Meta Ray-Ban Display Glasses Debut with Exclusive Best Buy Demo Program
Key Points
- Meta introduced Ray‑Ban Display smart glasses at Meta Connect 2025.
- The glasses retain a classic Ray‑Ban look while adding video, call, translation and navigation features.
- Retail price is $799; shipping begins September 30.
- Purchases are limited to customers who first schedule a demo at Best Buy.
- More than 300 Best Buy stores will host demos starting October 3.
- Demo scheduling is done online, matching shoppers to stores within a 50‑mile radius.
- Demo units support prescription ranges from –4.00 to +4.00.
- Lance Ulanoff praised the glasses as a significant improvement over earlier smart‑glass attempts.
Meta unveiled its Ray‑Ban Display smart glasses at Meta Connect 2025, positioning them as a significant step forward from earlier wearable attempts. Priced at $799, the devices combine a classic Ray‑Ban look with video, photo, call, translation, navigation and notification capabilities. Shipping begins on September 30, but purchases are limited to customers who first schedule a hands‑on demo at a Best Buy location. More than 300 U.S. stores will host demos starting October 3, with an online scheduler that matches shoppers to nearby stores. The program also offers prescription options and post‑demo follow‑up.
Meta Connect 2025 Introduces Ray‑Ban Display Glasses
At the recent Meta Connect event, the company announced a suite of new wearable products, including the Ray‑Ban Gen 2 and Oakley Vanguard. The most notable reveal was the Meta Ray‑Ban Display glasses, which aim to overcome the shortcomings of earlier smart‑glass attempts such as Google Glass.
Design, Features and Pricing
The glasses retain the iconic Ray‑Ban silhouette, making them appear indistinguishable from standard sunglasses. Despite the familiar look, they embed a full suite of smart functions: video playback, photo capture, voice‑call integration, real‑time translation, turn‑by‑turn navigation, and a variety of notifications. The device is marketed as a potential phone replacement for everyday tasks. The retail price is listed at $799.
Launch Strategy and Demo‑Only Purchase Model
Meta has chosen a controlled rollout strategy. Shipping of the Ray‑Ban Display glasses is slated to begin on September 30, but the company will not accept direct purchases until a consumer completes an in‑store demonstration. This demo‑first approach is exclusive to Best Buy, which will host the initial hands‑on experiences.
Best Buy Demo rollout
Best Buy will offer demos at more than 300 stores across major U.S. cities, with the first sessions scheduled to start on October 3. Shoppers can schedule a demo through a dedicated “Schedule demo” button on the Best Buy product page. The scheduling workflow asks for a zip code to locate the nearest participating store within a 50‑mile radius, then allows the user to select a convenient date and time. After confirming contact details, the system sends a confirmation and reminder emails.
What to Expect at the Demo
During the demonstration, Best Buy specialists will guide participants through the glasses’ features, ensure proper fit, and explain the various interaction gestures. Demo units are equipped with a prescription range of –4.00 to +4.00, and the brand offers prescription‑compatible lenses for the retail models. After the session, customers may choose to purchase the glasses on the spot or defer the decision, in which case they receive a follow‑up email with additional information.
Early Impressions
Lance Ulanoff, an editor‑at‑large who tested the product, described the Ray‑Ban Display as “a different beast” that succeeds where prior smart glasses fell short. He highlighted the seamless integration of everyday functions and the unobtrusive design as key differentiators.
Overall, Meta’s launch combines a familiar fashion accessory with advanced augmented‑reality capabilities, while the demo‑only purchase model aims to ensure consumer confidence before full market adoption.