During its highly anticipated Connect keynote on Wednesday, Meta officially introduced the innovative $799.99 Meta Ray-Ban Display, also known as Hypernova. These cutting-edge smart glasses boast a unique in-lens display that can be controlled using wrist-based gestures via the new Meta Neural Band included with the product. This remarkable feature allows users to seamlessly connect the display with their smartphones, enabling them to view everything from text messages and Instagram Reels to maps and more — all without the need to pull out their devices.
The Meta Ray-Ban Display is set to hit the market on September 30th, coinciding with the launch of in-store demos at popular retailers. Customers can experience the new smart glasses firsthand at locations such as Best Buy, LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, Ray-Ban stores, and Verizon stores, depending on their location. Interested consumers can schedule a demo now to explore the features of these advanced glasses.
The Meta Ray-Ban Display is available in two sizes (standard and large) and two stylish colors (black or sand). One of its standout features is the transition lenses, which automatically darken in sunlight and return to clear indoors. The display is designed to appear only in the right lens, showcasing apps in vibrant full color with a resolution of 600 by 600 pixels and a 20-degree field of view.
The Verge’s Victoria Song recently went hands-on with the Meta Ray-Ban Display, noting that while the monocular design can be somewhat distracting, it does not completely obstruct the user's vision. The frames of these smart glasses are thicker than those of the previous Ray-Ban Meta models, featuring rounded edges and a more squared overall shape. Additionally, the glasses come equipped with overextension hinges on the temple arms, ensuring a comfortable fit for individuals with wider faces.
Meta estimates that the Meta Ray-Ban Display will offer approximately six hours of battery life with mixed usage. However, this claim will be rigorously tested when we receive a unit for review. This expected battery performance positions the product as a practical choice for users seeking an advanced wearable technology experience.
In addition to the Meta Ray-Ban Display, Meta also announced the follow-up to its popular smart glasses, the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2. Available for order today from Meta, Best Buy, and Ray-Ban, these updated smart glasses are priced starting at $379. Meta claims that the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 will deliver up to eight hours of battery life on a single charge, effectively doubling the four-hour battery life of the previous generation.
The accompanying charging case can recharge the glasses up to 50 percent in just 20 minutes and can provide an additional 48 hours of battery life. The camera integrated into these glasses is capable of recording 3K video at 30fps, 1440p at 30fps, and 1200p at 60fps, with recording durations of up to three minutes per session.
Furthermore, consumers can now preorder the new Oakley Meta Vanguard for $499, available at Meta, Best Buy, and Oakley, with a launch date set for October 21st. The Vanguard features the iconic wraparound design that has made Oakley synonymous with sports and outdoor activities. It includes a 12-megapixel camera with a 122-degree field of view, strategically located in the nose bridge, and an Action Button that serves as a shortcut for various camera modes.
With impressive specifications, the Oakley Meta Vanguard offers up to nine hours of battery life, an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, and integration with Garmin devices. This combination of durability and functionality makes it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts and active individuals alike.
As Meta continues to innovate in the realm of smart glasses, the Meta Ray-Ban Display, Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2, and Oakley Meta Vanguard are poised to redefine the way we interact with technology and the world around us.
