Meta Ray-Ban: What the New Smart Glasses Can Do – and Who They’re For
At Panoroom, we strive to stay at the cutting edge of innovation. Developments in digitalization, AR, XR, and VR are not just trends to us, but potential tools to enhance our workflows and create more value for our clients. With this in mind, we’re taking a closer look at the new Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses – a product that pushes the boundaries of what everyday AR can deliver.
Alongside the updated Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2), Meta has now introduced the Ray-Ban Display, its first version with a built-in micro-display. Notifications, subtitles, translations, navigation cues and more appear directly in the right lens, controlled by voice (Hey Meta) or the new Meta Neural Band, an EMG-based gesture control wristband. Launch in the US is set for September 30, 2025, starting at $799 including the Neural Band. A broader rollout to the UK, France, Italy, and Canada is planned for 2026, with no confirmed date yet for Austria.
Hardware & Display
Specs highlight a 600×600 in-lens display (FOV ~20°, refresh up to 90 Hz, brightness 30–5,000 nits), a 12 MP camera with 1080p/30 fps video, IPX4 water resistance, and Transitions® lenses also available in prescription. The Neural Band is IPX7 water resistant. The glasses weigh 69 g, battery life is up to 6 hours mixed use, with the charging case providing 4 extra charges (+24 hrs).
Status in Austria & the EU
The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2, without display) is already available. Importantly, Meta AI launched on the glasses in several EU countries including Austria in 2025, offering voice assistant features, live translation, and even visual Q&A (“What am I seeing?”). The Display version will, however, only reach the EU in 2026.
Who Should Consider Which Version?
- Content creators & social teams: The Gen 2 offers upgraded cameras, improved stabilization, 3K/30 fps video, and longer battery life (up to 8 hrs) – available today.
- On-the-go productivity: The Display version will add heads-up navigation, subtitles, and smart assistance – attractive once it arrives in Europe.
Conclusion
For Austria today, the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) is the practical option: better cameras, longer battery life, and Meta AI already integrated. The Ray-Ban Display takes a bold step towards subtle, functional AR head-up displays – compelling for productivity, service, and accessibility – but it won’t be here until 2026.
We will follow this development closely. Our goal is to evaluate not only how they fit into our workflow, but also what benefits they can bring to our clients. In combination with VR, XR, and digital experience solutions, smart glasses like these may open up entirely new opportunities. For us, staying curious and experimenting with emerging technologies is the best way to make sure we can deliver meaningful innovations to our customers.
CEO Full Thinking Agentur GmbH
