Meta has once again placed its smart glasses at the heart of its strategy during the Meta Connect event. The most eye-catching new product is the Ray-Ban Meta Audio family, a model that retains artificial intelligence, audio, and call capabilities, but completely forgoes a camera.
The decision is not accidental. The company's camera glasses have become popular, but they have also drawn criticism for their potential use in recording others without permission. With this launch, Meta is trying to separate two concepts that until now have gone hand in hand: one thing is having an AI assistant always available, and quite another is walking around with a camera on.
Ray-Ban Meta Audio: camera-less artificial intelligence
The Ray-Ban Meta Audio are designed for listening to music or podcasts, taking calls, and talking to Meta AI without taking your phone out of your pocket. Since they don't include a camera sensor, they are lighter and more discreet than the camera versions , to the point of resembling ordinary glasses.
Meta claims they weigh 43 grams and promise up to 12 hours of continuous use, plus an additional 48 hours thanks to the charging case. They come in two frame styles, Clubmaster and Burbank, with numerous lens and color combinations, and are compatible with prescription lenses . The international price starts at $349, approximately €307 , and they are expected to be available on October 13.
Functionally, the device uses open-ear audio to avoid isolating the wearer from their surroundings, incorporates noise-canceling microphones, and allows users to check notifications, translate conversations, or request directions. Everything is controlled via voice commands or the touch panel on the mount. The promise is a comfortable wearable for all-day use, without image recording.
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3: the camera remains the star
Meta hasn't abandoned camera sunglasses. The third generation of Ray-Ban Meta retains photo and video capture, adds a 12-megapixel camera with 3K recording, and improves audio with six microphones. The goal is for calls and voice commands to work better even in noisy or windy conditions.
These glasses also boast increased battery life up to 9 hours, incorporate an action button to activate Meta AI, and add new designs like Aviator and Zena, in addition to the classic Wayfarer. Their starting price is $449, approximately €395, and they continue to focus on capturing photos and videos from the wearer's perspective. The company thus maintains two distinct approaches: a visual version and an audio-focused one.
Muse, hearing aids, and more AI-powered glasses
Meta's offering goes beyond just two models. The company aims to surpass 100 styles across Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Meta Glasses, with new models, strategic partnerships , new frames, collaborations, and customization options. The Meta Ray-Ban Display model is also part of the catalog, with stable availability and features like navigation and notifications. The goal is to transform glasses into a common gateway to AI.
The Muse assistant will be coming to glasses in the coming months. It will be voice-activated, understand the user's visual context, and help with everyday tasks such as looking up a product, reading a sign, or managing reminders. Meta wants AI to move beyond relying on the mobile phone screen.
Another significant new feature is the FDA-approved hearing aid function for mild to moderate hearing loss. It doesn't require buying new glasses, but rather a software update for compatible models, with a one-time payment of $149,99 (approximately €132). The goal is to make discreet hearing aids more accessible to a wider range of users.
Meta also showcased its Meta VR Glasses, virtual reality glasses that are much lighter than traditional headsets. They weigh around 100 grams, use a 5K micro OLED display, a Snapdragon Reality Elite chip, and are slated for release in spring 2027. Their announced price is $1.299,99. They are a different product, but they reinforce Meta's commitment to spatial computing.
Meta's move paints a clear picture: the company wants its smart glasses to be an everyday accessory, not just a recording gadget. The new camera-less model attempts to address social and regulatory concerns, while the camera-equipped generation continues to evolve for those who prioritize capturing moments. The key will be whether the public accepts these glasses as commonplace or whether privacy concerns outweigh the benefits of AI.
