Meta Unveils 100g VR Glasses and Camera-Free Audio Smart Glasses
Meta released a lightweight VR headset and privacy-focused audio glasses at its Connect event, with prices starting at $249.
Key points
- Meta VR Glasses weigh 100g, cost $1,299, and launch in spring 2027 with a tethered compute puck.
- New Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses feature no cameras, weigh 43g, and cost $349 starting October 13.
- The budget Meta Adventurer model starts at $249, offering a lower-cost entry point into smart glasses.
Meta announced a new lineup of smart wearables during its Connect event on Wednesday. The central announcement is the Meta VR Glasses, a lightweight headset that replaces bulky straps with a tethered compute puck.
The company also introduced screen-free audio glasses and updated versions of its Ray-Ban partnership models. These new devices aim to balance advanced virtual reality features with everyday wearability and lower privacy risks.
Lightweight VR Headset Design
The VR Glasses weigh only 100 grams, making them five times lighter than the Quest 3. They connect via a thin cable to a pocket-sized puck containing the battery and processor. This design removes the need for heavy head straps typically found on virtual reality headsets.
The display offers a 5K resolution per eye with a 120Hz refresh rate. Users can connect the device to a laptop to use it as a virtual external monitor. The glasses also support the full Quest app catalog and Xbox Cloud Gaming services.
Privacy-Focused Audio Options
Meta launched the Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses, which lack built-in cameras entirely. This design choice addresses privacy concerns associated with recording devices. The glasses weigh just 43 grams and provide up to 12 hours of battery life per charge.
These audio-only frames are available in 23 different color and lens combinations. They are priced starting at $349 and are scheduled to launch on October 13th. This model focuses on music, calls, and AI assistant interactions without visual recording capabilities.
Pricing and Launch Dates
The Meta VR Glasses will arrive in spring 2027 for $1,299. This price point is higher than the Ray-Ban Display model but lower than the Apple Vision Pro. The device includes 128GB of storage and 12GB of RAM for smooth performance.
A more affordable Meta Adventurer model starts at $249 and launches on October 23rd. The updated Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 glasses begin at $449. The Verge noted that these new options expand the range of smart eyewear available to consumers.
