Facebook owner unveils new AI-powered smart glasses

Meta has unveiled a new range of smart glasses powered by its artificial intelligence (AI) tech, as it expands its bet that they will be a must-have accessory for users around the world.

At its annual developers conference “Meta Connect,” the social media giant’s boss, Mark Zuckerberg, announced an array of devices in partnership with sunglasses brands Ray-Ban and Oakley.

The firm also introduced a so-called neural wristband that pairs with its Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses to allow users to carry out tasks like sending messages with small hand gestures.

He called the technology a “huge scientific breakthrough” before an audience of hundreds gathered on the company’s Silicon Valley campus.

The Meta Ray-Ban Display comes with a full-colour high-resolution screen in one lens where users can conduct video calls and see messages. It also features a 12-megapixel camera.

Mr Zuckerberg hopes Meta’s line of smart accessories will be a key platform for integrating its artificial intelligence tool, Meta AI, into people’s lives.

Analysts say smart glasses are likely to be more successful than the firm’s multi-billion dollar Metaverse project – virtual worlds to connect users across digital environments.

“Unlike VR headsets, glasses are an everyday, non-cumbersome form factor,” said Forrester VP, Research Director Mike Proulx.

But, he added, “the onus is on Meta to convince the vast majority of people who don’t own AI glasses that the benefits outweigh the cost.”