New Features
The smart glasses are also arriving in five new markets this fall.
Meta's Connect conference shared a lot of news about the company's Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, which were introduced at the same event last year.
One of the notable changes coming to the device is support for a holographic avatar while taking calls. Since calls via smart glasses mean the wearer's face isn't visible to whomever they're chatting with, this feature uses the Meta AI app to create a photorealistic hologram to display instead. The hologram is driven entirely by voice, and the model infers expression from speech patterns and context. The Hologram feature will initially be available in early access later this fall for WhatsApp users in the US.
Navigation and Apps
The glasses' heads-up navigation tools have also been expanded, allowing a wearer to ask for cycling or public transit directions with a voice command. Users in the US and Canada will be the first to have this feature, rolling out later this month. Additionally, navigation directions can now be based on the surrounding environment rather than solely relying on street signs for a more conversational experience, such as being directed to turn near a specific landmark.
Addressing previous criticisms regarding a lack of available apps, a new Explore app is coming to both the smart glasses and the Meta AI app to help users browse compatible programs for the device.
Audio and Availability
Other announced features include incremental improvements to the user experience, such as bringing Dolby Atmos audio to capture and playback tools, photo editing within the Display screen, a more detailed calendar, mirrored phone notifications, and Threads for Community Feeds.
The Meta Ray-Ban Display is expanding to five new markets: the UK, Canada, France, Italy, and Germany. The glasses will be available to order online in those regions, as well as in the US. Display is available starting in the UK at £749 and in Canada starting at CA$1,149, with pre-orders beginning for the other three new markets for a base price of €899 before official availability on October 13.
