Meta Connect 2025: Ray-Ban Display, Oakley smart glasses unveiled

Meta unveiled its first smart glasses, Meta Ray-Ban Display, with a built-in display for notifications, translations, and more. The glasses also feature a neural band for gesture control. Meta also introduced the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) with improved battery life and upgraded camera, and the Oakley Meta Vanguard, a sport-focused model.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has made significant strides in the realm of augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) with the unveiling of its smart glasses at the Connect conference. The company introduced three new models: Meta Ray-Ban Display, Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2), and Oakley Meta Vanguard, each with unique features and price points.

Meta Ray-Ban Display
Meta's flagship smart glasses, the Meta Ray-Ban Display, feature a built-in display that can show notifications, translations, maps, and more. The display is integrated into the right lens of the glasses, providing a 600 by 600 pixel resolution and a 20-degree field of view. The glasses also come with a neural band for gesture control, allowing users to interact with the device hands-free. The Meta Ray-Ban Display is priced at $799.99 and will be available for pre-order on September 30th Meta’s Ray-Ban Gen 2 and Oakley Vanguard glasses are available to preorder^[2].

Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2)
The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) is an upgraded version of the previous Meta Ray-Ban glasses. It offers improved battery life, with up to eight hours of usage on a single charge, and an upgraded camera that can record 3K video at 30fps. The glasses also feature a new charging case that can provide an additional 48 hours of battery life. The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) is priced at $379 and is available for pre-order now Meta’s Ray-Ban Gen 2 and Oakley Vanguard glasses are available to preorder^[2].

Oakley Meta Vanguard
The Oakley Meta Vanguard is a sport-focused model that features a wraparound design and a 12-megapixel camera with a 122-degree field of view. The glasses also include an Action Button for quick access to camera modes and offer up to nine hours of battery life. The Oakley Meta Vanguard is priced at $499 and will be available for pre-order on October 21st Meta’s Ray-Ban Gen 2 and Oakley Vanguard glasses are available to preorder^[2].

Financial Implications
Meta's investment in smart glasses and AI technology is substantial. The company expects to spend up to $72 billion on AI infrastructure this year alone Meta's new $800 glasses took the spotlight. Its AI ambitions stayed in the background.^[1]. While the financial implications of these investments are significant, it is too early to determine the payoff. Meta's AI strategy reset, including the establishment of a new Superintelligence division, is still in its early stages, and the company has not yet demonstrated the full potential of its AI capabilities Meta's new $800 glasses took the spotlight. Its AI ambitions stayed in the background.^[1].

Competitive Landscape
Meta is not the only company investing in smart glasses. Google, OpenAI, Snap, and Amazon are also developing AI-powered eyewear. Google is working on its own AI-powered glasses, while OpenAI is collaborating with former Apple design chief Jony Ive on a pocket-sized AI companion device. Snap plans to release holographic AR glasses next year, and Amazon is in the mix with eyewear that handles calls and music Meta's new $800 glasses took the spotlight. Its AI ambitions stayed in the background.^[1].

Conclusion
Meta's introduction of smart glasses marks a significant step in its AI and AR strategy. While the financial implications of these investments are substantial, it is too early to determine the payoff. The competitive landscape is also crowded, with several companies vying for a share of the smart glasses market. Investors and financial professionals should keep a close eye on Meta's progress and the broader market trends in this rapidly evolving space.

References
Meta's new $800 glasses took the spotlight. Its AI ambitions stayed in the background.^[1] https://www.businessinsider.com/meta-connect-glasses-ai-superintelligence-group-connect-2025-9
Meta’s Ray-Ban Gen 2 and Oakley Vanguard glasses are available to preorder^[2] https://www.theverge.com/tech/780353/meta-ray-ban-display-oakley-vanguard-preorder-price-how-to-buy