Meta announces hearing enhancement features and updates for smart glasses during Connect event

During the Connect event, held this Wednesday (23rd), Meta unveiled several new features, presenting camera-free smart glasses and other virtual reality devices, in addition to bringing updates to its line of glasses and a new hearing enhancement feature.

The hearing enhancement feature for smart glasses has received approval from the FDA, the United States regulatory agency, and will be gradually rolled out for compatible models in the Meta Glasses series. This feature was created to assist listeners in noisy environments, specifically targeting individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Using this tool does not require a medical prescription and can be configured by the user at home. It can be activated or deactivated using a voice command, by saying 'Hey Meta, start Hearing Enhancement'. The feature will have a thirty-day free trial period, after which it will cost US$ 149 (R$ 790) as a one-time payment or can be included in the Meta One subscription. Meta also stated that this feature is eligible for reimbursement through FSA and HSA programs in the United States, subject to verifying conditions with the user's insurer.

Additionally, Meta launched an update to its main smart glasses with cameras, the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3. This new model has an initial price of US$ 449 (R$ 2,380) and offers up to nine hours of battery life, one hour longer than the previous generation. The glasses feature a slimmer design and a new customizable action button that provides immediate access to Meta AI.

Other improvements include a set of six microphones, which, according to Meta, can reduce over 90% of background noise to optimize audio quality. The 12 MP camera is capable of capturing 3K resolution videos. The company also mentioned that in the future, the AI glasses cameras may be able to record videos with Dolby Atmos spatial audio. An additional function allows taking multiple photos of the same scene, enabling the user to select the best image, with Meta AI being able to suggest which shots are most suitable.

The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 will be offered in 27 color and lens combinations, including two new styles: Aviator, a Ray-Ban classic, and Zena, with a cat-eye frame. The Wayfarer model will remain available. Meta also announced special editions, such as a creamy beige Aviator version with brown Transitions lenses, starting at US$ 579 (R$ 3,070), in limited edition. Furthermore, new partnerships were disclosed with Kylie Jenner and Lisa of Blackpink, with models starting at US$ 399 (R$ 2,110). The company plans to introduce new designs in its collection developed with EssilorLuxottica and aims to expand the presence of glasses in more markets.

More details about the glasses line

Meta also expanded its own line of smart glasses. The Meta Adventurer received a more affordable version, characterized by a black frame, gray lenses, and a fitted case, with an initial price of US$ 249 (R$ 1,320). Pre-orders for this product start immediately, with arrival in stores scheduled for October 23rd.

The Mix & Match program was presented, allowing consumers to customize their glasses by combining different frames, lenses, and case colors. The collection created in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica will gain two new styles, Capri and Nova, while the Kylie Jenner Starfire frame will have a new ivory option. New collections were also announced in partnership with Lisa of Blackpink.

Meta Glasses will begin to be sold in more nations, including Singapore, South Korea, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates. Availability in Brazil will be postponed. Meta also announced the expansion of the Meta Ray-Ban Display, smart glasses with an integrated screen. This product is already available in the UK and Canada and will arrive in France, Italy, and Germany on October 13th. The company will also increase online purchasing options in the United States and these markets.

In the US, the glasses can be purchased online for US$ 799 (R$ 4,230). In the UK, the price is £749, and in Canada, it starts at C$ 1,149. For France, Italy, and Germany, the starting price will be € 899.

Meta is also developing new features for the Ray-Ban Display. Among them are support for cyclist and public transport user guidance in the navigation tool, displaying information directly in the user's vision. The company will also allow the glasses to indicate a conversion based on a visible reference point in front of the user, instead of just providing step-by-step walking instructions.

The Ray-Ban Display will also support holograms in video calls. To create a personal avatar, image capture using the Meta AI app will be required. This feature will first be implemented in WhatsApp calls in the United States, in early access, still this Northern Hemisphere autumn. Additionally, Meta is launching the Explore app, which will provide access to a growing range of experiences designed for the glasses.

The Ray-Ban Display will also receive photo editing functionalities directly on the screen, calendar improvements, and mobile notification synchronization. The company also intends to incorporate the hologram feature seen in its virtual reality glasses into this model. Finally, Meta announced that it is working to integrate Muse, its new artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, into the smart glasses. When available, this agent can perform tasks such as guiding exercises, logging meals, scheduling appointments, and assisting in purchasing items viewed by the user. New capabilities for Muse include video calls with a personalized AI avatar, and Muse agents will have their own email addresses to complete tasks and interact with users.

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tecnoblog.netSeptember 24, 05:42

Meta launches new smart glasses with VR features and camera-less version

Meta unveiled its new smart glasses on Wednesday, September 23rd, introducing the third generation of Ray-Ban Meta, a camera-less model, and the Meta VR Glasses, which succeeds the Meta Quest and aims to compete with the Apple Vision Pro. These innovations were revealed during the Meta Connect event, led by the company's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg.

During the event broadcast, Zuckerberg also announced that the glasses will feature private processing, which promises to enhance security in functions such as automatic translation. Furthermore, the inclusion of the Muse artificial intelligence agent in the smart glasses was confirmed.

There was also an official announcement regarding the arrival of Meta Glasses in the Brazilian market. The third generation of Ray-Ban Meta is already available for purchase on the company's official website, with prices starting at R$ 3,699. The Meta VR Glasses are forecast to launch between March and June 2027, with a cost of US$ 1,299.99, which is equivalent to approximately R$ 6,710 in direct conversion.

