Imagine casually glancing down to read a message, check walking directions, or translate what someone just said—all on your sunglasses. No screen-pulling, no fumbling. Well, that's exactly what Meta and Ray-Ban just unveiled: smart glasses with a built-in right-lens display, controlled by a gesture-sensing wristband called the Meta Neural Band. Here's what you need to know.
Meta just revealed their latest AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses—officially named Meta Ray-Ban Display.
- Built-in in-lens display on the right lens: full color, high resolution, placed off to the side so it doesn't obstruct your view.
- Lets you do things like: check messages (WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram), get turn-by-turn walking directions, see previews/photos, live video calls, live captions, even translations.
- Meta Neural Band: a wristband using EMG (electromyography) sensors to pick up subtle muscle movements in your arm for gestural control. Think: swipes, pinches, scrolls, even "virtual D-pad" stuff.
Specs, Price & Release Details
Here's the fine print so you know what you're signing up for:
Feature | What it is |
|---|---|
Battery Life | ~6 hours of mixed use on the glasses; the charging case adds extra time (total ~30 hours with case) |
Band Battery | Around 18 hours for the Neural Band |
Durability / Build | Water resistance on the band (IPX7), durable materials, lightweight feel; the display isn't always on to save distraction & battery |
Colors / Styles | Two frame colors: Black and Sand. Band comes in multiple sizes |
Price & Dates | $799 USD for the glasses + Neural Band, available in the U.S. Sept 30, 2025. Other markets (UK, Canada, France, Italy) in early 2026 |
What's exciting:
- This is Meta's first push where visuals show up in the lens, not just audio features.
- The Neural Band opens up gesture UX in natural ways — you don't have to touch the glasses or grab your phone.
- Live captions, translations, navigation—all visible right in your line of sight.
What to watch out for:
- Battery life: 6 hours can go fast, especially with video calls or navigation.
- Visibility & comfort: how the display looks in bright sun or indoors could matter a lot.
- Gesture accuracy: lag or misreads could ruin the experience.
- Privacy & social acceptability: people will wonder when you're recording. Meta includes an LED indicator, but social norms and laws still have catching up to do.
This launch feels like one of those inflection points in wearables:
- If done well, these glasses could reduce "pull-out phone" moments a lot.
- They could push competitors (Apple, Google, others) to speed up their AR/AI mixed-reality moves.
But adoption depends on price, usefulness vs hassle, and design. If people feel silly wearing them, or if gestures feel clunky, the hype could fizzle fast.
Closing Thought
Meta's Ray-Ban Display + Neural Band isn't just another smart gadget—it's a statement: we're heading toward a future where tech blends in (literally) with what you wear. If it works like the demo, it could shift how we think of hands-free, always-on tech. But if not… innovation's always a messy flex.
Drop your thoughts: Is this something you'd wear every day, or just a flashy novelty? Tag us with #ThatsWhatsUPOnline and let's talk smart glass futures.