Meta launches its cheap smartglasses and Steam Machine costs $1050

Meta launched its new affordable smart glasses, called Meta Glasses, on June 23, 2026, starting at $299, according to company officials. The in-house designed glasses, developed with EssilorLuxottica but without Ray-Ban or Oakley branding, aim to make smart glasses more accessible by offering a significantly lower entry price than previous models.

The Meta Glasses come in three distinct designs—Adventurer, Fury, and Meta Glasses by Kylie—offering multiple color and lens combinations, according to reports from TechCrunch and CNN. The glasses include a camera, personal speakers, and a microphone but do not feature a display screen, CNBC and TechCrunch said. Users can capture photos and videos and interact with Meta AI to translate languages or understand their surroundings, CNBC reported.

Meta claims the glasses provide over eight hours of battery life on a single charge, with a charging case that offers up to 40 additional hours of use, according to TechCrunch.

CNBC noted the introduction of a new charging stand for the glasses, while Chosun English confirmed the improved battery performance. The launch of the Meta Glasses on June 23, 2026, marks the first time Meta has designed smart glasses entirely in-house, CNN reported.

The glasses are developed in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban and Oakley, but do not carry either brand’s labeling, according to TechCrunch and CNBC. This new Meta-branded line is positioned as a more affordable alternative to Meta’s prior smart glasses offerings, which included the $800 Ray-Ban Display glasses launched the previous year, Reuters reported. CNBC stated the starting price of $299 is at least $80 lower than Meta’s entry-level second-generation Ray-Ban glasses, reflecting a clear down-market strategy.

Meta’s launch of the Meta Glasses on June 23 included availability in several countries, according to TechCrunch. The company is aiming to expand adoption of smart glasses by offering a significantly lower entry price and improved day-to-day wearability, Reuters and CNBC said. The new product line is designed to make smart glasses more accessible compared to Meta’s higher-priced previous models.

The global smart glasses market has seen significant growth, with shipments reaching 9.6 million units last year, according to Reuters citing IDC data. Meta accounted for approximately 76.1% of those shipments, Reuters reported. Chosun English cited Omdia data indicating Meta held 85.2% of the global AI smart glasses market in 2025. This market dominance provides context for Meta’s decision to introduce a more affordable, in-house designed product line under its own brand.

Meta’s move to release the cheaper Meta Glasses aligns with a broader industry trend toward more accessible wearable technology. The new glasses combine hardware features such as cameras and speakers with AI capabilities, despite lacking a built-in display, CNBC and TechCrunch noted. The company’s strategy appears focused on balancing price, battery life, and functionality to appeal to a wider consumer base.

The launch timing on June 23, 2026, and the pricing structure underscore Meta’s intent to compete aggressively in the smart glasses market. By offering a product starting at $299, Meta positions itself below its previous $800 models and other competitors, according to multiple sources. The collaboration with EssilorLuxottica without using its well-known Ray-Ban or Oakley brands suggests a strategic shift toward establishing Meta’s own brand identity in this product category.

Meta’s introduction of the Meta Glasses follows years of development in wearable technology and AI integration. The company’s dominant market share and recent product launches indicate its continued investment in smart glasses as a key segment of its hardware portfolio. The new glasses are expected to be available in various international markets following the June 23 announcement, according to TechCrunch.