At Meta Connect 2025 on September 17, Meta unveiled the Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, its first consumer AR eyewear with a built-in heads-up display (HUD), bundled with the innovative Meta Neural Band for gesture control. Priced at $799 for the set, these glasses represent a major evolution from previous audio-only Ray-Ban Meta models, bridging the gap to full augmented reality while maintaining Ray-Ban’s iconic style.
The Ray-Ban Display features a monocular, full-color 600x600p HUD projected onto the lower right lens, visible only to the wearer with less than 2% light leakage for privacy. It supports apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook, displaying notifications, live captions, real-time translations, turn-by-turn directions, and music controls. The 12MP ultra-wide camera (122° field of view) enables 3K video at 30fps with stabilization, photo previews, and a viewfinder mode. Open-ear speakers and a six-microphone array handle audio, while a touchpad on the arm and voice commands via Meta AI provide additional interaction. Weighing 69g with thicker Wayfarer-style frames in black or sand, the glasses include Transitions® lenses for indoor/outdoor use and support prescriptions from -4.00 to +4.00. Battery life offers 6 hours of mixed use, extending to 30 hours with the charging case.
The standout accessory is the Meta Neural Band, a screenless, water-resistant EMG (electromyography) wristband that detects subtle muscle signals from brain-to-hand gestures—like pinches, swipes, taps, rotations, or virtual d-pad navigation with the thumb—without visible movements. It enables discreet control, even with hands in pockets or behind your back, and supports “air typing” by drawing letters on surfaces (e.g., your leg) for quick replies. With 18 hours of battery life, it fits like a Fitbit and comes in three sizes, making it ideal for seamless, intuitive interactions.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg described it as “the first AI glasses with a high-resolution display and a fully weighted Meta Neural Band,” emphasizing its role in ambient computing. The glasses connect via Bluetooth to iOS or Android devices, integrating with Meta apps for messaging, video calls (with POV sharing), and AI queries. While not full AR like the experimental Orion prototype, it overlays practical info on the real world, such as landmark details or navigation, without obstructing vision.
Available in standard and large frame sizes starting September 30 at select US retailers like Best Buy, LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, and Ray-Ban stores (with global expansion planned), the set includes the glasses and band in shiny black or sand. In-person demos are recommended for fitting. This launch accompanies updates to Gen 2 Ray-Ban Meta glasses ($379, with improved cameras and battery) and Oakley Meta Vanguard performance glasses ($499, launching October 21).
Early reactions are enthusiastic. On X, tech builder Roberto Nickson (@rpnickson) called the Neural Band a “holy sh*t” moment, praising its intuitiveness but noting the display’s learning curve and AI’s room for improvement. Cheddar (@cheddar) shared a demo video, while @LisaInTheTrend highlighted real-time translation features. Hands-on reviews from The Verge and CNET describe it as the “best smart glasses yet,” though bulkier than predecessors, with potential to replace phones for errands once cellular is added. @captainatomIDC (@captainatomIDC) echoed the sentiment, predicting the end of the smartphone era.
Meta’s push into AI wearables, with millions sold since 2023, challenges Apple and Google, betting on neural interfaces for the next computing paradigm. Privacy features like minimal light leakage and gesture subtlety address concerns, but experts note the need for developer access to evolve the platform. As AR evolves, the Ray-Ban Display and Neural Band could redefine daily interactions, blending style with ambient intelligence.
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