At the recent Meta Connect 2025 conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled the highly anticipated AI-powered smart glasses, touted as "the next generation of Meta Ray-Ban glasses." The event, which took place on Wednesday, featured a series of demonstrations that unfortunately did not go as smoothly as planned, highlighting both the potential and the current limitations of this innovative technology.
The new Meta Ray-Ban Display, priced at $799, officially launched on September 30. The glasses boast impressive specifications, including:
Double the battery life compared to previous models 3K video capabilities for high-definition recording Double the resolution, enhancing the overall viewing experienceZuckerberg emphasized the transformative role of Meta AI, stating, “Meta AI is going to transition from being something that you invoke when you have a question to a service that is running all the time and helping you out throughout the day.” This suggests a shift towards more integrated and accessible technology.
During the keynote address, a live demonstration featuring internet chef and official “grillmaster” of the Buffalo Bills, Jack Mancuso, encountered significant issues. Mancuso attempted to use the glasses to create a Korean-inspired steak sauce but faced challenges when the AI system incorrectly assumed the cooking process had already begun. “You already combined the base ingredients, so now grate a pair to add to the sauce,” the AI told him, leading to confusion.
Frustrated, Mancuso reiterated his question, but the AI continued to provide the same erroneous guidance. “I think the Wi-Fi might be messed up,” he suggested, before returning the focus to Zuckerberg. The CEO acknowledged the technical difficulties, stating, “The irony of the whole thing is that you spend years making technology and then the Wi-Fi at the day kind of catches you.”
Despite the earlier setbacks, Zuckerberg later showcased the communication capabilities of the smart glasses. Utilizing his glasses and a paired wristband, he attempted to initiate a live video call with Meta CTO Andrew “Boz” Bosworth. Unfortunately, this demonstration also faced technical difficulties, as Zuckerberg was unable to connect with Bosworth at first. Eventually, Bosworth joined him on stage, enabling a face-to-face conversation between two Meta Ray-Ban wearers.
One of the standout features demonstrated was the ability of the smart glasses to provide subtitles during conversations, a significant advancement that could greatly assist individuals with hearing impairments. “If you have an issue hearing, I think that this is going to be a game changer,” Zuckerberg noted, highlighting the potential for enhanced accessibility.
While the Meta Ray-Ban Display faced several hiccups during its unveiling, the potential of these AI-powered smart glasses remains significant. With advancements in battery life, video quality, and communication features, they represent a step forward in wearable technology. As the Meta Connect 2025 conference continues, many are eager to see how Meta addresses these challenges and further develops its innovative offerings. For those interested in viewing the entire keynote speech, a full video is available online.
