Meta Announces New Smart Glasses at Connect Event

Meta is set to unveil its next generation of smart glasses during its Connect livestream. CEO Mark Zuckerberg will present the devices, which build on the Orion prototype and involve partners such as Ray‑Ban and Oakley. Viewers can watch the keynote on Meta’s Horizon site, the Meta for Developers Facebook page, or through a Quest headset. Developers interested in the event can register via the Connect website. The announcement follows earlier leaks that hinted at a display‑integrated frame, and it signals Meta’s continued push into augmented‑reality wearables.

Event Overview

Meta’s annual Connect conference will host the debut of its newest smart‑glass lineup. The livestream is scheduled for Wednesday evening, with Mark Zuckerberg expected to take the stage to introduce the devices. The event serves both as a developer showcase and a platform for hardware announcements, continuing Meta’s tradition of pairing software updates with new wearable technology.

What to Expect

The upcoming glasses are described as a refined version of the Orion frames that were introduced last year. While the Orion prototype relied on a wristband for navigation and a separate puck for processing, the new models appear to integrate a display directly into the lenses, a detail hinted at by recent leaked images that included the word “Display.” The announcement is also likely to cover collaborations with Ray‑Ban and Oakley, suggesting consumer‑focused designs alongside the developer‑oriented hardware.

Viewing Options

Audiences can access the Connect livestream through multiple Meta channels. The primary platform is Meta’s Horizon website, but the stream is also available on the Meta for Developers Facebook page. Unlike competitors such as Apple or Google, Meta does not stream the keynote on YouTube. For users with a Meta Quest headset, an immersive VR viewing option is provided via the Horizon page, allowing attendees to experience the event in a virtual‑reality environment.

Developer Registration

Developers interested in deeper engagement with the Connect conference can register on the event’s website. The registration process involves entering a name and email address, after which participants receive information about additional presentations and developer sessions. A “Register for the livestream” button is located in the upper‑right corner of the site, making it straightforward for developers to secure access.

Background and Context

The Orion frames, unveiled at last year’s Connect, utilized waveguide technology to project virtual images, text, and video into the wearer’s field of view. Developers have had a year of access to the prototype, suggesting the technology is mature enough for a consumer release. The forthcoming announcement is positioned as a continuation of Meta’s broader augmented‑reality strategy, emphasizing both hardware innovation and software integration across its ecosystem.