Meta Connect 2026: New AI Glasses, Muse Assistant and Lightweight VR Headset Announced

Meta unveiled a broad range of wearable technology and artificial intelligence products at its Connect 2026 event in California, including camera-free audio glasses, a third-generation smart glasses model, a new virtual reality headset and an AI-powered handheld device. The announcements reflect the company's effort to bring AI beyond smartphones and computers into products people can use throughout the day.

A major part of the presentation focused on Muse, Meta's personal AI agent, which is set to expand to compatible smart glasses. The company also introduced new hardware aimed at users interested in hands-free audio, immersive entertainment and more direct interaction with AI.

Ray-Ban Meta Audio Brings AI to Camera-Free Glasses

The new Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses are designed primarily for listening to music, taking calls and interacting with an AI assistant. Unlike camera-equipped smart glasses, this model does not include a camera, offering an alternative for users who want wearable audio without image or video capture.

The glasses use open-ear speakers, allowing wearers to listen while remaining aware of surrounding sounds. They weigh approximately 43 grams and offer up to 12 hours of use on a single charge, with an additional 48 hours available through the charging case.

The product comes in Clubmaster and Burbank designs, with multiple frame and lens combinations. Pricing starts at $349 in the United States, and shipping is scheduled to begin on October 13.

Third-Generation Smart Glasses Get Camera and Battery Upgrades

Meta also announced its third-generation Ray-Ban Meta glasses, featuring a slimmer design, improved battery life and a customisable action button for quicker access to Meta AI.

The new model includes a 12-megapixel camera capable of recording video in 3K Ultra HD resolution. Six microphones are intended to improve voice capture and help reduce background noise during calls and recordings.

The third-generation glasses are priced from $449 in the United States, with availability planned for the following month. The updated design continues the company's strategy of combining conventional eyewear styling with cameras, microphones and AI-assisted features.

Meta VR Glasses Target Immersive Entertainment

Another major announcement was Meta VR Glasses, a lightweight headset-style device designed to deliver immersive virtual reality and spatial computing experiences.

The device weighs around 100 grams and features a 5K OLED display. It is powered by a Snapdragon Elite processor and offers approximately three hours of playback, with support for 45W charging.

Rather than placing all the computing components inside the glasses, Meta uses an external unit that houses the processor, battery and storage. This approach helps reduce the weight carried on the user's face.

Interaction is supported through voice commands, eye tracking and hand gestures. The device is priced at $1,299 in the United States, with availability expected in early 2027.

Muse AI Expands to Wearables and a Handheld Device

Meta's Muse AI agent was another central announcement. The company plans to bring Muse to its smart glasses, allowing users to interact with the assistant hands-free and ask questions about objects or information in their surroundings.

The assistant is intended to handle more than basic voice queries. It can support tasks, help users organise activities and work with connected services. The expanded integration could make AI assistance available without requiring users to reach for their phones.

Meta also previewed Muse Charm, a compact handheld AI device with a small display capable of showing an animated representation of the assistant. Further availability details are expected later.

A Wider Push Into Wearable Computing

The announcements show Meta expanding across several categories, from audio-focused eyewear to advanced virtual reality hardware. The company expects its broader AI glasses portfolio to include more than 100 styles across its different eyewear collections by the end of 2026.

The next challenge will be turning these products into everyday tools that justify their cost while addressing privacy, comfort and battery-life concerns. How successfully users adopt the devices will help determine whether AI-powered wearables become a mainstream alternative to phone-based interaction.