Meta Platforms (META) debuted its Meta VR Glasses—retailing at $1,299.99—during the Connect 2026 conference. Alongside the eyewear, the company offered a first look at the Muse Charm, a keychain gadget designed to house its Muse artificial intelligence (AI) agent.
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, highlighted that this product marks the organization’s initial foray into packing virtual reality (VR) functionality into standard glasses rather than a traditional bulky headset. The hardware ecosystem also expands to include a third-generation Ray-Ban Meta model and camera-free audio glasses.
Meta VR Glasses Shrink a Headset to 100 Grams
According to Meta, the glasses weigh roughly 100 grams. A connecting cable links the frames to a separate compute puck meant to clip onto a user’s pocket or bag, allowing the puck to manage the computing workload while keeping the eyewear itself lightweight.
Meta markets the hardware as a game console, a multi-monitor workstation, and a personal private cinema. Navigation relies entirely on hand gestures, voice commands, and eye tracking rather than physical controllers. Media playback capacity reaches a maximum of roughly three hours per charge, and the glasses are scheduled to hit the market in spring 2027.
This rollout arrives on the heels of a turbulent period for Meta’s virtual reality division. Back in March, Meta reversed plans to shut down Horizon Worlds on Quest just one day after the initial announcement. In June, rival Snap—the parent company of Snapchat—experienced a nearly 10% drop in stock value following its unveiling of $2,195 augmented reality glasses.
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Muse Charm Puts an AI Agent on Your Keychain
Zuckerberg reserved the introduction of the Muse Charm for the conclusion of the presentation. Meta originally launched the Muse AI agent on September 8, which operates on the Muse Spark model family to handle administrative duties like sending emails and booking appointments.
Engadget reports that Meta has only manufactured a small number of Charm prototypes to date. Nevertheless, the firm intends to release the product this December, though pricing details remain unannounced.
The newly introduced Ray-Ban Meta Audio frames completely omit the camera system. Weighing 43 grams, these glasses start at $349, deliver up to 12 hours of battery performance according to Meta, and become available on October 13.
Meanwhile, the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 lineup begins at $449, introducing Aviator designs alongside a six-microphone array. Meta additionally announced a special edition partnership with Blackpink vocalist Lisa, alongside an ivory colorway for the Kylie Jenner edition.
These hardware additions deeply intertwine Meta’s product strategy with the Muse platform. Because the Meta VR Glasses are not slated for release until spring 2027, the December launch of the Charm will serve as an early test for consumer demand regarding standalone AI assistant hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do the Meta VR Glasses cost?
The Meta VR Glasses are priced at $1,299.99 and are scheduled to ship in spring 2027.
What is the Muse Charm?
The Muse Charm is a keychain device built for talking to Meta’s Muse AI agent. Meta plans to ship it in December, though pricing has not been disclosed.
What are the key features of the Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses?
The camera-free Ray-Ban Meta Audio frames weigh 43 grams, start at $349, offer up to 12 hours of battery life, and launch on October 13.
How much does the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 cost?
The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 starts at $449 and features a six-microphone array and Aviator styles.
