Meta Platforms and EssilorLuxottica on Tuesday announced a new range of lower-cost AI smart glasses, building on the success of their Ray-Ban wearable devices. The new Meta Glasses start at $299, making them significantly more affordable than the $800 Ray-Ban Display glasses launched last year.
First Non-Branded Collaboration
Although built in collaboration with Luxottica, the new range of glasses are the first to not be associated with any of the eyewear firm's popular brands such as Ray-Ban or Oakley. This marks a strategic shift for both companies, aiming to capture a broader market with a more accessible price point.
The glasses come in new colors and shapes, including a rectangle look, and a slim oval frame collection designed in partnership with media personality Kylie Jenner. This collaboration is expected to appeal to younger consumers and fashion-conscious users.
Powered by Meta AI and Muse Spark
The devices are also the first AI glasses from Meta to launch with Meta AI powered by Muse Spark, the first model out of the company's Superintelligence Labs. This integration promises enhanced personal intelligence capabilities, allowing users to interact with AI seamlessly through the glasses.
The Facebook parent has invested billions of dollars in its pursuit of "personal intelligence," betting that advanced gadgets and electronics would bring the benefits of AI to individual users. The new glasses are a key part of this strategy.
Market Impact and Competition
The success of Meta's glasses has spurred other tech companies such as Google and Apple to explore the development of similar devices. According to the International Data Corporation, global smart glass shipments reached 9.6 million units last year, with Meta accounting for about 76.1% of the total.
The Meta Glasses announcement comes a week after Snapchat owner Snap launched a pair of augmented-reality glasses at a hefty price of $2,195. However, Snap's glasses overlay digital content onto a user's real-world view, while Meta's glasses allow display for text and AI interaction, highlighting different use cases and target audiences.
