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Meta Ray-Ban Display

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Meta Ray-Ban Display
Basic Info
VR/AR Augmented Reality
Type AR Glasses
Subtype Standalone AR, Heads-up display
Platform Meta AI
Creator Meta Platforms, EssilorLuxottica
Developer Reality Labs
Manufacturer EssilorLuxottica
Announcement Date September 17, 2025
Release Date September 30, 2025 (United States); early 2026 (Canada, France, Italy, UK)
Price $799 USD (includes glasses and Meta Neural Band), $999 USD with prescription
Website https://www.meta.com/ai-glasses/meta-ray-ban-display/
Versions Standard, Large; Shiny Black, Shiny Sand
Requires Compatible smartphone (iOS 14.4+ or Android 10+) with Meta AI mobile app, Meta account, Internet connection
Predecessor Ray-Ban Meta
System
Operating System Custom Meta AI Platform
Chipset Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1
CPU ARM-based processor
GPU Integrated in Snapdragon AR1
Storage
Storage 32 GB eMMC
Memory 2 GB LPDDR4x RAM
SD Card Slot No
Display
Display Monocular micro-display with reflective geometric waveguide and LCOS micro-projector (right lens only)
Peak Brightness 5,000 nits (adaptive 30-5,000 nits)
Resolution 600 × 600 pixels
Pixel Density 42 pixels per degree (PPD)
Refresh Rate 90 Hz (display), 30 Hz (content)
Image
Field of View 20 degrees
Horizontal FoV 20 degrees
Vertical FoV 20 degrees
Visible FoV 20 degrees
Binocular Overlap N/A (monocular display)
Average Pixel Density 42 PPD
Peak Pixel Density 42 PPD
Foveated Rendering No
Optics
Optics Geometric reflective waveguide with partially reflective mirrors, Transitions adaptive lenses (standard)
Ocularity Monocular
Adjustable Diopter Prescription support: -4.00 to +4.00 (SPH + CYL), up to 4.00 CYL
Passthrough Optical see-through (no video passthrough)
Tracking
Tracking EMG gesture tracking via, Meta Neural Band, IMU for HUD stabilization
Base Stations None
Eye Tracking No
Face Tracking No
Hand Tracking Yes (via Meta Neural Band sEMG)
Body Tracking No
Rotational Tracking No
Positional Tracking No
Audio
Audio Open-ear speakers, spatial audio
Microphone Three-microphone array (6-mic array in some specs)
3.5mm Audio Jack No
Camera 12 megapixel ultra-wide camera with 3× digital zoom
Connectivity
Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Ports USB-C (on charging case)
Wired Video No
Wireless Video Yes (streaming to Facebook, Instagram)
WiFi Wi-Fi 6 (via paired phone)
Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.3/5.7
Power Rechargeable battery integrated in temples
Battery Life 6 hours mixed use (glasses), 18 hours (Meta Neural Band)
Charge Time ~1 hour
Device
Dimensions Temple length: 129 mm (Standard), 135 mm (Large); Frame width: 150 mm; Lens height: 48 mm
Weight 69g (standard), 70g (large); Meta Neural Band: 42g
Material Plastic frame, standard Ray-Ban frame materials
Haptics Wristband haptics (Meta Neural Band)
Color Shiny Black, Shiny Sand
Sensors Accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, ambient light sensor, IMU
Input Voice commands ("Hey Meta"), touch controls on frames, Meta Neural Band gestures
Compliance IPX4 (glasses), IPX7 (Meta Neural Band)
Size Standard, Large


The Meta Ray-Ban Display is a pair of augmented reality smart glasses with a built-in heads-up display (HUD) developed through a partnership between Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook) and EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban. Announced on September 17, 2025, at Meta Connect 2025 by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, these glasses represent Meta's first consumer-ready smart glasses featuring an integrated in-lens display.[1][2] The device launched on September 30, 2025, in the United States at select retail locations.[3]

