Meta has introduced new smart glasses at its Connect 2026 event, including a camera-free model and updates to its existing hardware lineup. The new Ray-Ban Meta Audio Glasses focus on audio-only functionality, featuring Meta AI, phone call capabilities, and media playback. By removing the camera, the glasses are lighter—weighing 43 grams—and aim to address privacy and harassment concerns raised by previous camera-equipped models. These audio-only versions are available in two styles, Clubmaster and Burbank, with a starting price of $349.
Product LaunchesRay-Ban Meta Audio GlassesMark ZuckerbergMeta
Meta Unveils Audio-Only Smart Glasses and Outlines Superintelligence Vision at Connect 2026
The company also announced refinements to the third-generation Ray-Ban Meta glasses. These models include a sixth microphone for improved call clarity and a battery life of nine hours. The Gen 3 line starts at $449, a price increase from the previous generation. Meta also showcased its "Muse" AI agent, which is expected to be integrated across all its wearable devices to act as a personalized assistant.
In a related strategic move, CEO Mark Zuckerberg released an essay titled "The Path to a Positive AI Future," detailing Meta's philosophy for superintelligence. Zuckerberg argued against the centralization of AI power, advocating instead for the broad distribution of superintelligence to empower individuals. The vision focuses on developing highly capable personal AI agents that assist with tasks ranging from health monitoring to professional productivity, emphasizing that these tools should serve the individual's goals rather than centralized institutional interests.
Sources
- Meta Connect 2026: The biggest news and announcements （The Verge AI, 2026-09-23）
- Meta
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- Meta ditches the camera on its newest smart glasses （The Verge AI, 2026-09-23）