Meta launches AI-powered smart glasses with gesture control

ISLAMABAD: Meta Platforms launched its first consumer-ready smart glasses with an integrated display on Wednesday, building on the success of its popular Ray-Ban smart glasses in the AI era. 

The company’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses along with a new wristband controller at Meta’s Connect event, despite some technical difficulties during the demonstration.

Zuckerberg highlighted the glasses as an ideal way to achieve “personal superintelligence” by enabling users to stay engaged with their surroundings while accessing AI tools that apparently improve communication, memory, and senses. 

The new glasses feature a small digital display on the right lens for simple tasks like notifications and will be priced at $799, available in stores starting September 30. 

The package includes a wristband that converts hand gestures into commands such as replying to texts and calls.

Meta also introduced Oakley-branded Vanguard glasses designed for athletes, priced at $499. These glasses integrate with fitness platforms and offer nine hours of battery life, with availability beginning October 21. The company also refreshed its Ray-Ban glasses without displays, enhancing battery life and camera quality, priced now at $379, up from $299.

The glasses were unveiled at Meta’s annual Connect conference in Menlo Park, California. Although Meta has been a pioneer in smart glasses technology, it still trails competitors like OpenAI and Google in releasing advanced AI systems. 

Zuckerberg has initiated efforts to recruit top engineers from competitors and pledged substantial investments in cutting-edge AI hardware.

Although analysts don’t expect strong initial sales for the Display model, it is seen as a step toward Meta’s future "Orion" glasses scheduled for 2027, a prototype of which was shown last year. 

Industry experts compare the new glasses to Apple’s launch of the smartwatch as a new wearable tech category, recognizing the potential of glasses as a practical, everyday device despite the need to convince consumers of their value.

Meanwhile, Meta faces scrutiny over its handling of child safety issues on its social media platforms, including reported controversial interactions between chatbots and children, and concerns about virtual reality’s impact on young users.