Martin Rumenov Meta used Connect 2026 to show where it wants wearable technology to go next. Its announcements ranged from lightweight VR glasses and new Ray-Ban frames to hand-tracked games, immersive films and a glimpse of a pocket-sized AI device.
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Meta VR Glasses lead the show
The headline reveal was Meta VR Glasses, scheduled to arrive next spring for $1,300. At roughly 100 grams, Meta says they are five times lighter than a Quest 3 headset. The glasses use pancake lenses and a magnesium-alloy frame, with full-color passthrough, a 5K display, Dolby Vision support and Dolby Atmos spatial audio.
A tethered puck handles processing, storage and power. It runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Reality Elite chipset and, according to Meta, provides up to three hours of high-resolution media playback. The puck also supports 45W fast charging.
Meta is positioning the glasses for more than watching video. Users will be able to play supported games with hand gestures, use Touch Plus controllers for Quest titles, and stream games through Xbox Cloud Gaming. They can also connect the device to a Windows PC or Mac for work, using a physical keyboard and mouse or virtual controls projected onto a desk.
Voice commands, eye tracking and hand gestures will provide different ways to navigate the device. For video calls, Meta plans to support holographic avatars in services including WhatsApp and Zoom.
Ray-Ban lineup expands
Meta also introduced Ray-Ban Meta Audio, a camera-free pair of smart glasses built around listening and voice interaction. They support calls, music, podcasts and an AI assistant. Meta estimates up to 12 hours of use per charge, with the case providing up to 48 additional hours. Available in Clubmaster and Burbank styles, they start at $349, with shipments scheduled for October 13.
For people who do want a camera, the third-generation Ray-Ban Meta glasses bring a slimmer design, a dedicated Meta AI button and a claimed nine hours of battery life. Their 12MP camera can capture 3K video, while a six-microphone array is designed to improve audio in noisy settings. New frame choices include the Aviator and cat-eye Zena alongside the returning Wayfarer. Prices start at $449.
Meta announced wider availability and new features for Ray-Ban Display as well. The glasses can now be ordered online in the US for $799, with launches or pre-orders also opening in Canada and several European markets. Planned additions include cycling and transit directions, landmark-based walking guidance, phone notifications and support for holographic avatars in WhatsApp calls.
A hearing-enhancement mode is coming to several Meta smart-glasses models. It is intended to make speech easier to follow in noisy places, rather than replace a hearing aid. Meta says the feature will have a 30-day trial, followed by a one-time $149 fee, or access through a Meta One subscription.
VR games get fresh ways to play
Beat Saber is set for what Meta calls its biggest update yet next spring. Hand tracking will let players use their hands instead of controllers, while a new single-player mode, Flux, introduces abilities built around rhythm-based movement. The update will also overhaul the campaign, menus, progression and customization.
VR fitness app Supernatural is due to return to the Meta Horizon Store this fall under an independent development team. Existing points, streaks and badges will carry over to the new app.
Other announced games include Payday: Aces High for Quest 3 and 3S, a mixed-reality version of Tetris Effect, and Two Point Hospital with hand-tracking support. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies is also heading to Meta VR Glasses and Quest next year. Its hand-tracking and voice features will let players point at witnesses and deliver an “Objection!” aloud.
Films, sports and an AI teaser
Meta is expanding its entertainment offerings with 3D films, VR-enhanced versions of selected Disney titles and a new Disney Immersive Cinema by ILM app. It also outlined plans for a larger movie rental and purchase library, nature experiences from National Geographic, and immersive sports broadcasts. Those sports plans include 180-degree, 8K streams and more than 100 live events each year for Meta VR Glasses users through its partnerships.
The keynote ended with a brief look at Muse Charm, a keychain-sized device for Meta’s personal Muse AI agent. It has a small screen, microphones, speakers and a fingerprint sensor, but Meta left most details—including its price and release date—for a later announcement.
