Connect 2025 Kickoff Highlights

Meta’s annual Connect event opened with CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiling a trio of smart‑eyewear devices that expand the company’s wearable portfolio. The showcase featured the second‑generation Ray‑Ban Meta, the Oakley Meta Vanguard designed for athletes, and the Meta Ray‑Ban Display, the company's first pair of glasses with an augmented‑reality (AR) heads‑up display.

Second‑Generation Ray‑Ban Meta

The new Ray‑Ban Meta retains the three classic frame styles—Wayfarer, Skyler and Headliner—while adding several hardware upgrades. Battery life now reaches up to eight hours of typical use, and the accompanying charging case provides an additional 48 hours of power, up from the previous 32‑hour capacity. A 12‑megapixel camera captures 3K Ultra HD video at 60 frames per second with HDR support, and the device includes 32 GB of storage. Meta announced upcoming software updates that will bring hyperlapse and slow‑motion video capture to this model. Pricing starts at $379.

Oakley Meta Vanguard for Athletes

The Oakley Meta Vanguard is positioned as a rugged, sport‑oriented eyewear option. Its wraparound frames incorporate a centrally placed 12‑megapixel camera with a 122‑degree field of view and adjustable video stabilization, ensuring clear capture while moving. Battery performance has been optimized for a wider temperature range, and the device features louder onboard speakers. Software integrations include Strava and Garmin, catering to fitness enthusiasts. The Vanguard is available for preorder at $499 and will ship on October 21.

Meta Ray‑Ban Display: First AR Glasses

The Meta Ray‑Ban Display introduces a translucent HUD that can show texts, AI prompts, turn‑by‑turn navigation, and video calls. Interaction is facilitated through a dedicated EMG wristband, which enables users to type responses and control the HUD. During the demo, Zuckerberg played music from Spotify, displayed real‑time subtitles, and captured images, though video calling experienced technical glitches. The glasses will be sold through select brick‑and‑mortar retailers—including Best Buy, LensCrafters, Ray‑Ban stores and Verizon—requiring a fitting for the wristband. Pricing is set at $799, with availability beginning September 30 in the United States and expanding to Canada, France, Italy and the United Kingdom early the following year.

Horizon TV: A Unified Quest Entertainment Hub

Closing the keynote, Zuckerberg introduced Horizon TV, a new interface for Quest headsets that aggregates streaming services such as Disney+, Prime Video, Peacock and others into a single, easy‑to‑navigate platform. The announcement also confirmed that Disney+ will join the Quest ecosystem, enhancing the VR headset’s entertainment offerings.

Overall Impact

The announcements signal Meta’s continued push to blend everyday fashion, sport performance, and augmented reality into its wearable lineup while strengthening the Quest platform’s content ecosystem. By improving battery life, camera capabilities, and software integrations, Meta aims to broaden the appeal of smart glasses across both consumer and athletic markets.

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