Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took the stage at the company’s annual Connect conference in Menlo Park, California, to showcase the Ray-Ban Display smart glasses and a new wristband controller. Despite some hiccups during the live demo, the announcement drew applause, as Zuckerberg described the glasses as the “ideal form factor for personal superintelligence.”
Ray-Ban Display: The Future of AI Wearables
The new Ray-Ban Display glasses feature a small digital display embedded in the right lens, designed for simple yet essential tasks such as notifications, responding to texts, and handling calls.
- Price & Availability: The glasses will retail for $799 and hit stores on September 30, 2025.
- Included Accessories: Buyers will also receive a wristband controller, which translates hand gestures into commands, offering a natural and hands-free way to interact with the glasses.
Zuckerberg positioned the device as a major leap toward integrating AI directly into everyday life. “Glasses are the ideal form factor for personal superintelligence,” Zuckerberg said. “They let you stay present while accessing AI capabilities that make you smarter, improve communication, boost memory, and enhance your senses.”
Competing in the AI Race
While Meta has gained traction with its smart glasses, it still trails rivals like OpenAI and Google (Alphabet) in the race to dominate AI-powered devices. Zuckerberg has launched an aggressive Silicon Valley talent war, recruiting top engineers and pledging to invest tens of billions of dollars in AI chips.
Analysts believe the Display glasses, though not expected to generate blockbuster sales initially, could serve as a stepping stone toward Meta’s Orion project, scheduled for 2027, which Zuckerberg has described as a “time machine to the future.”
New Oakley Vanguard Glasses for Athletes
In addition to the Ray-Ban Display, Meta also introduced a pair of Oakley-branded Vanguard glasses, targeting the fitness market.
- Price: $499
- Launch Date: October 21, 2025
- Key Features: Nine hours of battery life, integration with Garmin and Strava, and real-time training stats with post-workout summaries.
This expansion into sports-focused wearables highlights Meta’s broader push to diversify beyond social media into health and performance tech.
Updated Ray-Ban Lineup
Meta also announced upgrades to its previous Ray-Ban glasses that do not feature built-in displays. These models now come with:
- Nearly double the battery life
- Improved cameras
- Livestreaming integration with Facebook and Instagram
The updated Ray-Bans are priced at $379, up from the previous $299, and are expected to appeal to budget-conscious users.
Challenges and Market Outlook
Despite the buzz, some of Zuckerberg’s demos did not go smoothly—a call made to the Display glasses failed to connect during the event. He laughed it off, saying, “I don’t know what to tell you guys. I keep on messing this up.” The crowd responded with cheers of encouragement.
Analysts remain cautiously optimistic.
- Jitesh Ubrani of IDC noted: “It’s great value for the tech you’re getting. But until the software matures, this may not be a must-have device for the average consumer.”
- IDC Forecast: AR/VR headsets and smart glasses are expected to see a 39.2% shipment increase in 2025, reaching 14.3 million units, with Meta contributing heavily through its partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the owner of Ray-Ban.
Meta’s unveiling of the Ray-Ban Display smart glasses is another bold step in its mission to merge AI, wearable tech, and daily life. While the road to mass adoption remains challenging, the combination of stylish design, AI-powered functionality, and gesture-based controls positions Meta as a key player in shaping the future of personal superintelligence.
With additional launches like the Oakley Vanguard and updated Ray-Bans, Meta is building a diverse ecosystem of wearable devices that could redefine how people communicate, train, and experience augmented reality in the coming years.
