Meta Unveils More Affordable AI Smart Glasses Amid Rising Wearables Competition -

Meta has introduced a new line of AI-powered smart glasses priced at $299, as the technology giant seeks to expand its presence in the rapidly growing wearable technology market and respond to increasing competition from rivals.

The new glasses, developed in partnership with eyewear manufacturer EssilorLuxottica, are positioned below Meta’s existing Ray-Ban-branded smart glasses, which start at $379.

Unlike previous models, the latest release will not carry either the Ray-Ban or Oakley brand names.

The smart glasses feature integrated artificial intelligence capabilities, enabling users to take photos and videos, listen to music, make phone calls, access live translation services, and interact with Meta’s AI assistant.

The company said the new model will support live translation in 14 additional languages.

Meta currently offers several smart eyewear products, including Oakley-branded glasses starting at $399 and premium Ray-Ban Display glasses priced at around $800.

According to Alex Himel, Meta’s Vice President of Wearables, the company identified a need for a more affordable product to broaden access to its smart glasses technology and attract a wider consumer base.

The launch comes as competition intensifies in the AI-powered wearables sector. While Meta remains a leading player in the smart glasses market, competitors are accelerating efforts to introduce advanced products.

Earlier this month, Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, unveiled its next-generation augmented reality glasses, called Specs. Unlike Meta’s current offerings, Snap’s glasses are designed to function independently without requiring a smartphone connection and can project digital content directly onto the user’s surroundings.

Snap plans to release Specs later this year with a starting price of $2,195, significantly higher than Meta’s smart glasses lineup.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Apple is also preparing to enter the smart glasses market, with a potential launch expected in 2027.

The company previously introduced its Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, though the device has seen limited commercial success.

Industry analysts view Meta’s latest launch as part of a broader strategy to make AI-powered wearables more accessible while strengthening its position ahead of increasing competition from major technology companies seeking a foothold in the emerging smart eyewear market.-ERMD/TS

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