Meta Platforms has unveiled two new Ray-Ban prescription smart glasses, marking an expansion in a product category that’s proving to be a notable success in the burgeoning field of AI-powered gadgets.
Available for pre-order in the US starting at $499, these new glasses aim to cater to the needs of prescription eyewear users. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg highlighted the significant market potential, stating in January that “billions of people wear glasses or contacts for vision correction.”
Meta announced that the new models, Ray-Ban Meta Blayzer Optics and Ray-Ban Meta Scriber Optics, will be available at optical retailers across the US and in select international markets starting April 14.
These models boast features such as overextension hinges, interchangeable nose pads, and optician-adjustable temple tips, ensuring a comfortable and personalized fit for diverse face shapes.
Meta’s stock experienced a surge of nearly 4 percent in morning trading, though it has seen a decrease of approximately 19 percent year-to-date.
The parent company of Facebook is investing heavily – hundreds of billions of dollars – in its pursuit of “personal superintelligence,” aiming to bring the benefits of AI to individual users through advanced gadgets and other products. Meta collaborates with EssilorLuxottica, the owner of Ray-Ban, in the development of its AI glasses.
According to Ramon Llamas, research director at International Data Corporation, global smart glasses shipments reached 9.6 million units last year, with Meta capturing about 76.1 percent of the market share. Projections estimate that global smart glasses shipments will reach 13.4 million units in 2026.
Last year, the social media giant launched the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses at $799, its first model featuring a built-in display. This innovation allows users to read messages, receive navigation directions, and interact with AI services without relying on a phone.
However, Meta recently delayed the global rollout of the Display model due to supply shortages and high demand. The Display smart glasses are also available with prescription lenses for an additional $200.
Snap, a smaller competitor, has created a separate subsidiary for its augmented reality smart glasses and is preparing to launch the product for consumers. Meanwhile, Google has partnered with Warby Parker to introduce AI glasses. (Reuters)