The new Ray-Ban Meta Audio model presents a significantly simpler design compared to previous smart glasses versions. This accessory does not have a camera and offers greater autonomy, reaching up to 60 hours (12 continuous hours plus 48 hours in the charging case). Additionally, it is lighter than other products from the brand, weighing only 43 grams. Meta also mentioned the reduction in temple thickness and availability in two styles: Clubmaster and Burbank. Users have the option to install corrective lenses.

The new third-generation Ray-Ban Meta versions have not brought major changes to the hardware aspect. One notable improvement is the addition of a customizable action button, facilitating access to Meta AI. Meta also guaranteed longer battery life.

Regarding design, the line received the new Aviator and Zena models, expanding the possibilities for combining colors, frames, and lenses. These glasses are already available for purchase in Brazil, both at the official Ray-Ban store and national retailers, with prices starting from R$ 3,699.

One of the central points of Meta Connect was the Meta VR Glasses, the company's new virtual reality glasses. This device is considerably lighter than the Meta Quest 3, weighing only 100 grams, about five times less. Although the company has not confirmed whether this model will replace the existing line, its initial proposal is quite similar, offering access to 360-degree content and the functionality to act as a virtual computer, among other capabilities.

The general impression is that the new product comes to meet all the expectations that the competitor Apple Vision Pro had at the time of its launch. During the event, Zuckerberg demonstrated various uses, such as gaming or simultaneous viewing of matches on virtual screens. It was also possible to observe a virtual keyboard operated directly by hand, dispensing with the typical controls of the Meta Quest 3.

The Meta VR Glasses are expected to reach stores between March and June 2027, but there is no confirmation yet of their distribution in Brazil. The suggested price is US$ 1,299, corresponding to about R$ 6,710 in direct conversion, excluding taxes.

The event also served to present software updates. Private processing is one of these advancements, functioning similarly to end-to-end encryption used by WhatsApp. The distinction lies in the fact that the device will execute artificial intelligence on private servers, just as occurs in Muse's Secure VM, ensuring that even the company itself cannot access the processed content in this manner.

Another relevant feature revealed at Connect is auditory assistance, which allows recording real-time interactions to amplify conversation volume. It is important to note that Meta holds FDA certification, the U.S. agency equivalent to Brazil's Anvisa, which allows this technology to be offered as a solution for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. This novelty costs US$ 150, which is equivalent to approximately R$ 775.

olhardigital.com.brSeptember 24, 03:21

Meta launches camera-free smart glasses, Ray-Ban Meta Audio, in response to privacy concerns

On Wednesday, the 23rd, during the Connect 2026 conference, Meta unveiled its first smart glasses equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) and devoid of a camera. These new devices, named Ray-Ban Meta Audio, were designed to mitigate concerns raised about the more controversial uses of the company's AI glasses.

Unlike other models offered by the company, the Ray-Ban Meta Audio operate solely with audio functionalities. They allow users to listen to music and podcasts, make calls, translate speech, and interact with Meta's AI assistant, known as Muse.

The development of this product was carried out in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, Meta's partner in AI-focused hardware projects. The initial price set for the device is US$ 349 (equivalent to R$ 1,850).

Statement on the new product category

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg commented during the presentation that after developing the idea, the company identified the possibility of creating a new line of products centered on audio glasses. He asked the public: 'Once you get used to high-quality audio, it's simply something you want all the time, right?'

The decision to eliminate cameras also helped Meta design a thinner device compared to its previous models. The Ray-Ban Meta Audio weighs 43 grams and includes adjustable arms, replaceable nose pads, and hinges with protection against excessive stretching.

Battery life can reach 12 hours on a single charge, according to Meta. When used with the provided charging case, this duration can be extended up to 48 hours. The glasses will be available in various color options and combinations, totaling 23 color and lens arrangements, in addition to two new frame designs.

Among the new styles are the Clubmaster, which recalls the retro look of Ray-Ban models, and the Burbank, characterized as a classic and timeless rectangular frame. As with other Meta smart glasses, the Ray-Ban Meta Audio can be ordered with corrective lenses, if necessary.

Pre-sales of these glasses will begin on October 13th.

Next Generation with Camera

In addition to the camera-free glasses, Meta also presented the next version of its smart glasses equipped with a camera, the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3). This line will maintain the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer model and introduce two new styles: Aviator and Zena, the latter featuring a frame shape closer to a cat-eye style.

The renewed models will feature a 12 MP camera capable of recording videos in 3K Ultra HD resolution, along with a six-microphone system and a battery that lasts up to nine hours. The glasses, developed by Meta in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, will also receive an increase in the variety of available colors and styles.

The company also announced a new collaboration with singer Lisa, following a previous work with Kylie Jenner. Meta reported that the glasses will be launched in more countries globally. All of Meta's AI smart glasses will have access to Muse, the company's new AI personal assistant.

Meta anticipated several features that will be implemented in the devices. Innovations include Dolby Atmos Capture, a function that selects the best image among multiple captured frames, and the option to choose between landscape and portrait formats. The company is also working on auditory enhancement features for people with hearing impairments, more detailed responses, different audio modes, and customizable controls.

Another highlighted feature is the so-called 'private processing,' which, according to Meta, prevents the company itself from accessing user data.