Starting at $299, pre-orders for the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are open now. The glasses will be available for purchase online and in retail stores starting October 17 in select countries.

Meta (NASDAQ: META) and Ray-Ban are set to launch the second-generation of their smart glasses in October, offering an array of advanced features. These AI-powered sunglasses, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, are designed to enhance the way people document special moments and interact with technology. They come equipped with a 12MP camera, built-in speakers, and a five-microphone system. Wearers can livestream, listen to music, send messages, and make calls via social media platforms, providing a seamless multimedia experience.

One of the standout features of these glasses is the improved camera, capable of capturing photos and recording 1080p videos up to 60 seconds in length. The audio quality has also received an upgrade, with extended bass, higher maximum volume options, and directional speakers for an enhanced listening experience. (FOX Business)

Meta has integrated its artificial intelligence assistant, Meta AI, into these smart glasses, enabling hands-free control through voice commands like “Hey Meta.” This allows users to perform various tasks and control settings effortlessly. Additionally, customers have a wide range of frame and lens customization options, with over 150 combinations available, including the possibility to equip prescription lenses.

The glasses boast a maximum battery life of 36 hours, an upgraded processor, and a slimmer, lighter design. With a starting price of $299, they offer an attractive package for tech-savvy individuals.

Meta’s partnership with EssilorLuxottica (EPA: EL), Ray-Ban’s parent company, has been instrumental in bringing these innovations to life. The first-generation Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses were launched in 2021, providing customers with 20 style combinations.

The global smart glasses market is on the rise, with an estimated value of $218.9 million in 2022 and expected compound annual growth of 9.5% from 2023 to 2028. These smart glasses, which incorporate augmented reality (AR) displays, are gaining popularity among Millennials and Gen Z consumers as they offer smartphone-like functionality in a wearable form.

Pre-orders are open now on meta.com and ray-ban.com, and the smart glasses will be available for purchase online and in retail stores starting October 17.

Competitors in the smart glasses market include well-known tech manufacturers like Bose, Razer, and Lenovo, alongside smaller brands catering to this emerging niche market. The future of smart glasses appears promising, with investments and growing consumer interest driving its expansion.

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