Meta Unveils Ray-Ban Display Smart Glasses at $799

Meta Platforms has unveiled its first-generation smart glasses with an integrated screen, marking a significant milestone in the company's augmented reality (AR) ambitions. The new smart glasses, named Meta Ray-Ban Display, are priced at 799 dollars and feature a built-in screen on the right lens. This screen is capable of displaying a range of information, including text messages, video calls, navigation routes, photos, music controls, and a digital viewfinder for the camera. The glasses also support Meta's AI services, providing users with visual results and enhanced functionality.

The introduction of the Meta Ray-Ban Display is a strategic move by Meta to position itself as a leader in the consumer technology ecosystem, competing directly with tech giants like Apple and Alphabet's Google. Since the launch of its first virtual reality headset in 2016, Meta has been working to transition users from mainstream platforms to its own products. The new smart glasses represent a crucial step in this direction, offering users a more convenient way to access popular features without relying on their smartphones.

The Meta Ray-Ban Display comes with a new interaction system that includes a wristband, the Meta Neural Band, which captures hand gestures for controlling the glasses. This innovation allows users to interact with the device more intuitively, enhancing the overall user experience. The wristband also supports real-time subtitles, including translation features, and will introduce "air writing" input later this year. Future updates will enable the glasses to focus on the current conversation partner and filter out background noise, further improving the user experience.

The new smart glasses will be available for purchase starting September 30, in two sizes and two color options: black and sand. Initially, the glasses will support Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Spotify for music applications. Instagram will initially support private messaging, with plans to add Reels playback later in the year. This launch underscores Meta's commitment to integrating its AR technology into everyday life, providing users with a seamless and immersive experience.

The release of the Meta Ray-Ban Display is part of a broader strategy to build a comprehensive consumer technology ecosystem. By offering a range of innovative features and applications, Meta aims to attract a wider audience and establish itself as a leader in the AR market. The company's focus on user experience and continuous innovation positions it well to compete with other tech giants and drive the future of wearable technology.