The Race for the Next Computing Platform: A Look at the Meta and Apple Rivalry

Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, has unveiled its latest generation of AI powered smart glasses, introducing several new models that feature a built in display and a neural wristband for control. The new product line, announced at the company’s annual Connect conference, marks a significant step toward making augmented reality a part of daily life.

The flagship model is the Meta Ray Ban Display, which includes a small digital display in the right lens. This display allows users to view messages, photos, and live video calls, as well as get turn by turn directions and real time translations. The display is controlled by a new companion accessory, the Meta Neural Band, a wristband that uses electromyography (EMG) to detect subtle finger movements and translate them into commands. This allows for hands free control of the glasses. The Meta Ray Ban Display glasses are priced at $799 and will be available on September 30.

In addition to the display model, Meta also unveiled an updated version of its popular Ray Ban line and a new pair of glasses for athletes. The updated Ray Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses feature a better camera, with the ability to record 3K Ultra HD video, and a significantly improved battery life of up to eight hours. They start at $379. The new Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses are designed for high intensity sports and can integrate with fitness platforms like Garmin and Strava to provide real time workout stats. The Vanguard glasses will be available on October 21 for $499.

Meta's latest product launch is a clear attempt to position the company as a leader in the next generation of computing, with smart glasses seen as the successor to the smartphone. While earlier smart glasses from competitors like Google struggled to find a mainstream audience, Meta has found more success with its fashionable Ray Ban collaborations. The introduction of a display and a neural wristband is an ambitious move that could open up a wide range of new uses for the technology. However, analysts remain cautious about strong initial sales, noting that consumer awareness and product availability are still limited. Meta, for its part, is playing the long game, betting that these models are a key step toward the planned 2027 release of its more advanced "Orion" glasses, which are expected to offer a full augmented reality experience.