Forget flying cars and bulky headsets. At this year’s Meta Connect conference, the company behind Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp pitched a different vision of the future — one that fits neatly on your face.
Meta on Thursday unveiled a new lineup of smart eyewear, led by the Ray-Ban Meta Display glasses, which feature a built-in screen inside the lens.
Users can now glance at WhatsApp messages, caller IDs, Google Maps directions or even join a video call — all without pulling out their phone.
“You don’t need to remove your phone to reply to texts, check caller ID or get GPS directions,” Meta said in its announcement. “Just glance and the information appears.”
The glasses, which integrate with Meta’s AI assistant, are paired with a Meta Neural Band wrist controller that reads subtle finger and wrist movements for hands-free navigation.
The futuristic eyewear goes on sale in the U.S. on September 30 at around Sh120,000 ($799), with global rollout expected next year.
Smarter Shades, Sportier Options
Meta also refreshed its existing smart eyewear with the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2, boasting a sharper 12-megapixel camera, 3K video recording in low light, improved audio, and longer battery life.
The new line, starting at Sh58,000 ($379), comes in additional frame designs and tinted lenses, blending tech with fashion.
For the more active crowd, the company introduced the Oakley Meta Vanguard, a rugged, sweat-resistant option designed for outdoor and fitness enthusiasts.
Equipped with workout overlays, Strava integration and a front-facing camera for recording activities, the glasses will retail at about Sh75,000 ($499).
Beyond Glasses: A Virtual Living Room
The company also widened its virtual reality ecosystem by launching Horizon TV, a VR streaming hub for platforms like Netflix, YouTube and Prime Video.
Users wearing Meta Quest headsets can watch shows in a shared digital space, a concept that could appeal to Kenyan audiences if headset prices become more affordable.
Finally, Meta spotlighted its Neural Wristband, a wearable that picks up electrical signals from muscles, enabling users to type, scroll or click using only subtle finger movements.
While designed as a companion to the glasses, it may eventually extend to controlling smart devices at home or in the office.
While most products will debut in Europe and North America before reaching Africa, Meta’s message is unmistakable: the future of technology is shifting from handheld screens to wearable, body-integrated devices.
Whether Kenyan consumers, who already spend up to six hours daily on social media, will embrace eyewear as the next frontier remains to be seen.