Meta announces Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 with better battery life, a programmable action button, an added microphone, and two new frame styles, starting at $449

The default battery life for smart glasses increases by up to an hour, which is noticeable for extended use.

Meta has launched its third generation of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, introducing two new frame styles: Aviator and Zena, alongside an existing Wayfarer model. The new models start at $449 and feature a programmable action button for custom commands or features, and adjustable temple tips for a better fit. Key upgrades include an extended battery life, claimed to reach up to 9 hours, and an additional microphone, bringing the total to six, intended to improve audio clarity in noisy environments. Future updates will enable landscape photo and video capture, Dolby Atmos recording, and spatial sound recording, with Meta stating these capabilities will also extend to other models. The company aims to offer over 100 frame styles and color variations across its Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Meta-branded lines by year's end.

Meta's continued iteration on its smart glasses signals a commitment to integrating AI and wearable technology, pushing the boundaries of what these devices can capture and process. The introduction of more customization through the action button and the planned rollout of advanced audio-visual features indicate a strategy to make the glasses more versatile and appealing to a broader consumer base beyond early adopters.

The expansion of frame styles and the impending addition of over 100 variations suggest Meta's focus on fashion and personal expression as a key differentiator in the competitive wearables market. This move aims to overcome the aesthetic barriers that may have limited previous smart glass adoption, positioning them as a viable lifestyle accessory rather than purely a tech gadget.