Meta has launched a new range of smart glasses, but this time, they are not Ray-Bans. In its blog, Meta says the new lineup includes three styles: Adventurer, Fury and Meta Glasses by Kylie. The range gives Meta a lower-cost option outside the Ray-Ban Meta lineup, with designs that move away from the classic Ray-Ban look.
The Adventurer and Fury models both start at $299, while Starfire costs $399. That makes the range cheaper than Meta’s second-gen Ray-Ban smart glasses, while still offering specs that sit much closer to the newer model than the original first-gen pair.
That could make them a more tempting option for anyone interested in smart glasses but put off by the higher price of the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses. The catch, of course, is that you are not getting Ray-Ban branding or the classic Ray-Ban frame designs.
The Starfire model is the most fashion-focused of the three, as it was designed in collaboration with Kylie Jenner. It is also the most expensive, so the celebrity tie-in clearly comes at a premium.
All three models include eight hours of battery life, with the charging case adding up to 40 more hours. They also include a 12MP camera, a 100-degree field of view and video recording at either 1080p/60fps or 3K/30fps.
Meta has added a few design perks that the Ray-Ban models do not have, including adjustable temple tips and over-extension hinges. There is also a customisable action button, which is not found on the Ray-Ban series.
In other words, Meta seems to be trying to make smart glasses feel a little more mainstream and a little less tied to one eyewear brand. This move makes sense too, as the smart glasses space is starting to heat up, with Android XR audio glasses announced earlier this year and more rivals expected to enter the market.
For now, though, Meta’s angle is clear — you get similar smart glasses tech at a lower price, just without the Ray-Ban logo.