Meta Launches AI-Powered Smart Glasses Featuring Built-in Display and Wrist Controller

Meta unveiled its next-generation Ray-Ban smart glasses featuring an innovative heads-up display integrated into the right lens during its Meta Connect 2025 developer conference. The Meta Ray-Ban Display offers visual overlays for apps, notifications, and navigation, controlled through subtle hand gestures detected by the accompanying Meta Neural Band wristwear.

Mark Zuckerberg announced the September 30 release date with a $799 price point, positioning these as Meta's first commercially available smart glasses with display capabilities - a significant evolution beyond previous audio-focused models. This marks Meta's strategic push to establish its own hardware ecosystem rather than relying on competitors' platforms.

The new model builds upon the successful Ray-Ban Meta partnership with EssilorLuxottica, now enhanced with visual interfaces alongside existing features like AI assistance, cameras, and audio systems. Users can access Meta's social platforms, real-time translations, and navigation directly through the display.

The Neural Band interface represents a breakthrough in wearable control, using EMG technology to interpret neural signals from hand movements with 18-hour battery life and water resistance. While less advanced than last year's Orion prototype featuring full AR capabilities, these glasses demonstrate Meta's commitment to practical smart eyewear solutions.

Leaks previously suggested the project (codenamed Hypernova) would debut at Connect 2025. Though facing inevitable competition from future Apple and Google offerings, Meta aims to establish early market dominance with this pragmatic approach before moving toward more ambitious AR implementations.