Smart glasses are not new, but Meta’s latest release is different. The company has launched the $799 Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, and they come with something that changes the game: a tiny built-in screen. If you are wondering what exactly these glasses can do, let us break it down in simple terms.
What makes the Ray-Ban display smart glasses different
The big change here is the display built right into the right lens. This is what sets them apart from earlier models and from most of what competitors are offering right now. The display is not just for show — it is meant to make your life easier by giving you quick access to things you would normally reach for your phone to do.
With the display, you can:
- See text messages without pulling out your phone
- Join video calls and see the person you are talking to right in front of you
- Get turn-by-turn map directions as you walk or drive
- View visual results when you ask Meta’s AI a question
Think of it as a small but powerful screen that keeps you connected without you needing to stare down at a phone.
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How do the glasses connect with AI
Meta is calling these “AI glasses” for a reason. The built-in screen works hand in hand with Meta’s AI assistant. You can double tap your thumb to activate it and ask questions, just like you would with Siri or Alexa. The difference is that here, the answers can pop up right in front of your eyes.
For example, you can ask for restaurant recommendations, translations, or even quick facts, and the AI will show you answers on the lens. Mark Zuckerberg put it this way: “AI should serve people, not just be something that sits in a data center.” These glasses are designed to bring AI into your everyday life in a very personal way.
What apps work on the Ray-Ban display glasses
At launch, the glasses will support several popular apps that many of us already use daily. These include:
- Facebook Messenger for texts and calls
- WhatsApp for messaging
- Spotify for music playback
- Instagram direct messages (with more features like Reels viewing coming later this year)
You can reply to texts by dictating a message, sending a voice note, or later on, even writing words in the air using the companion wristband.
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How do you control the glasses
One of the coolest things about the new Ray-Ban Display glasses is how you interact with them. Instead of tapping on a screen, you use simple hand gestures:
- Pinch your thumb and finger together to select items
- Swipe your thumb across your hand to scroll
- Twist your wrist to adjust volume or other settings
This makes it feel more natural, almost like you are controlling your phone without ever holding it.
Can the glasses help with communication
Yes. They come with a live caption feature. That means spoken words can appear on the display in real time, almost like subtitles on a TV show. This is helpful not only for people with hearing challenges but also for translating languages during a conversation.
On video calls, you can see the person you are talking to while showing them your own point of view. It adds a more personal feel to digital conversations.
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What are the specs and design details
If you are wondering about the hardware itself, here are some of the main points:
- Display field of view: 20 degrees
- Resolution: 600 x 600 pixels
- Brightness range: 30 to 5,000 nits (enough for most outdoor conditions)
- Camera: 12-megapixel sensor, records 1080p video
- Battery life: 6 hours per charge, with a case that adds 30 more hours
- Styles: Two sizes, two color options (black and sand)
They look like regular Ray-Bans, which was important for the company’s partner EssilorLuxottica. At first, the eyewear maker was not convinced, but after Meta worked on the design, they agreed it was stylish enough to carry the Ray-Ban name.
Are they worth the price
At $799, these glasses cost about as much as a decent smartphone, and they still need to be paired with one. Meta is betting that the mix of design, AI, and everyday utility will make people want to use them regularly and not just as a gadget to show off.
Andrew Bosworth, Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, called them “the first serious product” in this space. The company is confident that this is a step toward the future, where glasses may eventually replace phones for many daily tasks.
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