Overview

The Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses combine traditional eyewear design with advanced artificial intelligence capabilities and a high-resolution display embedded in the right lens using a reflective geometric waveguide and micro-projector technology. Each pair comes bundled with the Meta Neural Band, an electromyography (EMG) wristband that enables gesture-based control of the device through surface electromyography (sEMG) to detect subtle wrist and finger muscle signals.[4]

The glasses are positioned as a bridge between Meta's existing audio-only Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and the experimental Orion AR prototype revealed at Connect 2024, offering everyday augmented reality in a subtle, private interface that lets wearers view notifications, get real-time information, navigate, translate live conversations as captions, listen to music, and capture photos/videos—while keeping their eyes free and their phone in pocket.[5][6]

Meta cites low "~2%" outward light leakage to keep the display private, addressing privacy concerns about visible display content.[7]

History and Development

Background

The Meta Ray-Ban Display represents the evolution of Meta's smart glasses partnership with EssilorLuxottica, which began with the Ray-Ban Stories in 2021 and continued with the Ray-Ban Meta glasses in 2023.[8] The development of the display technology and neural interface represents over a decade of research at Reality Labs, Meta's division focused on virtual reality and augmented reality technologies.[9]

Product Evolution

  • 2021: Ray-Ban Stories (Gen 1) - Focused on photo/video capture and social media sharing
  • 2023: Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) - Added 12MP camera, livestreaming, and Meta AI integration
  • April 2024: Multimodal AI update via computer vision for Ray-Ban Meta
  • June 2025: Oakley Meta glasses for sports and performance users
  • September 2025: Meta Ray-Ban Display with integrated HUD and Neural Band

Neural Band Development

The Meta Neural Band is the product of four years of surface electromyography (sEMG) research involving nearly 200,000 research participants. This extensive dataset allowed Meta to develop machine learning algorithms capable of accurately interpreting muscle signals across diverse users, addressing the significant variance in people's muscle patterns using on-device machine learning.[10]

Technical Specifications

Display Technology

Teardown analysis by iFixit reveals the display system uses a reflective geometric waveguide embedded in the right lens. A micro-projector built into the right temple uses red, green, and blue LEDs to reflect light off an LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) panel into the waveguide, which then directs the image toward the wearer's eye while minimizing outward light leakage.[11][12]

Specification Details
Display Type Monocular micro-display with geometric reflective waveguide (right lens only)
Technology Micro-projector with LCOS panel and three LED light sources
Resolution 600 × 600 pixels[13]
Field of View 20 degrees[14]
Pixel Density 42 pixels per degree (PPD)[15]
Refresh Rate Up to 90 Hz (display), 30 Hz (content)[16]
Brightness 30 - 5,000 nits (adaptive)[17]
Light Leakage ~2% outward leakage for privacy

Hardware

Component Specification
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1[18]
Memory 2 GB LPDDR4x RAM
Storage 32 GB eMMC flash memory (up to 1,000 photos and 100 30-second videos)[19]
Camera 12 megapixel ultra-wide with 3× digital zoom[20]
Photo Resolution 3,024 × 4,032 pixels
Video Resolution 1,440 × 1,920 pixels at 30 fps (1080p)[21]
Audio Open-ear speakers, spatial audio
Microphone 3-6 microphone array (varies by source)[22]
Connectivity Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3/5.7[23]
Water Resistance IPX4 (glasses)

Physical Specifications

Specification Standard Size Large Size
Weight (Glasses) 69 grams 70 grams[24]
Temple Length 129 mm 135 mm
Frame Width 150 mm
Lens Height 48 mm
Colors Shiny Black, Shiny Sand
Lens Type Transitions adaptive lenses (standard)
Prescription Support -4.00 to +4.00 (SPH + CYL), up to 4.00 CYL[25]

