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Meta Unveils Camera-Free Ray-Ban Meta Audio Glasses at Connect 2026

ai-technology · 2026-04-01

During the Connect 2026 conference on Wednesday, Meta unveiled the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, its inaugural AI glasses without a camera, starting at $349. These glasses weigh 43 grams and provide features such as music playback, phone calls, speech translation, and access to Meta's AI assistant, Muse. Crafted by EssilorLuxottica, they come with adjustable tips, interchangeable nose pads, and a battery life of up to 12 hours, which can be extended to 48 hours using the charging case. Preorders will begin on October 13, and they are available in 23 combinations and two styles. Additionally, Meta revealed the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3), equipped with a 12 MP camera and nine hours of battery life, alongside plans for collaborations with singer Lisa and Kylie Jenner. Other enhancements include Dolby Atmos Capture and customizable controls.

Key facts

  • Meta announced the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, its first camera-free AI glasses, at Connect 2026 on Wednesday.
  • The audio-only glasses start at $349 and are designed by EssilorLuxottica.
  • They weigh 43 grams and offer up to 12 hours of battery life, extending to 48 hours with the charging case.
  • The glasses come in 23 color and lens combinations and two new styles: "Clubmaster" and "Burbank."
  • Preorders begin October 13.
  • Meta also announced the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) with a 12 MP camera, 3K Ultra HD video, six-mic array, and up to nine hours of battery life.
  • New styles for the Gen 3 include Aviator and Zena, alongside the existing Wayfarer.
  • Meta announced a new partnership with singer Lisa, following an earlier partnership with Kylie Jenner.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Meta
  • EssilorLuxottica
  • Ray-Ban
  • Apple
  • International Data Corporation
  • Wired
  • Oakley
  • Counterpoint Research
  • Meta Quest
  • Dezeen

Locations

  • United States
  • Kenya
  • Sweden

Sources