Meta has officially unveiled its latest smart glasses, simply named Meta Glasses (or "Lunettes Meta" in France). This new product line marks a significant departure from the company's previous strategy, as it is entirely designed and built by Meta itself, without the direct involvement of Ray-Ban. The move signals Meta's growing ambition to own the entire smart glasses experience, from hardware to software, and to capture a broader market with a more accessible price point.

Breaking Free from Ray-Ban

Since 2021, Meta's foray into smart eyewear has been closely tied to Ray-Ban, first with the Ray-Ban Stories and later the Ray-Ban Meta (second generation). Those collaborations brought recognizable fashion frames combined with high-tech functionality. However, the new Meta Glasses step away from that partnership. While EssilorLuxottica (the parent company of Ray-Ban) remains a partner for lens manufacturing and distribution, the design, branding, and online availability are now fully controlled by Meta. This strategic shift allows Meta to experiment with more styles and pricing tiers without being constrained by an established brand's image.

Three Models to Suit Different Tastes

Meta has announced three distinct models in the Meta Glasses lineup: the Adventurer, the Fury, and a special collaboration with reality TV star and entrepreneur Kylie Jenner, called the "Meta Glasses by Kylie." Each model offers a unique aesthetic while sharing the same core technology.

Meta Adventurer

The Adventurer is designed for those who prefer a classic, rectangular frame. It comes in two sizes: standard and wide, catering to different face shapes. The design is clean and utilitarian, reminiscent of traditional wayfarer-style glasses but with a modern twist. It is available in multiple colors including Black Classic, Tortoise Classic, Racing Green, and Sand.

Meta Fury

The Fury model takes a bolder approach with a more rounded and sizable frame. It exudes a slightly retro, chunky vibe that appeals to fashion-forward users. The larger profile also helps accommodate the electronics inside, including a larger battery. Color options include Bordeaux, Mahogany, and Limestone.

Meta Glasses by Kylie

The most talked-about model is the exclusive collaboration with Kylie Jenner. The "Meta Glasses by Kylie" feature a sleek, curved, and stylized frame that is both elegant and trendy. To stand out, the packaging includes a unique charging case with an integrated mirror, making it convenient for on-the-go touch-ups. The lenses are available in a gradient tint that reflects Jenner's personal style. Priced at €419, this model sits above the other two but still undercuts the second-generation Meta Ray-Ban.

Core Features and Technology

All Meta Glasses models share the same impressive hardware specifications. Equipped with a 12-megapixel camera capable of recording 3K video at 30 fps, they offer a significant upgrade over the first-generation Ray-Ban Stories. The camera is discreetly mounted in the frame, allowing for hands-free capture of photos and videos, which can be instantly shared to social media or stored in the cloud via the Meta View app.

Audio performance is also a priority. Built-in speakers and microphones enable users to take phone calls, listen to music, or interact with voice assistants. The open-ear design ensures ambient sounds are still audible, making them safe for outdoor use. Battery life is rated at approximately 8 hours of mixed usage, which covers a full day of typical wear. The charging case provides extra power, allowing for multiple recharges.

Perhaps the most exciting feature is the integration of Meta AI. The glasses include a dedicated chatbot that can answer questions, set reminders, and even provide real-time translations across 20 languages. This capabilities leverages the camera and microphones, allowing users to point at objects and ask for information or have conversations translated simultaneously. Meta has been expanding its AI services across its platforms, and the Meta Glasses become one of the most applied, wearable forms of this technology.

Pricing and Availability

Meta has set aggressive pricing for the Meta Glasses: the Adventurer and Fury start at €309, while the Kylie Jenner collaboration is €419. In comparison, the second-generation Meta Ray-Ban starts at €449, and the original Ray-Ban Stories (first generation) is now available at €269. This means the new glasses are positioned as a mid-range option—significantly cheaper than the high-end Ray-Ban models but still above the budget entry point.

Availability is global through Meta's online store, with select retailers also stocking the devices. Color and lens options are vast: buyers can choose from frames in Black Classic, Tortoise Classic, Racing Green, Lin, Bordeaux, Mahogany, and Sand. Lenses are produced by EssilorLuxottica and include options for sun lenses, transition lenses, polarized lenses, and clear prescription lenses. The customization extends to the frame's finish and even the color of the charging case for certain models.

Expanded Market Position and Competitors

With the Meta Glasses, Meta is targeting a broader audience than just tech enthusiasts. By removing the premium branding of Ray-Ban and lowering the price, the company hopes to attract everyday consumers who want smart functionalities without the high cost. The collaboration with Kylie Jenner also brings a strong influencer and fashion element, appealing to younger demographics who prioritize style alongside technology.

The smart glasses market is becoming increasingly competitive. Amazon has its own Echo Frames, and Snapchat has partnered with Spectacles. However, Meta's advantage lies in its deep integration with Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, allowing users to stream live directly from the glasses, answer calls, and send messages without pulling out a phone. The Meta AI suite adds a layer of productivity and novelty that many competitors cannot match.

Industry analysts note that the timing of the launch is strategic. As Apple's Vision Pro has dominated headlines for mixed reality, Meta is quietly building a larger ecosystem of affordable, always-on wearables. The Meta Glasses could serve as a gateway to more immersive experiences later, such as full AR glasses, which Meta is rumored to be developing under the Project Nazare code name.

Privacy concerns remain a factor. The discreet camera has raised questions about recording without consent. Meta has addressed this by including a visible LED indicator when recording or streaming, and by implementing safeguards like the inability to activate the camera while the glasses are in the charging case. Additionally, all recordings are encrypted and processed according to Meta's privacy policy.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

• Camera: 12 MP, 3K video at 30fps, ultra-wide lens
• Audio: Two built-in speakers with 3D audio, beamforming microphones
• Battery: Up to 8 hours average use; charging case provides up to 3 extra full charges
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, support for Meta View app (iOS/Android)
• AI: Meta AI with voice assistant, real-time translation in 20 languages, object recognition
• Water resistance: IPX4 rating (splash proof)
• Weight: Approximately 50 grams (varies by model)
• Lenses: Interchangeable, available with prescription, sun, transition, or polarized options from EssilorLuxottica

Early reviews highlight the comfortable fit and stylish designs. The audio quality is praised for being surprisingly good given the open-ear format. However, some critics note that the camera quality, while serviceable, does not match that of a modern flagship smartphone. The AI features work best in well-lit environments and with clear audio input.

Future Prospects

Meta has not yet announced a release date for its rumored AR glasses, but the Meta Glasses serve as a stepping stone to acclimate users to wearing smart frames. The company is also working on integrating the glasses more seamlessly with its metaverse initiatives, such as Horizon Worlds, potentially allowing for virtual avatars to appear in shared spaces through the glasses' cameras.

For now, consumers can immediately purchase the Meta Glasses from Meta's website. With three distinct styles, competitive pricing, and a strong feature set that includes Meta AI, these glasses represent a mature second-generation smart eyewear product. The inclusion of a Kylie Jenner special edition adds a touch of celebrity allure, ensuring that the glasses will be seen on many cameras—both on the street and on social media.

Source:Linternaute News