FILE PHOTO: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg delivers a speech, as a pair of Ray-Ban smart glasses appear on screen, during the Meta Connect event at the company's headquarters in Menlo Park, California, US.
Credit: Reuters
Though Microsoft was the first major technology company to foray into the mixed reality (MR) segment with its Halo lens, Meta, with its Quest series Augmented Reality (AR) gear, has become a dominant player. To cement its top position in the industry, Meta has collaborated with iconic luxury sunglasses maker Ray-Ban to offer wide variety of smart glasses in different price segments.
Even Apple's Vision Pro hasn't made a big dent in Mark Zuckerberg's owned entity yet. But the upcoming Android XR series from the Google-Samsung joint venture promises to offer stiff competition to Meta's dominant position in the MR sector.
Now, a report has emerged that Meta is working with Ray-Ban to launch new-generation smart glasses with major upgrades next year.
The Financial Times, citing people familiar with Meta's plan, reported that it plans to add a special display to the glasses so that messages can be displayed right in front of the eyes.
With the display on the glasses, there are more use cases than just showing email/phone notifications. It can show directions with turn-by-turn navigation steps to a destination while walking in exotic places during a family trip.
This will further improve the user experience on Meta's Ray-Ban sunglasses.
It should be noted that the special display will not hinder visibility. It will brighten only select important objects such as messages or signs and the rest of the glass will be transparent, so that users can walk on the street without crashing into poles or people.
The current iteration of Ray-Ban (2nd Gen) boasts of advanced sensors, speakers, cameras and trackers.
Earlier this year, Meta rolled out new features including the option to summon Meta AI to answer queries.
The user has to say 'Hey Meta' launch phrase and ask what they’re seeing. The glasses will give helpful answers or suggestions.
The addition of a display on smart glasses will further improve the user experience on 3rd-generation Meta glasses. If things go as planned, the new eye gear will hit stores in the second half of 2025.
Currently, Ray-Ban (2nd Gen) is available in 15 countries including the US, Canada, Australia, and throughout Europe. The price of the latest Ray-Ban (2nd Gen) starts at $299 (approx. Rs 25,474).
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