Meta Ray-Ban Display and everything else unveiled at Meta Connect 2025

During the much-anticipated Meta Connect 2025, CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced an exciting range of new smart glasses, including the second-generation Ray-Ban Meta, the innovative Meta Ray-Ban Display with a wristband controller, and the sporty Oakley Meta Vanguard. Meta proudly announced sales of two million units of the first Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Earlier in the year, the company had also debuted AI-enhanced smart glasses in collaboration with Oakley, specifically designed for athletes. With the tech landscape increasingly focused on AI wearables, Meta aims to solidify its leadership role in this burgeoning market. Zuckerberg's keynote was pivotal for the company as it seeks to enhance its presence in AI and hardware. Among the standout features was the Meta Neural Band, a wristband controller that enhances the functionality of the Ray-Ban Display. However, a technical hiccup during the live demonstration highlighted the challenges that can arise in such high-stakes presentations. As chef Jack Mancuso attempted to showcase the AI capabilities of the glasses, a comedic exchange ensued when the AI struggled to provide timely instructions, prompting laughter from the audience. Zuckerberg quipped about the irony of technology faltering at a critical moment. The second-generation Ray-Ban Meta glasses boast an impressive upgrade with double the battery life, now lasting up to eight hours on a single charge. They also feature ultra HD 3K video recording capabilities, which are said to be twice as sharp as their predecessor. New features, such as conversation focus, are on the way, designed to enhance communication in noisy environments. The Meta Ray-Ban Display is a leap forward in smart eyewear, equipped with a built-in display for notifications, apps, and navigation. Its accompanying Meta Neural Band allows users to interact seamlessly with their devices through subtle hand gestures, offering a glimpse into the future of augmented reality. This model is priced at $799 and will hit the market on September 30. For those with an active lifestyle, the Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses present a practical application. Ideal for athletes, these glasses allow users to capture their outdoor experiences hands-free. They feature a 12-megapixel camera, a wide-angle lens, and support music playback, linking with fitness apps for real-time stats. This model is set to retail for $499 and launches on October 21. While there were no new virtual reality headsets announced, Meta did provide updates on initiatives like Hyperscape, enabling developers to create photorealistic virtual environments. Looking ahead, the company is working on a lightweight VR headset expected to debut by the end of 2026, hinting at more innovations to come in future events.