Meta’s $799 Ray-Ban Smart Glasses: A Major Leap from VR to AR
▼ Summary
– Meta announced the Meta Ray-Ban Display AR glasses, available starting September 30 for $799, shifting focus from last year’s Orion prototype.
– The Ray-Ban Display features a 600×600 resolution, 30 Hz refresh rate, and a 20-degree field of view, which is less advanced than the Orion prototype’s capabilities.
– The glasses offer a high pixel density of 42 PPD and a bright 5,000 nit display, enhanced by Transitions lenses for outdoor visibility.
– They are lightweight at 70 grams and have a slim form factor, making them more comfortable and less bulky than VR or MR headsets.
– The glasses integrate a neural interface wristband for menu navigation via wrist muscle movements, eliminating the need for controllers or voice commands.
Meta’s latest wearable tech, the Ray-Ban Display AR glasses, marks a significant step toward mainstream augmented reality. Priced at $799 and available from September 30, these glasses represent Meta’s first commercial offering with an integrated display, signaling a shift from VR-centric hardware toward more accessible, everyday AR devices.
While the display itself is modest, a 600×600 resolution square updating at 30 Hz and occupying only a 20-degree portion of the right lens, it still offers a surprisingly sharp image. With 42 pixels per degree, the visual clarity surpasses that of the Meta Quest 3, which maxes out around 25 PPD. Early hands-on reviews praise the bright 5,000-nit screen, which remains visible even in direct sunlight thanks to Transitions lenses that adapt to lighting conditions.
One of the most appealing aspects of these smart glasses is their lightweight design. Weighing just 70 grams, they’re far more comfortable for all-day wear compared to bulkier mixed reality headsets like the Quest 3 or Apple Vision Pro. The slim profile avoids the awkwardness of earlier experiments like Google Glass, though the frame is slightly thicker than standard sunglasses.
Battery life is reported at around six hours, and the glasses come with a foldable charging case for convenience. While not designed for extended immersive sessions, this makes them suitable for shorter bursts of use throughout the day.
A notable feature is the integration of Meta’s neural interface wristband, which detects subtle wrist muscle movements to navigate menus and make selections. This offers a discreet alternative to voice commands or handheld controllers, especially useful in noisy or public settings. However, the glasses lack the advanced hand-tracking and holographic effects demonstrated in last year’s Orion prototype, reminding us that consumer-ready AR is still in its early stages.
Overall, Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses provide a practical, stylish entry into augmented reality, balancing functionality with wearability, a clear move toward blending digital experiences seamlessly into daily life.
(Source: Ars Technica)
