Daily briefing · 2026-10-16 · FridayDaily briefing
EYEWEARSEARCH NEWS
Ray-Ban Meta Expands Smart Glasses Portfolio with Audio-Only Line and Gen 3 Models
Ray-Ban Meta has announced two new product families: the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, which removes the camera to focus on open-ear sound, and the Gen 3 smart glasses featuring expanded optical options. This launch marks a significant diversification of the brand's wearable technology lineup.
Products & Technology
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 NewsroomFirst partyMeta, 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.
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.