Meta's AI-Powered Smart Glasses: A Step Towards Superintelligence?

Meta Has the Right Smart Glasses. Let Someone Else Handle the AI

At Wednesday's Meta Connect event, Meta got to show off its hardware prowess. The new Meta Ray-Bans Gen 2 are getting a fancy new neural wristband to support hand gestures, along with twice the battery life of its predecessor and better cameras. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and artist Diplo showed off the sporty Oakley Vanguard smart glasses by literally running off stage at the end of the event to reach the after-party. But one area where Meta did not get to strut its stuff is artificial intelligence. At first glance, the tech giant should've been well-equipped to compete with the likes of OpenAI and Google in the race to develop the most advanced AI models. But Meta Connect only highlighted how its AI is still far from Zuckerberg's goal of "superintelligence." It may not even meet the bar of "intelligence." Don't miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source. During the event, Zuckerberg introduced a number of new AI features, including one called Live AI. Meta turned to Jack Mancuso (known as Chef Cuso) to showcase how he could use Live AI to get live cooking instructions from his glasses based on the ingredients it saw on the table. But the AI couldn't recover after Mancuso interrupted it, saying to add ingredients to a base mixture he clearly hadn't made yet. There were two other live demo fails, one showing integrated WhatsApp calls and the other for AI-powered live translations (though this one eventually worked). I'm not trying to pick on the live demos -- I will always prefer to see a feature running in real time during a tech event -- but three fails aren't great. Despite those, the keynote got me thinking about the difference between the quality of the hardware and the software -- and what could be done to improve the latter and give Meta an edge over OpenAI and Google. As more AI gets continually added to smart glasses' software, it's becoming more likely that if you want to use AI without a laptop or phone, you'll use it through your glasses. It's certainly something Zuckerberg, seller of smart glasses, believes, as he told analysts recently that anyone who doesn't use smart glasses may be at "a significant cognitive disadvantage" in the future. That should put Meta in a great spot to dominate, but the AI has to work. That's where Meta struggles, so the company ought to consider using another AI. This would give Meta and its smart glasses users a couple of advantages. For one, the AI hardware market is mostly still in its infancy. The Rabbit R1 device and Humane's Friend pendant have been interesting novelties, but they haven't become staples in anyone's daily life. If Meta can get the AI in its smart glasses to actually work, it has a great chance of dominating the market, from an AI hardware perspective. OpenAI might count Jony Ive, the former Apple iPhone designer, among its ranks now, but it still doesn't have any imminent plans to release a standalone device. Google's own path in this area seems to be focused on partnerships, like with Samsung and Xreal. For smart glasses users, having more choices is always going to be better than none. The possibility of being able to select and use your preferred AI might make purchasing an expensive, if not totally essential, device more appealing. A walled-garden approach means Meta can keep all of its development and revenue private internally. It's an approach that has certainly worked for other tech companies, like Apple (though European regulators have criticized such moves). And Meta does seem to realize its AI needs work, since it recently spent billions of dollars to poach top AI scientists from other tech companies, though we have yet to see any results. As Meta continues to move away from its open source-focused origins and toward "taking superintelligence seriously," as Zuckerberg proclaimed in the keynote, it's hard not to wonder about the possibilities. Even if it isn't immediately feasible, there is a wealth of opportunities that could spring up if Meta were open to moving toward AI-agnostic smart glasses. At the very least, Zuckerberg might have a better shot of avoiding embarrassing demo fails. Do I think Meta will open up the AI in its hardware to other AI companies? No. But would the move give Meta its long-awaited edge in the AI race? It's certainly not the worst idea.

