Meta AI Glasses Launched: Camera-Free Design, 12-Hour Battery and Voice Assistant

Meta has expanded its smart-glasses lineup with a new camera-free wearable called Ray-Ban Meta Audio. Unveiled at Meta Connect 2026 in Menlo Park, California, the new glasses focus on audio, hands-free calls and Meta AI rather than photography or video recording.

The new Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses start at $349 in the US and are scheduled to begin shipping on October 13, 2026. Meta says the glasses weigh just 43 grams and can provide up to 12 hours of use on a single charge, with the included charging case providing up to another 48 hours.

Ray-Ban Meta Audio: Camera-Free AI Glasses

The biggest difference between Ray-Ban Meta Audio and Meta's camera-equipped smart glasses is the absence of a camera.

The new glasses are designed around open-ear audio, microphones and Meta AI, allowing users to listen to music and podcasts, make calls and interact with Meta's AI assistant without taking out their smartphone. Meta describes them as its first-ever audio glasses.

The launch comes as the smart-glasses industry faces increasing discussion around privacy and the potential misuse of camera-equipped wearables. However, Meta has not specifically stated that privacy concerns were the reason for removing the camera from this product.

43-Gram Design and 12-Hour Battery

Meta says Ray-Ban Meta Audio is its lightest and slimmest AI-glasses design to date, weighing just 43 grams.

The glasses can be used for music, podcasts, calls and hands-free AI interactions for up to 12 hours on a single charge. The accompanying charging case can provide up to another 48 hours of battery capacity.

The glasses will be available in Clubmaster and Burbank styles, with 23 frame-and-lens combinations. Both designs also support a range of prescription lenses.

Meta AI and Muse Support

Meta is also bringing its Muse personal AI agent to its AI-glasses platform.

The company says Muse will allow users to interact with AI hands-free and use the glasses for everyday tasks. Meta's broader AI-glasses experience includes features such as getting sports scores, discovering nearby restaurants and translating live conversations.

The camera-free Ray-Ban Meta Audio therefore retains the AI and audio-focused capabilities of the category while removing the ability to capture photos and videos.

Ray-Ban Meta Audio Price and Availability

Meta has opened pre-orders for Ray-Ban Meta Audio at a starting price of $349.

The glasses are scheduled to ship from October 13. Meta has not announced an India-specific price in the information released so far, so the approximate Indian price should not be presented as an official figure.

Meta Also Unveils Muse Charm

Alongside the new glasses, Meta introduced Muse Charm, a small standalone AI device designed to provide access to its Muse personal AI agent.

The pocket-sized device is roughly the size of an AirPods case and includes an approximately 2-inch touchscreen and a built-in 5G connection, according to reporting from the event. Meta said the device is expected to ship during the holiday season in December 2026, but the company has not yet announced a price.

Muse Charm is part of Meta's broader attempt to make its AI assistant accessible through dedicated hardware rather than relying entirely on smartphones.

Meta VR Glasses Coming in 2027

Meta also announced its next-generation Meta VR Glasses, a much lighter alternative to traditional VR headsets.

The glasses weigh approximately 100 grams and use eye and hand tracking as primary input methods. Meta says users will be able to interact with applications and games using their eyes and hands, without requiring controllers for supported experiences.

The Meta VR Glasses are priced at $1,299.99 and are scheduled to go on sale in spring 2027.

Meta's New Hardware Strategy

Meta's latest announcements show the company expanding beyond traditional smartphones and computers into a broader ecosystem of AI-powered wearables.

The Ray-Ban Meta Audio targets users who want AI, music and hands-free communication without a camera. Muse Charm provides a dedicated physical interface for Meta's personal AI agent, while the Meta VR Glasses are aimed at immersive entertainment, productivity and gaming.

With more AI capabilities moving into glasses and other compact devices, Meta is positioning wearable hardware as an increasingly important interface for its AI services.