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Ray-Ban Meta Launches Audio-Only Line and Gen 3 Smart Glasses with Expanded Optical Options

Ray-Ban Meta announced two new product families: Ray-Ban Meta Audio, which removes the camera to focus on open-ear speakers and Meta AI features, and Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3), featuring 3K Ultra HD cameras and six microphones. The Audio line debuts in Clubmaster and Burbank frames at €349 starting October 13, while Gen 3 includes Wayfarer, Aviator, and Zena designs priced from €449. Both lines offer extensive lens options, including prescription, Transitions®, polarized, and blue-light filtering variants. Availability is expanding to markets such as South Africa, Portugal, Poland, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and New Zealand. Additionally, the Meta Ray-Ban Display line will reach Canada and the UK on September 24, followed by Italy, France, and Germany on October 13.

Meta, Pinacoteca di Brera, and EssilorLuxottica Launch 'Sensing Art' Pilot for Visually Impaired Visitors

Meta, the Pinacoteca di Brera museum in Milan, and EssilorLuxottica have launched "Sensing Art," a pilot project using AI glasses to enhance art accessibility for blind and visually impaired visitors. The initiative integrates Meta and EssilorLuxottica's AI glasses with the museum's existing Grande Brera app, which features audio tours developed by sight loss charities ANS, UICI, and Fondazione Istituto dei Ciechi di Milano. Visitors can activate artwork recognition on eight selected pieces via the glasses, listening to descriptions through open-ear speakers. Additional tools include Meta AI for contextual questions and Be My Eyes for real-time volunteer support. The tour is available upon reservation Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Tech Print Industries Previews Standalone SaaS Platform TPI Studio at SILMO Paris

Tech Print Industries (TPI) previewed TPI Studio, its browser-based eyewear design platform, at SILMO Paris 2026. Originally built for internal production, TPI Studio is launching as a standalone SaaS product for designers, brands, optical retailers, and factories, with a beta program opening this fall. The platform features over 100 parametric sliders, an AI Texture Generator for plain-language finish creation, and Live Edit Virtual Try-On. It offers two editions: Quick Design for guided template work and Pro Design for full parametric control. Frames designed in the software are produced on TPI’s lines using HP Multi Jet Fusion in PA12 nylon at facilities in the Netherlands and the United States. This model eliminates mold costs and minimum order quantities, maintaining a three-week lead time from approved design to finished frame.

XREAL and ASUS ROG Announce Partnership and Unveil ROG XREAL R1 AR Gaming Glasses at CES 2026

At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, XREAL announced a strategic partnership with ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) and unveiled the ROG XREAL R1 AR Gaming Glasses. Described as the world’s first 240Hz micro-OLED FHD (1920 x 1080) gaming glasses, the R1 features an exclusive ROG Control Dock for connectivity with PCs and consoles via DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0. The device weighs 91 grams and offers a 57° field of view, 3DoF spatial anchoring, electrochromic tinting, and Sound by Bose audio. Powered by XREAL’s X1 chip and patented X-Prism Optical Engine, it delivers a 171-inch virtual screen experience with 3ms motion-to-photon latency. The glasses are expected to ship globally in the first half of 2026.

Synsam Group Launches Swedish-Made Eyewear Brand Isak V as Part of Reshoring Strategy

Synsam Group has launched Isak V™, a new eyewear brand designed and manufactured in Sweden at its Production and Innovation Center in Frösön. This release marks a step in Synsam’s strategy to reshore production from Asia, with annual output expected to exceed 250,000 frames by 2028, up from approximately 100,000 in 2025. The Isak V collection comprises 14 ophthalmic acetate frames and three sunglasses featuring modern Scandinavian design, combining acetate fronts with metal temples. Priced at a recommended retail price of SEK 1,750, the collection will be available in all Synsam stores across the Nordic region starting February 12, 2026. CEO Håkan Lundstedt stated that consolidating design and production locally strengthens competitiveness and reduces dependency on global supply chains.

Mister Spex launches EyeD, its first custom 3D-printed eyewear collection available in 37 stores

On October 4, 2023, Mister Spex announced the launch of EyeD, its first own-brand custom collection of 3D-printed eyewear. The service utilizes in-house facial scanning technology via tablets in-store to measure parameters such as nose bridge width and temple length, ensuring a personalized fit. Customers can currently choose from six models and seven colors. The glasses are made from high-quality polyamide using a resource-saving process, with production taking three to four weeks. Initially, EyeD is available for order in 37 Mister Spex stores across Germany and Austria at a price of 249 euros plus lenses.

Satisloh Announces Availability of NEO Blockless Surfacing Line at MIDO

Satisloh announced the immediate availability of its NEO Blockless Surfacing Line, featuring the NEO-orbit generator & engraver and the NEO-flex polisher. Designed for mid- to high-volume laboratories, this two-machine system eliminates traditional blocking steps such as taping, cooling, and alloy waste handling. The company states the line reduces surfacing time to seven minutes per pair, processes up to 80 lenses per hour, and lowers consumable costs by up to 25% while reducing lab footprint by up to 60%. Utilizing a patent-pending Pin Vacuum Lens Reception system, the NEO line supports over 99% of lens jobs, including high curves and non-rotationally symmetric surfaces. Satisloh presented the technology at MIDO.