Meta Neural Band Specifications

Specification Details
Weight 42 grams[26]
Battery Life Up to 18 hours[27]
Water Resistance IPX7 rating[28]
Sizes Available Small, Medium, Large (adjustable)
Technology Surface electromyography (sEMG)[29]
Material Vectran for durability
Sensors Surface EMG sensors for muscle signal detection

Battery and Power

  • Glasses Battery Life: Up to 6 hours of mixed use[30]
  • Charging Case: Provides additional 24 hours of use (30 hours total)
  • Case Design: Collapsible/foldable for portability
  • Charging: USB-C connection via charging case
  • Charge Time: Approximately 1 hour

Features

Display Capabilities

The Meta Ray-Ban Display offers various visual features through its monocular in-lens HUD:

  • Messaging: View and respond to messages from WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and SMS with private display[31]
  • Navigation: Turn-by-turn pedestrian walking directions with visual maps (beta in select cities)[32]
  • Live Translation: Real-time translation of conversations displayed as captions in-lens, identifying speakers via microphone array
  • Live Captions: Generate real-time captions for conversations, aiding hard-of-hearing users
  • Camera Viewfinder: Real-time preview shots with 3× zoom before capture, with ability to select media on display before sharing
  • Media Control: Display current music playback from Spotify and other services with album art
  • Meta AI Integration: Visual responses to queries with step-by-step instructions (e.g., recipes), real-time descriptions, and self-guided tours[33]

The display activates only on demand, appearing off to the side to minimize obstruction of natural vision.[34]

Gesture Control via Meta Neural Band

The Meta Neural Band enables hands-free control through subtle hand and finger movements detected by sEMG sensors:

  • Pinch: Select, confirm actions, or dismiss screens
  • Thumb Swipe: Navigate through content, scroll through interfaces
  • Flick: Quick navigation between items
  • Wrist Rotation: Adjust volume or zoom
  • Future Capabilities: Text input through finger movements (announced for future updates)[35]

Camera and Media

  • 12 MP ultra-wide camera for photos and videos
  • 3× digital zoom with in-display preview
  • Photo resolution: 3,024 × 4,032 pixels
  • Video recording: 1080p at 30 fps
  • Direct sharing to Facebook and Instagram
  • Two-way video calling capability with screen sharing from glasses' camera view[36]

AI Features

  • Meta AI with Visuals: AI assistant that can provide visual answers and instructions
  • Multimodal Input: Process both visual (through camera) and audio information
  • Object Recognition: Identify objects and provide contextual information
  • Text Recognition: Read and translate text from signs, menus, and documents
  • Live AI: Real-time contextual assistance based on what user is viewing
  • Accessibility Features: Support for users with visual impairments (describing surroundings) and motor challenges[37]

Availability and Pricing

United States Launch

The Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses launched on September 30, 2025, exclusively at select brick-and-mortar retailers in the United States:[38]

Pricing

  • Standard Package: $799 USD (includes glasses and Meta Neural Band)
  • With Prescription: $999 USD (additional $200 for prescription lenses)[39]

International Expansion

Meta announced plans to expand availability to additional markets in early 2026:[40]

Purchase Requirements

Due to the need for proper fitting of both the glasses and Meta Neural Band, purchases require an in-person demonstration and fitting at authorized retailers. Online ordering is not initially available, though some retailers offer waitlist options for out-of-stock items. Meta requires in-store demos to confirm fit and function before purchase.[41][42]

Reception

Critical Response

Early reviews of the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses have been generally positive. Tom's Guide called them "the best smart glasses" they had tested, highlighting the crisp display and intuitive wrist gestures.[43] The Verge praised the waveguide engineering for enabling a private, artifact-reduced HUD.[44]

Critics noted:

  • Premium price point compared to audio-only smart glasses
  • Slightly heavier weight than previous Ray-Ban Meta models
  • High manufacturing complexity affecting repairability
  • Limited prescription range compared to non-display models

Technical Analysis

iFixit's teardown praised the lens engineering—particularly the reflective geometric waveguide—for enabling a private, artifact-reduced HUD, while noting:

