During its annual Connect conference, Meta revealed a significant lineup of new hardware and software updates, headlined by the introduction of dedicated virtual reality glasses. The company also showcased an audio-only wearable, refreshed its third-generation Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, and detailed upcoming entertainment content for its VR ecosystem.
The flagship announcement, Meta VR Glasses, is slated for release next spring with a price tag of $1,300. Weighing approximately 100 grams, the device is described as five times lighter than the Meta Quest 3. Constructed with magnesium alloy frames and pancake lenses, the glasses feature a tethered puck containing the Snapdragon Reality Elite chipset, storage, and battery. Meta claims the device offers “cinema-grade clarity” with 5K displays, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos spatial audio, and holds the distinction of being the first IMAX Enhanced certified VR device. Battery life supports up to three hours of continuous high-resolution media playback.
Meta positions the glasses as a productivity tool as well as a gaming device. Users can connect to Windows PCs or Macs to utilize virtual keyboards and touchpads. The system supports holographic avatars for video calls on platforms like WhatsApp and Zoom, integrating spatial audio to place voices in virtual locations. Meta AI is embedded into the experience, allowing control via voice, eye tracking, or hand gestures. The device will initially launch with 75 hand-gesture games, while also supporting the broader Quest library via Touch Plus controllers, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and wireless or USB-C connections to other gaming hardware.
In a move to address privacy concerns associated with camera-equipped wearables, Meta introduced the Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses. These lightweight (43-gram) frames lack cameras but include an AI voice assistant, music playback, and voice call capabilities. With up to 12 hours of battery life and a case providing an additional 48 hours, they are available in Clubmaster and Burbank styles. Pre-orders opened immediately with shipping beginning October 13 at a starting price of $349.
Meta also updated its camera-equipped lineup with the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3. The new model features a slimmer design, a dedicated button for Meta AI, and improved battery life of nine hours compared to the previous eight. A six-microphone array claims to reduce background noise by over 90 percent, and the 12MP camera now supports 3K video with upcoming Dolby Atmos spatial audio recording. New styles, including the Aviator and Zena cat-eye frames, are available starting at $449. Limited edition collaborations with Kylie Jenner and Blackpink’s Lisa start at $399.
Additionally, Meta expanded the availability of the Ray-Ban Meta Display glasses in the US, UK, and Canada, with pre-orders opening in Germany, France, and Italy. The company also highlighted a hearing enhancement feature for smart glasses, designed to assist users in noisy environments rather than serve as a medical hearing aid. The feature requires a one-time $149 fee or a Meta One subscription after a 30-day trial.
On the software front, Meta-owned developer Beat Games announced the largest update ever for Beat Saber, coming this spring. The update introduces full hand-tracking support, eliminating the need for controllers, and adds a new single-player mode called Flux with unique powers.
$1,300 is steep for VR glasses. The audio-only Ray-Bans look much more accessible and practical.
Three hours of battery for such a lightweight device? I need to see real-world tests before I believe it.