Meta and EssilorLuxottica are expanding their range of smart glasses. The companies have unveiled a new line of Meta Glasses, which is set to reach a wider audience thanks to a starting price of $299. This is significantly less than the Ray-Ban Display model, which features a display and costs $799.
The new devices are the first AI-powered glasses to bear the Meta brand name directly, rather than one of EssilorLuxottica’s brands, such as Ray-Ban or Oakley. The manufacturer has produced three frame designs, including a model developed in collaboration with Kylie Jenner. A total of 26 colour and lens combinations will be available.
Meta is banking on a simple premise: the glasses could become the most convenient way to use an AI assistant throughout the day. The new range has been given access to Meta AI, based on the Muse Spark model developed by Meta Superintelligence Labs. The assistant is designed to respond to voice queries, analyse what the user sees, help plan the day and search for information without having to reach for a smartphone.
In terms of hardware, the glasses feature a camera for photos and video recording, open-ear speakers, a set of noise-cancelling microphones and a battery that lasts for over eight hours. The case also doubles as a charger and provides up to 40 hours of additional battery life.
The launch is part of the rapidly growing market for AI-powered wearable devices. According to IDC data, global shipments of smart glasses reached 9.6 million units last year, with Meta accounting for over 76 per cent of this market.
The growing popularity of this category is attracting competition. In recent months, companies including Google and Apple have been developing their own smart glasses projects, whilst Snap recently unveiled augmented reality glasses priced at $2,195. In contrast, the new Meta Glasses focus primarily on AI features and voice communication.
For the time being, Meta Glasses have gone on sale in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and selected Western European countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands and the Nordic countries. The devices are not currently officially available in Central and Eastern Europe. Meta has not yet announced any launch dates for the glasses in Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania or Hungary.