  • High manufacturing complexity
  • Low repairability due to adhesives and integrated modules
  • Potential subsidization to reach competitive price points
  • Innovative use of LCOS and waveguide technology[45]

Technical Issues

During the live demonstration at Meta Connect 2025, the glasses experienced technical difficulties, failing to receive a phone call during the presentation. However, other features including music playback, photo capture, and real-time subtitles functioned correctly during the demo.[46]

Supply and Demand

Initial reports indicated that the first stocks in U.S. stores sold out quickly, with demo appointments being booked weeks in advance at many locations.[47]

Privacy and Safety Considerations

Privacy Features

  • LED indicator light that glows when recording video or taking photos
  • Hardware power switch for camera and microphone
  • Encryption and secure device pairing for data protection
  • Low (~2%) outward light leakage from display for privacy[48]

Ethical Concerns

Like previous Ray-Ban Meta glasses, the Display model has raised privacy issues due to its discreet recording capabilities. Concerns include:

  • Small LED indicator may not be sufficiently visible for bystanders
  • Potential for unauthorized surveillance or recording
  • Data storage and processing through Meta's servers
  • Integration with Meta's AI and voice command systems
  • Eavesdropping potential via microphone array

A 2024 study demonstrated that similar smart glasses could potentially be modified for real-time facial recognition, prompting calls for stricter GDPR compliance in Europe. Meta recommends responsible use and provides guidelines for respecting personal boundaries and disabling features in sensitive areas.[49]

Medical Device Warnings

The Meta Neural Band contains magnets and components that emit electromagnetic fields, which could affect nearby electronics and medical devices. Users with implanted medical devices such as pacemakers, hearing aids, or defibrillators are advised to:[50]

  • Maintain safe distance between the device and medical implants
  • Consult healthcare professionals before use
  • Stop using if interference is observed

Data Security

Meta implements encryption and secure pairing between the glasses, Neural Band, and connected smartphone. User data is processed through the Meta AI platform, requiring a Meta account and internet connection for cloud-enabled features.[51]

Comparison with Other Products

Ray-Ban Meta Product Line Evolution

Feature Ray-Ban Stories (Gen 1, 2021) Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2, 2023) Ray-Ban Display (2025)
Display No No Yes (600×600 monocular HUD)
Processor Snapdragon SDA429W Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1
Memory N/A N/A 2 GB LPDDR4x
Storage 4 GB 32 GB 32 GB
Camera Dual 5MP 12MP 12MP with 3× zoom
Battery Life 3 hours 8 hours 6 hours
Neural Band No No Yes (included)
Meta AI No Yes (audio only) Yes (with visual responses)
Price $299 $379 $799

[52][53]

Market Position

The Meta Ray-Ban Display occupies a unique position in the smart glasses market as one of the first consumer products to combine:

  • Traditional eyewear aesthetics
  • Integrated display technology using advanced waveguide optics
  • Neural interface control via EMG
  • Advanced AI capabilities with visual feedback

This positions it between simpler audio-only smart glasses and more advanced (but not yet consumer-ready) AR devices like Meta's Orion prototype or Microsoft HoloLens.[54]

Future Development

Meta has outlined its vision for three distinct categories of AI glasses:[55] 1. Camera AI Glasses: Audio-only devices like Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta 2. Display AI Glasses: Devices with integrated displays like Ray-Ban Display 3. Augmented Reality Glasses: Full AR experiences like the Orion prototype

The company has indicated that future updates to the Meta Ray-Ban Display will include:

  • Text input capabilities through Neural Band finger gestures
  • Expanded third-party app integration
  • Additional language support for translation features
  • Enhanced AI capabilities through software updates
  • Potential for wider prescription range support[56]

