Key Takeaways

  • EssilorLuxottica and Meta unveiled Ray-Ban Meta Audio and Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 as they expand their AI eyewear portfolio to more than 100 styles by year-end
  • Ray-Ban Meta Audio is a camera-free, prescription-compatible design weighing as little as 43 grams, while Gen 3 adds longer battery life, a customizable AI button and new frame choices
  • New capabilities include Meta's Muse personal AI agent, an FDA-cleared Hearing Enhancement feature in the United States, additional imaging and navigation functions, and broader international availability

EssilorLuxottica and Meta Platforms have expanded their smart eyewear portfolio with a new generation of AI-enabled glasses, including a camera-free audio line and the third generation of Ray-Ban Meta.

Unveiled at Meta Connect, the expanded portfolio includes Ray-Ban Meta Audio, Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 and additional frame styles, along with new AI, hearing and navigation capabilities. The companies said they expect to offer more than 100 styles of AI glasses by the end of the year.

The announcements also underscore the companies’ efforts to broaden the appeal of smart eyewear by combining technology with familiar frame designs, prescription compatibility and additional fit options.

Ray-Ban Meta Audio is a new camera-free line designed around one of the most frequently used features of Ray-Ban Meta glasses: audio. According to the companies, the glasses weigh as little as 43 grams and are the lightest and slimmest AI glasses in their portfolio to date. The design incorporates professionally adjustable temple tips, adjustable or interchangeable nose pads and overextension hinges to improve fit and comfort during extended wear.

Ray-Ban Meta Audio will initially be available in two styles, Clubmaster and Burbank. Both will support a broad range of optical prescriptions, potentially expanding their relevance for patients who require vision correction but are also interested in wearable technology.

The open-ear audio design is intended to provide sound without isolating users from their surroundings.

Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 adds Aviator and Zena styles

The companies also introduced Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3, featuring a slimmer design, increased battery life and a customizable action button that provides direct access to Meta AI.

The Gen 3 collection will be offered in 27 color and lens combinations. Frame options include the Aviator, introduced as the style marks its 90th anniversary, as well as a new cat-eye design called Zena. The Wayfarer will continue to be offered in standard and large sizes. The broader portfolio is also gaining Capri and Nova styles, along with two models developed with LISA, the companies said.

Muse and hearing enhancement among new features

Meta's Muse personal AI agent is slated to become available on the companies’ AI glasses in the United States. The technology is designed to perform tasks through hands-free interactions while users continue engaging with their surroundings.

Additional imaging features include Dynamic Photo and Landscape Crop Mode, while the glasses will also add Dolby Atmos support.

Of particular interest to eye care professionals, the companies are expanding the health-related capabilities of the platform. Hearing Enhancement, described as an FDA-cleared software feature for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, is expected to become available in the United States later this year through either a one-time payment or subscription.

Future features are also expected to include guided workouts, nutrition tools and expanded navigation capabilities, including cycling and public transit directions.

Meta plans to introduce “private processing” for AI glasses later this year as part of its approach to supporting additional AI capabilities while addressing consumer privacy.

International availability expands

EssilorLuxottica is also extending distribution of its AI eyewear portfolio into additional markets. Planned expansion includes Poland, Portugal, Israel, South Africa, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Meta Ray-Ban Display is also expanding internationally, with sales beginning in the United Kingdom and Canada and preorders rolling out in France, Italy and Germany. Initial retail availability will include select locations in Vancouver, Toronto, London, Paris, Milan, Rome, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the companies are seeking to provide smart eyewear that accommodates differences in both personal style and facial fit.

“AI glasses need to match people’s individual sense of style while looking and feeling great on every kind of face,” Mr. Zuckerberg said.