Meta Unveils Smart Glasses with Built-In Display, Aiming for ‘Superintelligence’

Meta Platforms has officially launched its first consumer-ready smart glasses with a built-in display, extending the success of its Ray-Ban lineup. Announced by CEO Mark Zuckerberg at the company’s Connect 2025 event in Menlo Park, the new glasses showcase Meta’s ambition to make AI-powered wearables a mainstream reality. Priced at $799, the glasses also come bundled with a gesture-controlled wristband, further enhancing hands-free interaction.

Meta Ray-Ban Display: A Step Toward ‘Superintelligence’

At the launch, Zuckerberg described the Meta Ray-Ban Display as a device that brings humans closer to achieving the AI vision of “superintelligence.” According to him, glasses are the ideal wearable form factor since they let users remain present in the real world while accessing digital intelligence.

He emphasized how the glasses can boost communication, memory, and senses while seamlessly integrating into daily life. This aligns with Meta’s broader goal of building everyday AI-powered assistants that feel natural and unobtrusive.

Features and Pricing

The Meta Ray-Ban Display includes a tiny digital screen on the right lens, designed for essential tasks such as:

• Displaying notifications

• Responding to messages and calls

• Accessing AI assistant features

The $799 package also includes a wristband controller that translates hand gestures into commands. For example, users can respond to texts or answer calls with simple hand movements. The glasses will be available in stores starting September 30, 2025.

Expanding the Ray-Ban and Oakley Lineup

Alongside the Display glasses, Meta announced updates to its existing wearable lineup:

• Ray-Ban Smart Glasses (Updated Version) – These do not feature a built-in display but now offer twice the battery life and an upgraded camera. Priced at $379, they are a step up from the earlier $299 model.

• Oakley Vanguard Glasses – Designed specifically for athletes, these new glasses are priced at $499. They integrate with fitness apps like Garmin and Strava to provide real-time workout stats, post-training summaries, and nine hours of battery life. They will be available starting October 21, 2025.

Meta’s AI Race and Market Competition

The launch reflects Meta’s aggressive push to catch up with rivals like Google and OpenAI, who are leading in advanced AI model development. Zuckerberg has invested tens of billions of dollars into AI chips and talent acquisition, sparking a Silicon Valley hiring battle.

While Meta has established itself as a pioneer in smart glasses, its AI adoption lags compared to its competitors. The new devices aim to bridge that gap by embedding AI-driven functionalities into everyday wearables.

Challenges and Demo Glitches

Despite the excitement, the live demonstration had hiccups. A call failed to connect during Zuckerberg’s stage demo, prompting laughter and applause from the audience. While analysts called the product an important step forward, they also cautioned that software advancements will be necessary before average consumers adopt such devices widely.

Industry experts compared the launch to Apple’s introduction of the smartwatch—an alternative to smartphones that needed time to gain traction. Analysts also noted that Meta will have to convince buyers of the value before expecting mass adoption.

Looking Ahead: Project Orion and Future Potential

Analysts believe the Display glasses are a stepping stone toward Meta’s ambitious “Orion” project, planned for 2027. A prototype unveiled last year was described by Zuckerberg as a “time machine to the future,” signaling a much more advanced and immersive wearable experience.

Market forecasts by IDC suggest that global shipments of AR/VR headsets and smart glasses could grow by 39.2% in 2025, with Meta driving much of this growth thanks to its more affordable Ray-Ban line.

Conclusion

Meta’s unveiling of the Ray-Ban Display smart glasses highlights its long-term vision of blending AI with wearable technology. While the $799 price tag and early-stage software may limit initial adoption, the product demonstrates Meta’s determination to lead in the AI wearable revolution. With further updates, stronger AI integration, and upcoming products like Project Orion, Meta could shape the future of personal superintelligence.