Images

See Also

References

  1. ↑ Meta announcement of Ray-Ban Display glasses at Connect 2025. URL: https://about.fb.com/news/2025/09/meta-ray-ban-display-ai-glasses-emg-wristband/
  2. ↑ CNBC coverage of Meta Ray-Ban Display announcement. URL: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/17/zuckerberg-799-meta-ray-ban-display-glasses.html
  3. ↑ Meta Ray-Ban Display official launch information. URL: https://www.meta.com/blog/meta-ray-ban-display-ai-glasses-connect-2025/
  4. ↑ Meta Neural Band technology overview. URL: https://about.fb.com/news/2025/09/meta-ray-ban-display-ai-glasses-emg-wristband/
  5. ↑ Meta's three categories of AI glasses. URL: https://about.fb.com/news/2025/09/meta-ray-ban-display-ai-glasses-emg-wristband/
  6. ↑ Meta Ray-Ban Display feature overview. URL: https://www.meta.com/ai-glasses/meta-ray-ban-display/
  7. ↑ Meta announcement regarding privacy features. URL: https://about.fb.com/news/2025/09/meta-ray-ban-display-ai-glasses-emg-wristband/
  8. ↑ Ray-Ban Meta history. URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray-Ban_Meta
  9. ↑ Meta's investment in AR/VR technology. URL: https://about.fb.com/news/2025/09/meta-ray-ban-display-ai-glasses-emg-wristband/
  10. ↑ Meta Neural Band research and development. URL: https://about.fb.com/news/2025/09/meta-ray-ban-display-ai-glasses-emg-wristband/
  11. ↑ iFixit teardown reveals display technology. URL: https://www.ifixit.com/News/113543/theres-groundbreaking-waveguide-tech-inside-metas-800-ar-glasses-but-dont-count-on-fixing-them
  12. ↑ The Verge reporting on iFixit teardown. URL: https://www.theverge.com/news/797442/ifixit-meta-ray-ban-display-smartglasses-teardown-glass
  13. ↑ Meta Ray-Ban Display technical specifications. URL: https://www.ray-ban.com/usa/l/discover-meta-ray-ban-display
  14. ↑ Field of view specifications. URL: https://www.roadtovr.com/meta-ray-ban-smart-glasses-display-price-release-date-specs/
  15. ↑ Pixel density specifications. URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray-Ban_Meta
  16. ↑ Display refresh rate details. URL: https://www.roadtovr.com/meta-ray-ban-smart-glasses-display-price-release-date-specs/
  17. ↑ Display brightness range. URL: https://www.jotme.io/blog/meta-ray-ban-display
  18. ↑ Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 specifications. URL: https://www.qualcomm.com/products/mobile/snapdragon/xr-vr-ar/snapdragon-ar1-gen-1-platform
  19. ↑ Storage capacity details. URL: https://blocksandfiles.com/2023/10/02/meta-ray-ban-emmc-flash/
  20. ↑ Camera specifications. URL: https://www.roadtovr.com/meta-ray-ban-smart-glasses-display-price-release-date-specs/
  21. ↑ Video recording specifications. URL: https://www.roadtovr.com/meta-ray-ban-smart-glasses-display-price-release-date-specs/
  22. ↑ Audio system specifications. URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray-Ban_Meta
  23. ↑ Wireless connectivity options. URL: https://blocksandfiles.com/2023/10/02/meta-ray-ban-emmc-flash/
  24. ↑ Weight specifications for different sizes. URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray-Ban_Meta
  25. ↑ Prescription lens specifications. URL: https://www.meta.com/ai-glasses/meta-ray-ban-display/
  26. ↑ Meta Neural Band weight. URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray-Ban_Meta
  27. ↑ Neural Band battery specifications. URL: https://about.fb.com/news/2025/09/meta-ray-ban-display-ai-glasses-emg-wristband/
  28. ↑ Water resistance rating. URL: https://www.gsmarena.com/meta_rayban_display_and_rayban_meta_gen_2_smart_glasses_debut-news-69560.php
