Meta debuts new, cheaper smart glasses under its own brand

techcrunch.com Jun 23, 2026

Meta debuts new, cheaper smart glasses under its own brand

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jun 23, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Meta has launched a new line of smart glasses, called Meta Glasses, starting at $299, in partnership with EssilorLuxottica. The glasses are available in several countries and come in various color and lens combinations. They feature a camera, personal speakers, and a dedicated button that triggers the Meta AI assistant. The glasses have over eight hours of battery life and come with an on-the-go charging case. Meta Glasses are available in different frames, including a collaboration with Kylie Jenner. The Meta AI assistant can answer questions, understand surroundings, and manage daily life, with upcoming support for pedestrian navigation and live translation in 14 new languages.

💡 Why It Matters

· Meta's affordable smart glasses pose a significant challenge to competitors like Snap, which recently unveiled its own smart glasses at a much higher price point.
· By offering a cheaper alternative with similar features, Meta is leveraging its market share to attract a wider range of consumers.

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Apple Vision Pro vs Snap Specs: Two visions of face-worn computing, compared

Apple and Snap have unveiled two distinct approaches to face-worn computing, with Apple's Vision Pro focusing on virtual reality and Snap's Specs emphasizing augmented reality. The Apple Vision Pro is a high-specification VR headset, while the Snap Specs are smart glasses with a built-in display. The two devices differ significantly in design, weight, and purpose, with the Vision Pro being a stay-at-home device and the Specs intended for use in the real world. The Specs are available for pre-order, shipping in fall 2026, while the Vision Pro is on sale now. The devices represent opposing bets on the future of computing.

💡 Snap's Specs bring the company's efforts in line with Meta's augmented reality initiatives, while Apple's Vision Pro competes in the virtual reality space.

techtimes.com · Jun 20

Qualcomm Launches Snapdragon START to Speed AI Smart Glasses to Market

Qualcomm launched Snapdragon START, a turnkey program to help companies bring personal AI devices, especially smart glasses, to market faster. The program bundles hardware modules, AI software, and a manufacturing-and-supply-chain ecosystem, allowing brands to focus on design and user experience. The core hardware is a compact module built on Qualcomm's Snapdragon platform, using its AR1+ chip, and packs computing, connectivity, and on-device AI. The software is AI-agnostic, supporting hybrid setups and emphasizing security. This program aims to simplify the process of shipping smart glasses, reducing time-to-market and cost for companies.

💡 By pre-integrating the technology stack, Qualcomm enables brands to enter the smart glasses market without requiring significant investment in silicon development. This levels the playing field for companies that could not previously build the necessary technology themselves.

gpb.org · Jun 20

Are Snap’s $2,195 smart glasses the next big thing in tech?

Snap has launched new augmented reality glasses called Specs, which project digital information into a user's field of vision. The glasses can display maps, notifications, games, and AI-powered assistance, and will cost $2,195. The company is betting that augmented reality glasses could become the next major computing device. Tech journalist Joanna Stern notes that many companies, including Meta, Apple, and Google, are investing in similar technology as they look beyond smartphones. The launch of Specs marks a significant step in the development of augmented reality technology. Snap's move is part of a broader industry trend to create new devices.

💡 Augmented reality glasses could redefine how people interact with digital information, freeing them from screens. Snap's pricey Specs may pave the way for more affordable options from other companies.

edexlive.com · Jun 19

India takes AI vision and startup energy to Europe, seeks global tech…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined India's vision for Artificial Intelligence at the 10th edition of the VivaTech Summit in Paris. He emphasized the importance of democratizing AI to ensure its benefits reach everyone. Modi rolled out the red carpet for top tech companies, easing regulations and expanding ease of doing business. The India pavilion showcased emerging technologies, including AI solutions for detecting cancers and advanced genetic engineering therapies. Modi highlighted India's AI prowess, citing examples such as Sarlaben, a voice-first AI assistant for dairy farmers. He also discussed India's achievements in space technology and digital payments.

💡 India's AI vision is a significant step towards global tech partnerships, as it seeks to democratize AI benefits and drive economic growth. By showcasing its AI prowess and digital achievements, India is positioning itself as a world leader in technology, with the potential to transform global industries and economies.

forbes.com · Jun 19

At AWE 2026, Spatial Computing Grows Up And AI Is Now The…

At the Augmented World Expo (AWE) 2026, the tech industry showcased a significant shift in spatial computing, transitioning from experimental novelty to practical, AI-driven applications. The event highlighted a move towards utility over spectacle, with AI enabling spatial interactions that understand user context. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel unveiled "Specs" smart glasses, demonstrating advanced AR/XR capabilities, and the open-source "Sneeze" browser engine was introduced to standardize 3D spatial content delivery. The industry's focus is on integrating AI into XR for more useful and contextual experiences.

💡 The shift towards practical AI-driven spatial computing applications has significant implications for the future of human-computer interaction, potentially rendering smartphones less dominant as the primary interface for computing.

digitaltrends.com · Jun 19

Pixi wants to replace your boring text messages with AR characters that…

Pixi Platform has launched a new app called Pixi Garden, which allows users to send interactive augmented reality characters through iMessage. These characters, called "pixis," come alive through the recipient's phone camera and react to their surroundings using onboard AI and machine learning sensors. The app offers 3D characters, such as a robot and a cat, as well as simple games like tic-tac-toe and whack-a-mole. The processing happens directly on the iPhone, ensuring no data leaves the device. The app is currently available for iPhone 11 and newer, with plans for Android and other messaging platforms. The goal is to replace traditional greeting cards with interactive AR characters. The app is free and available through the App Store.

💡 By bringing interactive AR characters to messaging, Pixi Garden has the potential to redefine the way people communicate and express themselves. Interactive characters that respond to their environment could create a new level of emotional connection in digital communication.