Meta expected to unveil new smart glasses at Connect event

Meta is expected to show off artificial intelligence-powered smart glasses at its Connect developer conference Wednesday as CEO Mark Zuckerberg continues to evangelize the glasses as the next step in human-computer interactions. "Last year's Meta Connect was far less metaverse and far more AI. Expect this year's event to be virtually dominated by AI, specifically AI glasses and superintelligence," said Forrester research director Mike Proulx. "While Meta has the head start on AI glasses, competition is chomping at the bit with new entrants." The Menlo Park, California-based company teased a prototype for Orion, which Zuckerberg called "the most advanced glasses the world has ever seen," last year -- but these holographic augmented reality glasses are still years away from being on the market. Instead, analysts expect Meta to show off new smart glasses, likely with a small display controlled by a wristband the user wears. "While more of an experimentation platform, they should enable consumers to access time, weather, notifications, frame and preview pictures, show captions and translate speeches, allow early integration of Meta's assets (WhatsApp and Instagram), and display Meta AI responses," said Forrester's Thomas Husson. Meta is also expected to show off updates to its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which "are likely to have enhanced AI capabilities interpreting the user's surroundings and context," the analyst added. While the company has not disclosed sales figures of the glasses, it said they've been more popular than expected, helped by social media creators. "For more than a decade, Zuckerberg's long-term vision with Oculus and the Metaverse has been that glasses and headsets will blur the lines between physical and digital worlds," Husson said. "After many false starts, the momentum to move beyond an early adopter niche is now." Of course, the company will also likely share AI updates, including to its standalone Meta AI app. Like other tech companies, Meta has been making massive investments in AI development and hiring top talent at eye-popping compensation levels. In July, Zuckerberg posted a note detailing his views on "personal superintelligence" that he believes will "help humanity accelerate our pace of progress." While he said that developing superintelligence is now "in sight," he did not detail how this will be achieved or exactly what "superintelligence" means. The abstract idea of "superintelligence" is what rival companies call artificial general intelligence, or AGI. It's the latest pivot for a tech leader who in 2021 went all-in on the idea of the metaverse, changing the company's name and investing billions into advancing virtual reality and related technology. Zuckerberg said he believes AI glasses are going to be "the main way we integrate superintelligence." Zuckerberg will deliver his keynote Wednesday at 8 p.m. Eastern.

Meta smart glasses launch with display to pursue superintelligence

Artificial Intelligence Meta smart glasses launch with display to pursue superintelligence Thursday, September 18, 2025 Austin Harris Analysts say the introduction of Meta smart glasses marks an expansion of wearable devices, combining built-in display features with AI tools while raising questions about pricing, competition, and child safety. Meta Platforms has introduced its first consumer-ready smart glasses with an integrated digital display. The launch highlights the company's effort to merge wearable hardware with artificial intelligence, positioning glasses as a tool for everyday interaction with digital systems while balancing opportunities and challenges. Features of the new device The new Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses include a small screen embedded in the right lens that allows users to view notifications and basic information without checking a phone. They are paired with a wristband controller that interprets hand gestures for tasks like answering calls and responding to texts. The glasses will retail for $799, with availability scheduled in stores by the end of September. In addition to notifications, the glasses enable basic AI-driven assistance, giving users access to conversational responses, translation, and contextual reminders. By focusing on tasks typically handled by smartphones, the device is designed to reduce reliance on handheld screens. Presentation at Meta Connect Meta unveiled the device during its annual Connect event in Menlo Park, California. Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg described the glasses as an ideal platform for enabling artificial intelligence applications. He noted that wearable technology could support communication, memory, and situational awareness while keeping users present in their environment. The event also emphasized how the glasses might fit into Meta's broader strategy. Rather than positioning them as a mass-market product from the outset, the company suggested the Display glasses could serve as a testing ground for future innovations. Analysts view the presentation as an attempt to balance ambition with cautious market entry. Competitive landscape The launch underscores Meta's position in the race to integrate AI into consumer products. While Meta has invested heavily in AI talent and chip development, it continues to trail rivals such as Alphabet and OpenAI in releasing advanced AI models. Analysts believe the Display glasses may not achieve immediate high sales but could serve as a step toward the company's planned 2027 release of "Orion" glasses. Competitors in the wearable space, including Apple and Samsung, are also exploring integrations of augmented reality with AI systems. For Meta, the challenge will be carving out a distinct role that combines its social media ecosystem with practical, everyday hardware. Additional product updates Meta also introduced Oakley-branded Vanguard glasses aimed at athletes, priced at $499, with features for fitness tracking and integration with platforms such as Garmin and Strava. These models are marketed toward performance monitoring and outdoor activity, emphasizing durability and real-time feedback. Additionally, the company updated its Ray-Ban line, now offering improved battery life and enhanced cameras at a higher price point. These updates suggest Meta is continuing to refine its portfolio across consumer and specialized markets, using incremental hardware improvements as stepping stones toward larger ambitions. Safety and regulatory concerns The release comes at a time when Meta faces heightened scrutiny regarding child safety on its social media platforms. Previous reports detailed chatbot interactions with children and internal concerns about studying the effects of virtual reality. These issues remain relevant as Meta continues to expand its wearable technology offerings. Regulators and advocacy groups have called for closer oversight of emerging AI-driven products, particularly those that collect user data through microphones and cameras. For Meta, maintaining user trust will be critical as it positions smart glasses as a central hub for future AI interaction. Market outlook Analysts suggest the pricing of the Display glasses may limit adoption in the short term. However, the integration of wearable displays with AI tools is seen as part of a longer-term strategy. The current release demonstrates Meta's intent to establish itself as a key player in the intersection of hardware, AI, and consumer technology. Market researchers also note that consumer adoption of wearable displays has historically been slow, citing examples such as Google Glass. For Meta, success will depend on improving usability, addressing privacy concerns, and demonstrating clear advantages over existing devices like smartphones and smartwatches. Future prospects for superintelligence The company has framed its investment in wearable AI as part of a broader pursuit of superintelligence, or AI systems that exceed human cognitive abilities in a wide range of domains. While this concept remains aspirational, the Display glasses represent a step in creating platforms through which advanced AI could one day interact seamlessly with users. Meta's research into custom chips and large-scale language models points to its intention to control both hardware and software. Analysts suggest this vertical integration could help Meta stay competitive as demand for AI-enabled hardware grows. Meta smart glasses launch with display to pursue superintelligence In summary, Meta's introduction of Display glasses reflects both technological ambition and practical experimentation. The $799 price point, gesture-based controls, and built-in display showcase how the company envisions everyday AI integration, while also revealing challenges related to affordability, regulation, and user trust. Although immediate mass adoption is uncertain, the device underscores Meta's commitment to blending hardware, software, and AI in ways that extend beyond traditional screens. Whether the smart glasses become a staple of daily life or remain a niche product, they highlight the direction of the company's long-term strategy toward creating accessible platforms for artificial intelligence. Zuckerberg demos new Meta glasses with built-in display - DRAFT COPY ONLY - Become a subscriber of App Developer Magazine for just $5.99 a month and take advantage of all these perks. 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Meta set to unveil AI-powered smart glasses at Connect event:...

