The tech world got a major surprise this week when Meta announced their brand-new smart glasses lineup. Meta didn’t just reveal one product, though. The company showed off three different smart glasses at their big Connect event. Each pair targets different users and has unique features.
Mark Zuckerberg, the boss of Meta, unveiled these gadgets on Wednesday, but the live demos hit a few snags. During the keynote, a video-call demo froze mid-conversation, and the cooking assistant demo failed to translate a recipe properly. The company blamed Wi-Fi issues but fans noticed.
The Complete Meta Smart Glasses Family
Meta announced three different smart glasses models in one day.
- Ray-Ban Display: Premium model with built-in screen.
- Ray-Ban Gen 2: Everyday choice with extended battery.
- Oakley Meta Vanguard: Built for athletes.
Each pair serves different needs and budgets. The Gen 2 Ray-Bans cost $379 and are available now. The Oakley Vanguard is $499 and launches October 21. The premium Display glasses with neural controls start at $799 and go on sale September 30.
Meta Ray-Ban Display: The Premium Model
The most exciting feature is the small display screen in the right lens. With 600×600 pixels and 5,000 nits of brightness, it’s visible even in direct sunlight. It acts like a tiny floating monitor for messages, photos, and videos that only the wearer sees.
A special Meta Neural Band wristband reads tiny muscle signals (EMG) from your wrist and fingers. Tap, swipe, or pinch gestures control menus, volume, zoom, and more. It charges in 18 hours and uses Vectran material for durability.
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2: The Everyday Choice
Gen 2 keeps the classic style but doubles battery life from 4 to 8 hours, and the case offers 48 hours of backup. A new 12 MP camera shoots 3K Ultra HD video at 30 fps, plus 1440 p or 1200 p at 60 fps. Hyperlapse and slow-motion modes arrive this fall. Storage holds 500 photos or 100 videos.
A “conversation focus” feature clarifies voices in noisy environments using upgraded speakers.
Oakley Meta Vanguard: Built For Athletes
Oakley Vanguard offers a wraparound design and center-mounted 12 MP camera with a 122° lens for first-person action shots. It syncs with Garmin and Strava for real-time fitness metrics and AI workout summaries. IP67 waterproofing, louder speakers (+6 dB), 9 hours runtime (6 for music), and a 36 hour case boost support intense activities.
What All the Glasses Can Do
Every model includes Meta AI: say “Hey Meta” for object ID, translations, reminders, recipe guidance, and visual AI responses on the Display model. All use Wi-Fi 6 & Bluetooth, 32 GB storage, and Qualcomm AR processors. Cameras and fast charging (50% in 20 minutes) are standard.
Battery Life Comparison
- Gen 2 Ray-Ban: 8 hr + 48 hr case
- Oakley Vanguard: 9 hr + 36 hr case
- Ray-Ban Display: 6 hr + 24 hr case
Weights range 66–70 g; all fast-charge in 20 min for 50% power.
Pricing & Availability
- Ray-Ban Gen 2: $379 – available now
- Oakley Vanguard: $499 – Oct 21
- Ray-Ban Display: $799 – Sept 30
Sold at Best Buy, LensCrafters, Ray-Ban, Oakley, Verizon, and Meta.com. U.S. first; Canada, UK, France, Italy early 2026; India, Brazil, Mexico late 2025.
Competition & Market Impact
The AR glasses market nears $43 B by 2030, with Meta holding 60% share. Apple’s glasses debut in 2026; Google’s Android XR ecosystem is in development. Meta’s trio stamp a new milestone for wearable tech.
Conclusion
Despite live demo glitches, Meta’s three smart glasses models—from casual Gen 2 to premium Display—push AR forward. With cutting-edge displays, neural controls, and AI features, Meta sets the bar for the next wave of wearable computing.
