Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 3 hrs ago
Meta is betting on smart glasses as the next personal computer
Meta is betting that glasses can become a new kind of personal computer.
Its plans include VR glasses due next spring and camera-free Ray-Ban audio glasses launching Tuesday.
The VR glasses are designed for work and entertainment, letting users view multiple screens, watch films and experience immersive concert footage.
They cost about $1,300 and connect by wire to a separate computing module.
The audio glasses are meant for everyday use, with speakers and microphones for calls, music, directions and Meta’s AI assistant.
Meta’s earlier metaverse ambitions largely failed, and privacy concerns have led to bans and public opposition to some smart glasses.
Meta hopes AI, lighter designs and better displays will win over consumers, though the sources do not say how the products will sell.
Meta is betting that smart glasses can become the next version of the personal computer.
The company plans to launch camera-free Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses and new VR glasses.
Meta says the VR glasses can support work, games and films, while the audio glasses can handle some smartphone tasks.
The new VR glasses are priced at about $1,300 and weigh about 3.5 ounces, with computing components in a separate module.
Meta’s plans face privacy concerns that have prompted bans and global pushback.
- Who
- Meta is developing the glasses. Ryan Cairns and Alex Himel are Meta executives quoted in the article.
- What
- Meta is betting on smart glasses as a future personal computing platform, including camera-free audio glasses and new VR glasses.
- When
- The article was published on October 13, 2026. The audio glasses were due to launch Tuesday, and the VR glasses in spring.
- Where
- CNN tried the VR glasses at Meta’s offices in New York.
- Why
- Meta believes AI, stylish designs and improved display technology can make the glasses appealing and expand how and where people use computers.
Meta
Privacy critics
Privacy and use
Meta
Meta is betting that AI, stylish designs and advanced displays will make its glasses appealing.
Privacy critics
The article says widespread privacy concerns have prompted bans and global pushback.
Amazon began selling Alexa-enabled smart glasses with microphones and speakers.
Meta decided it wanted to launch audio-only AI glasses in 2026, according to Alex Himel.
Meta launched an upgraded version of its camera-equipped Ray-Ban Meta glasses, called the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3.
Meta’s camera-free Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses were due to launch.
Meta’s new VR glasses were due to launch.
- VR glasses price
- About $1,300
- VR glasses weight
- About 3.5 ounces
- VR glasses computing components
- Stored in a separate module attached by a wire
- Audio glasses features
- Speakers and microphones; no camera
- CNN test location
- Meta’s offices in New York
What people are saying
I can put VR glasses on in the plane and basically have like three monitors’ worth of work in front of me.
Sources
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