Meta is expected to show off artificial intelligence-powered smart glasses at its Connect developer conference on Wednesday as CEO Mark Zuckerberg continues to evangelize the glasses as the next step in human-computer interactions. "Last year's Meta Connect was far less metaverse and far more AI. Expect this year's event to be virtually dominated by AI, specifically AI glasses and superintelligence," said Forrester research director Mike Proulx. "While Meta has the head start on AI glasses, competition is chomping at the bit with new entrants." The Menlo Park, California-based company teased a prototype for Orion, which Zuckerberg called "the most advanced glasses the world has ever seen," last year -- but these holographic augmented reality glasses are still years away from being on the market. Instead, analysts expect Meta to show off new smart glasses, likely with a small display controlled by a wristband the user wears. "While more of an experimentation platform, they should enable consumers to access time, weather, notifications, frame and preview pictures, show captions and translate speeches, allow early integration of Meta's assets (WhatsApp and Instagram), and display Meta AI responses," said Forrester's Thomas Husson. Meta is also expected to show off updates to its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which "are likely to have enhanced AI capabilities interpreting the user's surroundings and context," the analyst added. While the company has not disclosed sales figures of the glasses, it said they've been more popular than expected, helped by social media creators. "For more than a decade, Zuckerberg's long-term vision with Oculus and the Metaverse has been that glasses and headsets will blur the lines between physical and digital worlds," Husson said. "After many false starts, the momentum to move beyond an early adopter niche is now." Of course, the company will also likely share AI updates, including to its standalone Meta AI app. Like other tech companies, Meta has been making massive investments in AI development and hiring top talent at eye-popping compensation levels. In July, Zuckerberg posted a note detailing his views on "personal superintelligence" that he believes will "help humanity accelerate our pace of progress." While he said that developing superintelligence is now "in sight," he did not detail how this will be achieved or exactly what "superintelligence" means. The abstract idea of "superintelligence" is what rival companies call artificial general intelligence, or AGI. It's the latest pivot for a tech leader who in 2021 went all-in on the idea of the metaverse, changing the company's name and investing billions into advancing virtual reality and related technology. Zuckerberg said he believes AI glasses are going to be "the main way we integrate superintelligence." Zuckerberg will deliver his keynote Wednesday at 8 p.m. Eastern.