Rodenstock Wins Silmo d'Or in Vision Category for B.I.G. EXACT™ Sensitive Lenses

In September 2025, Rodenstock won the Silmo d'Or award in the Vision category at the SILMO optical trade fair in Paris for its B.I.G. EXACT™ Sensitive lenses. Selected by an international jury from 75 nominations, these lenses are described as the world's first spectacle lenses optimized for individual visual sensitivity and biometry. The technology builds on Rodenstock's B.I.G. VISION™ platform, using DNEye® Scanner measurements to tailor lenses to each person's unique visual perception reactions. Company executives stated the award recognizes innovation and supports differentiation for optician partners.

Meta and EssilorLuxottica Discuss Doubling or Tripling Smart Glasses Production Capacity

Bloomberg reports that Meta and Ray-Ban owner EssilorLuxottica are discussing doubling their annual smart glasses production target from 10 million to 20 million units, with a potential increase to 30 million if demand justifies it. This follows EssilorLuxottica’s earlier plan to reach 10 million units by end-2026, citing strong sales of Ray-Ban Meta glasses which recently accounted for over a third of its revenue growth. The discussions occur as Meta shifts investment from VR content to AI glasses and wearables, having laid off over 10% of Reality Labs staff. The move aims to expand market footprint ahead of anticipated competition from Apple, Google, and Samsung.

Snap Opens Preorders for Specs True AR Glasses at $2,195 for US, UK, and France

Snap has officially opened preorders for its 'Specs' true augmented reality glasses, priced at $2,195 with a $200 refundable deposit. The fully standalone devices are scheduled to ship this fall exclusively to customers in the US, UK, and France. Specs feature proprietary LCoS displays with a 51-degree diagonal field of view, electrochromic lenses that adjust tint in ten seconds, and weigh between 132 and 136 grams depending on frame size. Running Snap OS 2.0, the glasses support first-party applications for browsing, navigation, and translation, alongside third-party 'Lenses' developed via Lens Studio. While Snap claims four hours of mixed-use battery life, detailed resolution specifications remain undisclosed. This launch follows years of development and over $3 billion in AR investment, positioning Specs as a consumer-ready alternative to previous bulky developer kits.

Meta Announces Ranveer Singh as Brand Ambassador for Ray-Ban and Ray-Ban Meta in India Alongside Gen 3 Launch

Meta announced actor Ranveer Singh as the first brand ambassador for Ray-Ban and Ray-Ban Meta in India. Concurrently, Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) AI glasses became available in the country at prices starting from INR 44,300 via meta.com, in.rayban.com, and select retailers. The Gen 3 model features a slimmer design, up to nine hours of battery life, a new customizable action button, and a 6-mic array that reduces background noise by over 90%. It offers 27 color and lens combinations across Aviator, Zena, and Wayfarer styles, including a limited-edition Aviator for the 90th anniversary. Additionally, Meta revealed upcoming plans for lighter Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses and the integration of the Muse AI agent for hands-free assistance.

Latest development10-9 04:31Meta launches cheaper smart glasses without Ray-Ban branding

Meta Announces Online Ordering, International Expansion, and New Features for Ray-Ban Display at Connect 2026

At Connect 2026, Meta announced that the Meta Ray-Ban Display is now available for online purchase without a mandatory in-store fitting. The product has launched in the UK (starting at £749) and Canada (CA$1149), with France, Italy, and Germany scheduled for October 13 at €899. Select stores in London, Vancouver, Toronto, Paris, Milan, Rome, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich will offer demos. Meta also introduced major software updates: navigation improvements including cycling and public transport modes (limited to select cities), customizable phone notification mirroring, and an 'Explore' app for third-party web apps later this year. A new 'Hologram' avatar system for WhatsApp calls will roll out to US Early Access users later this year, while a dedicated Calendar app remains US-only.

ZEISS Announces Global Launch of MyoActive Myopia Management Lens

ZEISS Vision Care announced the global launch of MyoActive on 1 October, introducing a spectacle lens designed to correct children’s vision and slow myopia progression. The company describes it as the first myopia management lens applying Dynamic Signal Theory, combining myopic defocus with variable signals via Micro Optical Variable Elements (M.O.V.E.) on the front surface and ClearFocus design on the back. ZEISS reports clinical results from an ongoing two-year trial in China showing that after 12 months, children wearing MyoActive had 0.60 dioptres less myopia progression and 0.22 millimetres less axial elongation compared to those wearing single-vision lenses. Mean progression in the MyoActive group was -0.23 D. ZEISS states 98% of children adapted within one week. MyoActive joins the ZEISS Myopia Management Collective.

