Meta debuts new, cheaper smart glasses under its own brand

On Tuesday, Meta announced the launch of its latest smart glasses, named Meta Glasses, with a starting price of $299. These new wearables are produced in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica but notably do not carry the familiar Ray-Ban or Oakley branding typically associated with their products. Available in multiple countries from today, the Meta Glasses offer a range of color and lens options. This launch marks a significant step in Meta's ongoing commitment to the wearables market, especially as competition becomes increasingly intense. According to Counterpoint Research, Meta and EssilorLuxottica dominate the industry with a combined market share exceeding 80%. While the Meta Glasses do not feature a display, they are equipped with a camera and personal speakers. Users can activate the Meta AI assistant with a dedicated button, which can also be customized to access different features. Meta boasts that these glasses provide over eight hours of battery life, complemented by a charging case that extends usage to an impressive 40 hours. The initial offering, known as the “Meta Adventurer,” comes in rectangular shapes and is available in both standard and large sizes. The “Meta Fury” model presents a boxier design, catering to contemporary styles. A standout feature in the lineup is the “Meta Glasses by Kylie,” created in collaboration with American model Kylie Jenner, showcasing a sleek oval frame. Meta emphasizes that the AI assistant embedded in these glasses can respond to queries ranging from sports updates to restaurant recommendations, and even assist in daily life tasks. Future updates will introduce a 'Pedestrian navigation' feature that delivers turn-by-turn walking directions. Additionally, Meta plans to enhance its live translation capabilities by adding support for 14 new languages, including Japanese, Mandarin, Hindi, and Korean. This launch comes shortly after Snap revealed its own consumer smart glasses, Specs, priced significantly higher at $2,195, indicating the competitive landscape in the wearable technology sector.