Meta’s Got New Smart Glasses at a Lower Price, Plus a Kylie Jenner Look
Meta is launching a new line of “Meta Glasses” starting at $299 to maintain its dominance in the wearable tech market ahead of fall releases from Google and Samsung. According to market researcher IDC, Meta’s Ray-Ban lineup accounted for 69% of smart glasses shipments in the first quarter of 2024, representing a 167% year-over-year increase.
Why is Meta lowering the price of its smart glasses?
Meta is introducing a lower entry price to capture a broader consumer base before competitors like Apple, Google, and Samsung launch their own hardware. The new Meta-branded glasses start at $299, a significant drop from the $379 price tag of Ray-Ban Gen 2 models and the $499 cost of the Ray-Ban Scriber and Blazer Optics glasses launched this spring.
While these glasses are still manufactured by Essilor Luxottica and sold through the same retail channels, they strip away the Ray-Ban and Oakley branding. This shift allows Meta to compete on price while maintaining the same core feature set, including battery life and camera quality found in previous Gen 2 models.
How do the new Meta Glasses models differ?
The new lineup focuses on aesthetic variety to appeal to different demographics. Meta introduced the “Fury,” a chunky-frame model similar to the Ray-Ban Display glasses but without the displays, and the “Adventurer,” a more compact design that mirrors the Ray-Ban look without the official branding.
Meta is also leveraging celebrity influence with the Meta Starfire Kylie Edition. These glasses feature horizontal oval lenses, a mirrored charging case with a built-in vanity mirror, and a small gem embedded in one lens. While Meta hasn’t disclosed the exact price for the Jenner edition, it’s positioned as a premium product compared to the base $299 models.
Comparison of Current Meta Glass Pricing
| Model | Starting Price | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Meta Glasses (Base) | $299 | Entry-level pricing |
| Ray-Ban Gen 2 | $379 | Brand prestige |
| Ray-Ban Scriber/Blazer | $499 | Dual camera/AI rocker |
What AI features and technical upgrades are included?
The new hardware includes the dual camera and AI rocker button previously seen on the Scriber and Blazer models. Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth confirmed that the glasses now support turn-by-turn navigation and translation for 14 different languages.
Meta is also expanding accessibility for users with vision correction. According to Bosworth, the new lenses support prescriptions ranging from -12 to +2.5, and the process for adding these lenses after purchase has been simplified.
However, the AI remains limited. Bosworth acknowledged that current AI services lack deep integration with phone apps. He hinted that “agentic” AI capabilities—AI that can perform tasks autonomously—may be announced at the Meta Connect conference in September. Meta’s official updates typically align with these seasonal events.
Who are the main competitors in the smart glasses market?
Meta faces a crowded field this fall. Google, Samsung, Warby Parker, Gentle Monster, and Xreal are all preparing first-generation smart glasses for release. Apple is also expected to enter the market next year, which increases the pressure on Meta to solidify its ecosystem.
Meta’s head of wearables, Alex Himel, stated that the company is focused on matching the “2024 state of the art” regarding camera quality compared to smartphones. Himel also noted that Meta is exploring software tools for post-camera processing to keep their hardware competitive.
Despite the hardware push, privacy remains a hurdle. Meta has faced criticism over cameras that can record without clear consent. During a recent Q&A, Bosworth indicated that Meta is not currently planning significant design changes to address these privacy concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do the new Meta Glasses cost?
They start at $299, making them cheaper than the Ray-Ban and Oakley branded versions.
Can I get prescription lenses for Meta Glasses?
Yes. Meta supports prescriptions from -12 to +2.5, and lenses can be added more easily after purchase.
Do the new glasses have a screen?
The standard Meta Glasses and the “Fury” model do not have displays; they rely on AI audio and camera functions.
Who is the celebrity partner for the new line?
Kylie Jenner has a signature “Starfire” edition featuring mirrored cases and a gem-embedded lens.
What do you think about the $299 price point? Does it make smart glasses a viable daily accessory for you, or are the privacy concerns still too high? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more wearable tech updates.