Meta launches new generation of smart glasses with EssilorLuxottica

Smart glasses with an integrated display—reminiscent of the early Google Glass—and gesture control inspired by the film “Minority Report” are at the heart of Meta’s latest wearables launch. Presented by CEO Mark Zuckerberg at the Connect event, the new Meta Ray-Ban Display is joined by two additional products: the Oakley Meta Vanguard and the second-generation Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. All three releases reinforce Meta’s strategic partnership with EssilorLuxottica and its position in the competitive smart eyewear market, alongside players such as Samsung, Google, and Snapchat.

The Meta Ray-Ban Display features a high-resolution screen embedded in the upper-right lens, visible only to the wearer. Users can check messages, view maps, control music playback, take photos or videos, access social media, and interact with Meta’s AI assistant—without needing to pull out their phones.

A standout innovation is the Meta Neural Band, a wristband that uses electromyography to interpret hand muscle activity, enabling navigation through smart glasses functions using subtle hand gestures. The device promises up to 18 hours of battery life and comes with a charging case. It will launch in the U.S. on September 30, starting at $799, with international markets expected to follow in 2026.

Oakley Meta Vanguard targets performance sportswear

Also unveiled at the event was the Oakley Meta Vanguard, a performance-focused model tailored for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. The water-resistant smart glasses feature tinted lenses, a secure fit for use with cycling helmets, and immersive audio powered by five microphones that help reduce wind noise during calls, messages, or voice-command interactions with Meta AI.

The device supports high-resolution video recording, including slow-motion and hyperlapse modes, and integrates with Garmin and Strava platforms. Users can access activity summaries via the Meta AI app. The Oakley Meta Vanguard promises up to nine hours of battery life, with a starting price of $499. It will be available in Italy and other select markets.

Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 offers upgraded AI and battery

Rounding out the launch is the second generation of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which originally debuted in September 2023. The updated model is now available in Italy for €419 and includes a more powerful battery, offering up to eight hours of use, along with an upgraded ultra-wide 12-megapixel camera for improved image quality.

With these releases, Meta and EssilorLuxottica continue to push the boundaries of fashion technology, bridging luxury eyewear with next-generation wearable functionality.