🔗 Share this article Meta Introduces Pioneering Ray-Ban Glasses with Built-In Augmented Reality Display Meta has revealed multiple new models of artificial intelligence-driven wearable tech, featuring the first Ray-Ban design with a integrated screen for augmented reality functionality. A Modern Take on Smart Eyewear The smart glasses mark the initial widely recognized wearable device with a visual interface since the much-discussed Google Glass. Designed with a timeless Wayfarer-like appearance, they avoid appearing overly futuristic, while still incorporating a recording device, audio output, and microphone. The compact, vibrant, and sharp visual screen is projected onto the inner surface of the right lens, seeming to float just below the wearer’s field of vision. This display can show anything from messages and images to real-time communication. Notably, the screen is only apparent during interaction and does not be observed from the outside. An indicator light alerts others when the recording function is active. “Glasses are the only form factor that you can enable artificial intelligence observe what you see, hear what you hear,” stated the company’s chief executive during the annual event. Capabilities and Performance Similar to previous models, the latest glasses include a touch panel on the temples and voice control for direct operation. They also are accompanied by a sweat-proof wristband that senses electrical impulses in the forearm, enabling navigation of the phone-like system via motions. This band, which functions like a display-free smartwatch, can detect taps, scrolls, turns, and other common movements. In the future, it will also support handwriting using a finger. The glasses need a Bluetooth connection to an Google or Apple smartphone and support messaging and video calling through SMS and various apps, such as Messenger and Instagram. They can display live captions or translations of dialogues, offer step-by-step walking directions, music playback, and even act as a preview screen when capturing photos. Power and Release The wearables last for up to six hours of typical usage and recharge in a collapsible case for up to over a day of combined power. Meta’s AI chatbot can also provide visual and text responses to questions, including cooking steps, details on art or monuments, and additional real-world data via the camera. The Meta Ray-Ban Display will be available in the United States from the end of September starting at 799 dollars before releasing to the UK, France, Italy, and Canada in early 2026. Sports-Focused Smartwear In addition to the display-equipped glasses, Meta also introduced a set of screenless performance smart glasses tailored for athletic activities. The sports edition boasts a wrap-around build reminiscent of the company’s M-frame sport glasses, but includes a central camera in the bridge, audio inputs, and speakers for audio, communications, assistant features, and media recording during workouts. Weighing 66g, they include swappable optics, water resistance, up to extended use per battery cycle, and a secure feel with customizable nose pads in different dimensions. Meta has teamed up with Garmin to sync the wearables with the partner’s watches and cycling gadgets. Athletes can ask for metrics such as pace, heart rate, or length while runs or additional activities, while an LED within the frames flashes when achieving a target metric. The recording function can also automatically capture short films when the user reaches milestones such as every kilometre, pace thresholds, altitude changes, or pulse zones, combining them with performance stats to produce a summary video of notable moments from competitions, ascents, or training sessions. Media can be shared directly to Strava. The sports glasses will cost £499 (549 euros/499 dollars), releasing from 21 October. At the same time, a updated second generation of the first smart eyewear glasses with twice the endurance and a sharper recording lens is on sale for £379 (419 euros/379 dollars).