Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses with display leaked before Connect event
Meta's Next-Gen Smart Glasses Accidentally Revealed Ahead of Connect
Meta has inadvertently unveiled its upcoming lineup of smart glasses prior to its highly anticipated Connect keynote, scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 8 PM ET 1 3. An unlisted video, since removed, from Meta's YouTube channel offered a sneak peek at two significant announcements: a new pair of Ray-Ban branded smart glasses featuring an integrated display and a unique wristband controller, and a new wraparound Oakley Sphaera model 1 2.
The Anticipated Reveal
These new devices represent Meta's continued push into the wearable technology space, aiming to integrate advanced AI and extended reality (XR) capabilities into everyday life 3 4. The official debut of these glasses is expected to be a major highlight of the Connect event, where Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg will host the keynote 1.
Meta Ray-Ban Display Glasses: Codename "Hypernova"
The most prominent leak concerns a new pair of Ray-Ban branded smart glasses, potentially named "Meta Ray-Ban Display," which will incorporate a heads-up display (HUD) 1 2.
Key Features and Functionality
The display, situated in the right lens of the glasses, will allow users to interact with Meta AI, view navigation maps, translate foreign signs, and even "write" replies to chats using hand gestures detected by a wristband 1. This system is designed to offer a seamless, hands-free experience for common digital tasks.
Design and Control Innovations
A crucial component of the "Meta Ray-Ban Display" glasses is an accompanying wristband that employs surface electromyography (sEMG) technology 1 2. This wristband interprets signals from subtle hand and finger movements, enabling precise control over the device without physical buttons 1 2. While these are not full augmented reality (AR) glasses like the "Orion" prototype, they provide a fixed HUD for glanceable information and interaction 2. Early reports suggested a starting price around $800, and the inclusion of a display may increase their weight to approximately 70 grams, compared to the 50 grams of earlier Ray-Ban Meta models 2.
Strategic Partnership and Pricing
The decision to brand these display-enabled glasses with Ray-Ban is significant, especially considering previous reports that EssilorLuxottica, the owner of Ray-Ban, was hesitant due to the increased thickness required for the display components 2. Meta's recent €3 billion investment in EssilorLuxottica, securing a 3% stake, likely influenced this partnership, providing Meta with greater leverage in product branding and potentially opening up EssilorLuxottica's extensive retail network for wider consumer appeal and sales 2.
Oakley Sphaera and HSTN Smart Glasses
In addition to the Ray-Ban display model, Meta's leaked video showcased new Oakley-branded smart glasses, expanding its athletic eyewear line 1 2.
New Oakley Models
The "Sphaera" smart glasses feature a distinctive wraparound design with a camera centrally positioned over the nose, suggesting they might be marketed towards active users and athletes, such as cyclists 1 2. Furthermore, a translucent version of the Oakley HSTN smart glasses is also expected to launch, following the precedent set by last year's translucent Ray-Ban release 1.
The Broader Context of Smart Glasses and AI
These new product leaks underscore Meta's overarching strategy to establish itself as a leader in AI-powered smart glasses, crucial for its vision of the metaverse 3 4.
Future of Wearable AI
Future iterations, including the rumored Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3, are anticipated to feature significant upgrades, such as an advanced Snapdragon AR1+ chipset for enhanced performance and extended battery life 3. These developments are expected to enable more sophisticated "Live AI" features, allowing the glasses' AI to interpret the user's surroundings in real-time, potentially even incorporating capabilities like facial recognition and "super sensing" to recall past objects or locations 3. As the smart glasses market becomes increasingly competitive, with other tech giants and startups also integrating AI and AR into their wearables, Meta's continued innovation aims to solidify its position as a key player in shaping the future of interactive computing and the metaverse 3 4 5.