  29. ↑ EMG technology details. URL: https://techpoint.africa/guide/meta-ray-ban-display-glasses/
  30. ↑ Battery life specifications. URL: https://about.fb.com/news/2025/09/meta-ray-ban-display-ai-glasses-emg-wristband/
  31. ↑ Messaging capabilities. URL: https://www.meta.com/ai-glasses/meta-ray-ban-display/
  32. ↑ Navigation features. URL: https://www.ray-ban.com/usa/l/discover-meta-ray-ban-display
  33. ↑ Meta AI visual features. URL: https://about.fb.com/news/2025/09/meta-ray-ban-display-ai-glasses-emg-wristband/
  34. ↑ Display design philosophy. URL: https://www.theverge.com/tech/779566/meta-ray-ban-display-hands-on-smart-glasses-price-battery-specs
  35. ↑ Gesture control capabilities. URL: https://techpoint.africa/guide/meta-ray-ban-display-glasses/
  36. ↑ Camera and media features. URL: https://www.meta.com/ai-glasses/meta-ray-ban-display/
  37. ↑ AI feature capabilities. URL: https://www.meta.com/ai-glasses/meta-ray-ban-display/
  38. ↑ US launch details. URL: https://www.roadtovr.com/meta-ray-ban-smart-glasses-display-price-release-date-specs/
  39. ↑ Pricing information. URL: https://www.meta.com/ai-glasses/meta-ray-ban-display/
  40. ↑ International expansion plans. URL: https://www.xrtoday.com/augmented-reality/meta-ray-ban-display-glasses-arrive-sept-30-in-the-us-uk-and-europe-must-wait-until-2026/
  41. ↑ Purchase and fitting requirements. URL: https://www.jotme.io/blog/meta-ray-ban-display
  42. ↑ Best Buy purchase flow and requirements. URL: https://www.bestbuy.com/product/meta-ray-ban-display-neural-band--ai-glasses-with-in-lens-display-shiny-frame-standard-band-size-1-black/J3LHRV8TTX
  43. ↑ Tom's Guide review. URL: https://techpoint.africa/guide/meta-ray-ban-display-glasses/
  44. ↑ The Verge hands-on review. URL: https://www.theverge.com/tech/779566/meta-ray-ban-display-hands-on-smart-glasses-price-battery-specs
  45. ↑ iFixit teardown analysis. URL: https://www.ifixit.com/News/113543/theres-groundbreaking-waveguide-tech-inside-metas-800-ar-glasses-but-dont-count-on-fixing-them
  46. ↑ Connect 2025 demonstration issues. URL: https://www.engadget.com/wearables/meta-ray-ban-display-glasses-offer-an-ar-display-for-799-002921925.html
  47. ↑ Supply and demand reports. URL: https://www.jotme.io/blog/meta-ray-ban-display
  48. ↑ Privacy and security features. URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray-Ban_Meta
  49. ↑ Privacy and ethical concerns. URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray-Ban_Meta
  50. ↑ Medical device compatibility warnings. URL: https://www.meta.com/ai-glasses/meta-ray-ban-display/
  51. ↑ Data security measures. URL: https://www.meta.com/ai-glasses/meta-ray-ban-display/
  52. ↑ Product comparison specifications. URL: https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/smart-glasses/ray-ban-meta-ai-glasses-gen-1-vs-gen-2
  53. ↑ Android Central comparison. URL: https://www.androidcentral.com/wearables/meta-ray-ban-display-glasses-vs-ray-ban-meta-gen-2
  54. ↑ Market positioning analysis. URL: https://www.xrtoday.com/augmented-reality/meta-ray-ban-display-glasses-arrive-sept-30-in-the-us-uk-and-europe-must-wait-until-2026/
  55. ↑ Meta's vision for AI glasses categories. URL: https://about.fb.com/news/2025/09/meta-ray-ban-display-ai-glasses-emg-wristband/
  56. ↑ Planned future updates. URL: https://about.fb.com/news/2025/09/meta-ray-ban-display-ai-glasses-emg-wristband/
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