Technology
Meta Unveils Lightweight VR Glasses and Camera-Free Smart Specs at Annual Connect Event
Meta's latest wearables include a new tethered VR headset, privacy-focused audio-only glasses, and upgraded versions of its Ray-Ban smart glasses line.
The Verge
Meta showcased an expanding lineup of wearables and AI features at its annual Connect conference, revealing products designed to push augmented and virtual reality deeper into everyday use.
Lightweight VR Glasses Set for Spring 2027 Launch#
The event's centerpiece was a new set of VR glasses that abandon traditional head-mounted design in favor of a lightweight frame tethered to a pocket-sized computing hub. Weighing just 100 grams—roughly five times lighter than Meta's Quest 3 headset—the glasses feature a 5K micro-OLED display with 2,412 by 2,288 pixels per eye and a 120Hz refresh rate. The tethered puck houses processing power via a Qualcomm Snapdragon Reality Elite chip, alongside 128GB storage and 12GB RAM.
The system supports Meta's full Quest app ecosystem, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and immersive sports experiences. A distinctive "photorealistic" face hologram feature lets users appear as a digital avatar during calls. The glasses can also function as a virtual external monitor when paired with a Mac or Windows computer. Launching spring 2027 at $1,299, they position themselves between the more affordable Ray-Ban Display and Apple's pricier Vision Pro, while claiming the distinction of being the first IMAX-certified VR device.
Privacy-Focused Audio Glasses Arrive Without Cameras#
Meta introduced a deliberately stripped-down version of its Ray-Ban smart glasses: the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, which omits the cameras that have drawn privacy scrutiny. The audio-only model emphasizes music playback, phone calls, and AI assistant interaction through voice commands. At 43 grams, they rank among Meta's lightest wearables, with battery life stretching to 12 hours per charge or 48 hours with the charging case. Available starting October 13th from $349, the glasses come in 23 color and lens configurations.
Refreshed Ray-Ban Line and Budget Expansion#
Meta's core Ray-Ban Meta glasses received their third generation update, stepping up battery endurance to nine hours and introducing a redesigned action button for quicker AI access. An improved six-microphone array attenuates background noise by over 90 percent. The slimmer design ships with 27 frame and lens combinations, including new Zena and Aviator styles, starting at $449.
A more budget-conscious option emerged with a lower-cost Meta Adventurer model launching October 23rd at $249. Meta also expanded customization through a new "Mix & Match" program for frame and lens pairing, alongside fresh style collaborations—including new designs from Lisa of Blackpink and an ivory variant of the Kylie Jenner Starfire frames.
