Meta launches audio-only glasses and Gen 3 Ray-Ban with slimmer designs

Meta today introduced its new Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) smart glasses with a slimmer design and longer battery life alongside a new audio-only lineup, and a new $250 entry-level release. Despite public backlash in recent months, smart glasses continue to explode in popularity and, as it stands, Meta is by far the biggest player in the game. Today’s event further saw the company digging in on its smart glasses success with three new releases. The self-branded Meta Glasses lineup is adding new styles that start at just $249. A new pair of Meta Adventurer glasses will be available with a black frame and grey lenses and a plug-in case. They’re available starting October 23. Next in line is a pair of audio-only glasses, Ray-Ban Meta Audio. Starting at $349 in October, these glasses ditch the camera and, in turn, also deliver a much slimmer form factor. They weigh 43g and run for 12 hours on a single charge (48 hours in the case). Meta says the new hardware features “professional-adjustable temple tips, adjustable or swappable nose pads, and overextension hinges.” Styles include “Clubmaster” and “Burbank” in a variety of frame and lens styles. Beyond that, Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) is available today starting at $449. Meta says to expect longer battery life – 9 hours, an hour longer than Gen 2 – and the same camera capabilities, including 3K video recording. The hardware is slimmer and adds professional-adjustable temple tips. Meta is also launching this latest generation in way more styles, with 27 combinations across “Aviator,” “Wayfarer,” and cateye “Zena” frame styles. You can order Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) now through Meta’s store. Finally, Meta is also upgrading its Display glasses with hands-free navigation, “Hologram” personas for video calls, new apps, notification mirroring from your phone, and Threads integration. Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses are also expanding to the UK, Canada, France, Italy, and Germany, and you can finally order them online in the US, still priced at $799. More on Smart Glasses: As Android XR nears, smart glasses are only getting more popular despite Meta backlash The camera is my favorite part of smart glasses, but it just feels wrong now Meta Ray-Ban update will block the most obvious loophole for disabling the privacy LED Follow Ben: Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.