software upgrades that were introduced during the event.
Meta Reveals New Display-Equipped Smart Glasses
Meta has finally launched the long-rumored Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, which feature a high-resolution color display embedded in the right lens. This allows users to view messages, take video calls, read live captions, navigate with walking directions, and preview photos taken with the integrated 12-megapixel camera.
Control of the display is accomplished through a dedicated wristband, enabling users to scroll, click, and send messages using various gestures. The glasses boast a battery life of six hours during mixed-use and can extend to 30 hours with the included collapsible charging case.
The starting price for the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses is $799, with options available in both black and brown. They will be available in the United States beginning September 30 at retailers such as Best Buy, LensCrafters, and Ray-Ban stores.
Next-Gen Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses with Improved Battery Life
The recently launched version of Ray-Ban smart glasses boasts a significantly enhanced battery life, now reaching eight hours, nearly double that of the previous iteration. Along with this improvement, the updated model retains the 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera and introduces support for 3K video recording at 60 frames per second.
Additionally, the new charging case extends usage time by providing an extra 48 hours of battery life, an improvement from the previous 36 hours. The second-generation Ray-Ban Meta glasses will feature a new “conversation focus” capability that amplifies the voice of the person speaking to the wearer, making it easier to engage in conversations in noisy environments.
The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) glasses are available now starting at $379 in popular styles, including Wayfarer, Skyler, and Headliner.
Performance-Oriented AI Glasses Integrate with Fitness Platforms
In collaboration with Oakley, Meta is introducing the Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses tailored for high-intensity athletic activities. These glasses feature a wraparound design, IP67 water and dust resistance, and integration with fitness platforms such as Garmin and Strava, enabling users to engage with AI for real-time fitness insights.
Equipped with a 12MP, 122-degree camera positioned on the nose bridge, the Vanguard glasses can capture video in up to 3K resolution and offer new features such as slow-motion, time-lapse, and hyperlapse modes, which will also be available in other Meta AI eyewear. With upgraded speakers, the glasses are designed to provide up to nine hours of battery life.
The Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses will retail for $499 and will come in four different color combinations at their launch on October 21st, with pre-orders starting now.
Quest Headsets Unveil Real Space Integration into VR
Meta introduced its Hyperscape feature, which enables Quest 3 and Quest 3S headset users to scan their physical environment and turn it into a digital realm. This feature was initially demonstrated at last year’s Meta Connect event and now is available in beta through the Hyperscape Capture app.
New Entertainment Hub Unveiled for Quest Headsets
Meta is enhancing the Quest headset experience with a new entertainment hub called Horizon TV, which will group all available streaming applications such as Prime Video, Peacock, Twitch, and YouTube. The platforms supplied by Meta will also include upcoming apps from Disney Plus, ESPN, and Hulu.
The Horizon TV interface supports Dolby Atmos audio, with plans to integrate Dolby Vision later this year. Select movies, including M3GAN and The Black Phone, will feature exclusive “immersive special effects” viewable only within Quest headsets.
Advancements in the Metaverse: Horizon Engine Enhancements
Meta provided insights into its Horizon Engine, which is designed to improve graphics, boost performance, and create more sophisticated virtual environments. This engine supports the new Hyperscape feature and is set to upgrade Horizon Studio with an AI assistant designed to enhance user interaction in virtual world creation.