ZEISS Introduces MyoActive, a New Myopia Management Spectacle Lens for Children

ZEISS Vision Care announced ZEISS MyoActive, a new spectacle lens designed to slow myopia progression in children. The lens applies Dynamic Signal Theory through patented M.O.V.E. (Micro Optical Variable Elements) technology, which creates continuously changing retinal signals to reduce visual adaptation. Clinical trial data (NCT06563700) indicates that at 12 months, ZEISS MyoActive demonstrated 0.60D less myopia progression and 0.22mm less axial elongation compared to single vision lenses. Mean progression was -0.23D/year, below the clinical relevance threshold of 0.25D. Additionally, 98% of participants fully adapted to the lenses within one week. This product expands ZEISS's myopia management portfolio.

Meta Announces Muse Integration for AI Glasses and New Retail Connectors at Connect 2026

At Connect 2026, Meta announced plans to bring its personal AI agent, Muse, to its AI glasses in the coming months. The update enables users to ask about products on shelves or lists via voice mode. To enhance shopping capabilities, Meta added new connectors including Walmart, Best Buy, Sephora, and Ulta, alongside existing Shopify access. Additionally, Meta introduced Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses and Gen 3 models, and announced an FDA-cleared hearing enhancement feature launching in the US later this year for $149.99. These developments aim to integrate personal superintelligence into wearable devices.

Ray-Ban Meta Announces First Audio-Only AI Glasses and Next-Generation Smart Eyewear Lineup

Ray-Ban Meta has announced its first audio-only AI glasses, Ray-Ban Meta Audio, alongside the next-generation camera-equipped models, Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3). The Ray-Ban Meta Audio features open-ear listening and Meta AI assistance in Clubmaster and Burbank frames, weighing 43 grams. The Gen 3 models introduce a slimmer profile, a 3K Ultra HD camera, six-array microphone, and up to 9 hours of battery life across Wayfarer, Aviator, and Zena silhouettes. This expansion includes new seasonal colorways for Blayzer Optics (Gen 2) and Scriber Optics (Gen 2). Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) is available starting September 23 via Ray-Ban stores, Ray-Ban.com, select EssilorLuxottica banners, and Meta.com. Ray-Ban Meta Audio launches October 13 through similar channels. Global rollout continues with planned launches in markets including Hong Kong, South Africa, and Portugal.

EssilorLuxottica and Meta Unveil Ray-Ban Meta Audio, Gen 3 Glasses, and Global Retail Expansion

At Meta Connect, EssilorLuxottica and Meta announced new AI glasses lines, including the camera-free Ray-Ban Meta Audio in Clubmaster and Burbank styles, and the slimmer Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3. The portfolio expands with new Oakley Meta Capri and Nova styles, plus LISA-designed models, aiming for over 100 styles by year-end. New features include the Muse AI agent, Hearing Enhancement (US only), and private processing. Retail expansion covers ten new markets including Poland and South Africa. Meta Ray-Ban Display is now available online, launching today in the UK and Canada, with pre-orders starting in France, Italy, and Germany.

Meta Announces New Features and Online Ordering Expansion for Ray-Ban Display

At Connect 2026, Meta announced new features and expanded availability for the Meta Ray-Ban Display. Key updates include hands-free cycling and public transit navigation launching later this month in the US and Canada, and a Hologram feature for calls rolling out in Early Access on WhatsApp in the US later this fall. The company also introduced Dolby Atmos video capture, enhanced calendar integration, mirrored notifications, and Threads community feeds. Regarding sales, Meta is expanding into the UK, Canada, France, Italy, and Germany with online ordering. Sales began today in Canada and the UK; pre-orders started today in France, Italy, and Germany, with full availability on October 13. Prescription lenses will be available via EssilorLuxottica stores in France and Italy starting October 13, and later in Germany.

Meta Announces Ray-Ban Meta Audio Glasses and Expands AI Glasses Lineup via EssilorLuxottica Partnership

At Connect, Meta announced Ray-Ban Meta Audio, its first audio-only glasses, priced from $349 USD with pre-orders open and shipping on October 13. The company also launched Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) starting at $449 USD, featuring a slimmer design, longer battery life, and a 6-mic array. Additionally, Meta expanded its EssilorLuxottica partnership to include new styles like the LISA collaboration and Kylie Jenner Ivory colorway, plus more affordable options starting at $249 USD. By year-end, Meta plans to offer over 100 glasses options across Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Meta brands. New markets including Singapore, South Korea, Mexico, and the UAE are receiving Meta Glasses today, while other regions will see broader brand availability later this year.

Solabs Launches PFAS-Free Sunlight-Activated Anti-Fog Coating Technology

Solabs has introduced Solar Defog Technology (SDT), a durable, PFAS-free coating that uses near-infrared sunlight to passively heat eyewear lenses and reduce fogging. Unlike surface-based solutions, SDT integrates a semicontinuous nanolayer inside standard anti-reflective or mirror coating stacks, protecting it from abrasion and ensuring compatibility with modern lens designs. The technology absorbs up to 70% of NIR radiation while maintaining up to 80% visible transparency. Laboratory and field tests indicate the coating can increase lens temperature by several degrees under sunlight, reducing defogging time by up to a factor of 10. The first commercial application is the Optray Sky SDT by Solabs, launched in collaboration with React Swiss Eyewear. Durability was validated with Bühler Leybold Optics, confirming suitability for industrial production.