Meta is gearing up to enhance its popular Ray-Ban smart glasses with a significant technological leap. According to a report by the Financial Times, the upcoming version, set to be released in 2025, will feature an integrated virtual display. This development positions Meta to strengthen its foothold in a market that is attracting major players like Samsung and Google. A New Era for Ray-Ban Smart Glasses Since their initial launch, Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have gained widespread acclaim for seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with timeless style. Equipped with voice assistant capabilities, users can send messages, make calls, and manage various functions hands-free. Built-in speakers allow users to hear notifications and messages without headphones, while touch-sensitive controls on the frame enable effortless media playback and call management. Top 7 Gaming Earphones of 2024: Must-Have Picks for Gamers The integration of a display marks a substantial upgrade to the existing features. Currently, the glasses connect to smartphones via Bluetooth, providing audio-based notifications and interactions. Some models even include a discreet camera for photo and video capture. However, the lack of a visual display has been a limitation — one that the third-generation glasses are poised to overcome. What to Expect from the 2025 Model The addition of a display will transform the user experience. Beyond showing notifications and interacting with Meta’s AI, the display could offer navigation directions, fitness tracking data, and other real-time information. This hands-free functionality would cater to both tech enthusiasts and those seeking practical applications in daily life. The new model is expected to launch in the latter half of 2025, according to Financial Times. By integrating advanced AI features and an interactive display, Meta aims to maintain its competitive edge as Samsung and Google prepare to enter the smart glasses market with AI-powered innovations. Enter Meta’s Orion AR Glasses Meta’s ambitions extend beyond Ray-Ban smart glasses. In September 2024, the company unveiled Orion, a cutting-edge AR device likened to the fictional face computers seen in Marvel’s Iron Man. Orion boasts the largest field of view in the smallest AR glasses form factor to date, capable of performing tasks such as multitasking windows, immersive entertainment, and life-size holographic interactions. Albanian prime minister says TikTok ban was not a 'rushed reaction to a single incident' This device represents a leap forward in augmented reality, merging digital content with the physical world in a lightweight, versatile design. Meta envisions Orion as a tool for both personal and professional use, enabling remote face-to-face connections. While currently in the prototype stage, Orion is slated for commercial release in 2027. Rising Competition in the Smart Glasses Market For years, Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses faced little competition. However, the landscape is changing as tech giants like Samsung and Google gear up to launch their own products. These companies are likely to incorporate advanced AI capabilities, further intensifying the competition. By advancing the Ray-Ban smart glasses and preparing Orion for the market, Meta is clearly committed to staying ahead in the race. The integration of display technology into the Ray-Ban glasses represents a critical step in this strategy, ensuring that Meta continues to lead the way in wearable tech innovation. As the world moves closer to a future dominated by augmented reality, Meta’s advancements signal exciting times ahead for both consumers and the tech industry. Source: With inputs from Financial Times and India Today