Meta launches $299 smart glasses, undercuts Ray-Ban amid AI wearable boom
Meta on Tuesday launched a new line of smart glasses priced at $299, developed with eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica but without the Ray-Ban or Oakley branding. The glasses let users take photos and videos, listen to music, take calls, and interact with an integrated AI assistant that offers live translation in 14 new languages. They sit below the existing Ray-Ban smart glasses ($379) and Oakley‑branded models ($399), while Meta’s top‑end Ray‑Ban Display version costs around $800. Competitors are stepping up: Snap’s upcoming Specs will offer AR without a phone for $2,195, and Apple is reportedly planning its own smart glasses for 2027.
For Nigerian audiences, the lower price point could make wearable tech more accessible, especially for content creators, students, and professionals who need hands‑free photo/video capture or real‑time language translation in a multilingual environment. However, availability and local pricing in naira have not been announced, so interested buyers should watch for official Nigerian launch details.
If you’re considering the glasses, compare the $299 price to your budget, check whether the features match your needs, and stay tuned for official release dates and any local warranty or support options. Also consider privacy implications of ever‑on cameras and microphones before deciding.