Meta Connect 2026 RECAP: Mark Zuckerberg announces new VR glasses, Muse Charm, Ray-Ban Meta gen 3, audio-only smart glasses
Privacy, Project Luna, Phoenix, Muse AI, and much more
Meta Connect 2026 was kicked off by the company's annual keynote from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, which revealed what Meta has been working on.
As usual, hardware was a big focus of the keynote — Zuckerberg announced a new VR headset that could rival the Apple Vision Pro, a new pair of audio-only smart glasses, the Ray-Ban Meta (gen 3), and, in a real surprise, the Muse Charm, a small pendant-style device that contains the company's new Muse AI.
There was also a good amount of time spent on Muse and what it could do; while it had previously been revealed that it could make purchases on your behalf, at Meta Connect it was announced that it would work with a host of retailers, including Walmart and Instacart.
But that's not all — Meta also announced several other new features designed to enhance its smart glasses, including a new virtual environment to isolate your interactions with its Muse AI from the rest of Meta. However, there was very little said about the privacy issues that have dogged the company over the past year.
What was announced
Meta announced four new hardware devices at Meta Connect 2026
- Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) glasses — a refresh with longer battery life and a few new frame styles. Available today starting at $449.
- Ray-Ban Meta Audio - Meta's first pair of camera-free glasses. They will ship on October 13, and can be pre-ordered starting at $349.
- Meta VR Glasses - a new ultra thin VR headset aimed at entertainment and productivity. They will cost $1,299, and be available this spring.
- Muse Charm - AI device that holds an AI agent on your keychain. It will be available this fall, but pricing has not yet been announced.
In addition to hardware, Meta also announced a number of software features for its devices. Here are some of the highlights.
Muse AI
The company announced updates to its Muse AI, from integrations with numerous shopping sites, to the ability to fully customize your avatar, from its look to its name to how it speaks.
Hearing Enhancement
Available later this year on select smart glasses, this FDA-approved OTC software feature will be able to assist adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. However, this feature will cost $149 per year, or included with a Meta One subscription.
Improved navigation for Meta Ray-Ban Display
Meta's Display smart glasses will soon get cycling and public transit directions, as well as real-time transit departures. Available later this month in the US and Canada.
Hologram for video calls
When making a video call in WhatsApp using the Meta Ray-Ban Display, the caller on the other end will see a holographic model of your face, which will move in response to you talking. To use the feature, you use Muse AI to capture your face; this feature will roll out in Early Access in the U.S. later this fall.
Meta Connect 2026: time, date, and how to watch
The Meta Connect keynote took place at 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET / 12 a.m. BST) and was livestreamed via Meta.com. It is now also available to stream on YouTube.
You can read through our full recap of the event below, including analysis from our two intrepid reporters on the ground at Meta's headquarters in Menlo Park, California.
RECAP: Full updates
Welcome!
Welcome to our 2026 Meta Connect live blog. We'll be following all the build-up to Meta's annual event, covering what we expect to see, all the details on timings and how to watch Mark Zuckerberg's keynote.
It's going to be a big day for fans of smart glasses, and there's sure to be some interesting takeaways — especially when it comes to privacy. Stay tuned!
Camera-free smart glasses
Perhaps the biggest announcement we expect out of Meta Connect are a pair of camera-free smart glasses. According to the rumors, the audio-only "Luna" smart glasses won't be able to record photos or take photos.
Given that Meta has taken a lot of fire for not doing more to prevent perverts from recording people without their consent, this model could prove popular for those who want smart glasses, but don't want to be considered creepy.
More on Muse AI
While Muse AI, Meta's new personal AI assistant, isn't exactly new, we expect that the company will reveal more about what it can do, especially in conjunction with Meta's smart glasses.
Our AI editor, Amanda Caswell, took Muse AI for a spin when it launched in early September; unlike other chatbots, it can "open websites, fill out forms and negotiate on your behalf. It can book travel, send emails and make purchases."
That last bit can be a bit unnerving, especially to those who have their doubts about Meta in general. However, Muse connects to Stripe's Link payment system, so you're not handing over your credit card information to Muse itself.
Project Phoenix
Perhaps the most ambitious announcement today could be that for Project Phoenix, Meta's rumored mixed-reality glasses. This device, which might look something like the Viture Beast or something from XReal, would have two small displays that would project an immersive view — though not quite as immersive as the Meta Quest 3 — was rumored to launch in 2027, but it looks like that timeline might have been pushed up.
Privacy concerns
One of the biggest things we’re curious about is how Zuckerberg plans to address the privacy concerns around smart glasses. Earlier this year, numerous reports came out showing how people were modifying Meta glasses to block or disable the recording light, and a rash of videos taken on Meta’s glasses depicted harassment of women.
Meta did issue firmware updates to prevent wearers from blocking the recording light, and it did ban a number of Instagram accounts, but the moniker “pervert glasses” has stuck to them and pretty much every other pair of smart glasses that can record video.
However, Meta did not help its cause by filing for a patent that would use AI and facial recognition to automatically identify the people around you. This news came just days after the previous announcement, which was unfortunate timing, to say the least.
A new setta Ray-Ban meta?
Each Meta Connect has unveiled a new pair, or pairs of smart glasses; last year, we got the Ray-Ban Meta (gen 2), the Meta Ray-Ban Display, and the Oakley Meta Vanguard. With the expected announcement of the audio-only glasses and the VR ones, we anticipate that we might only see small announcements around other models.
There is a rumor that there will be the Ray-Ban Meta (gen 3) smart glasses, which should have a new chipset that brings with it longer battery life with some new styles. According to some leaked images, one pair even looks like the classic Aviator-style.
Developer sessions
While the keynote led by Mark Zuckerberg is undoubtedly the highlight of Meta Connect, the two-day conference does play host to a number of developer sessions on Thursday, Sept. 24. Things kick off on the second day with a developer state of the union at 10 a.m. PT, followed by sessions covering VR, AI glasses, AI, and Horizon, Meta’s metaverse social platform.
You can find the list of developer sessions at https://www.meta.com/connect/agenda/, though there aren’t any specific times listed for each session.
Meta vs Google
While there are many other smart glasses on the market, the first real challenger to Meta could be the Google-powered Intelligent Eyewear, which were announced in July at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked. Tom’s Guide’s Mark Spoonauer was able to go hands-on with the Galaxy Glasses, and came away impressed — so much so that he said he’d pick them over the Ray-Ban Metas.
We also had a chance to interview Justin Payne, who leads the product management team for XR at Google, where he detailed how the company has been assiduously studying the missteps of its competitors.
However, despite Samsung’s tease in May that the glasses would be released this fall, we haven’t heard anything since July — could the smart glasses backlash have them rethinking things?
Will Meta hike prices?
If there's been a common thread among 2026 tech launches, it's price hikes thanks to the worldwide shortage of memory. Meta is part of that problem, of course, since it's trying just as hard to win the AI race as Google, Microsoft or OpenAI. But it'll be interesting to see if that has a knock-on effect on device costs.
We've already seen a price hike for the second generation of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses so if we do see a new version alongside a second-gen version of the Oakley Meta glasses, don't be surprised if they land with an inflated price tag.
No camera?
One of the biggest expected rumors coming into Meta Connect is the camera-free smart glasses. As I've mentioned in the past, the only reason I use my Meta glasses is to take photos during golf rounds and vacations without having to pull my phone out of my pocket all the time. Without that, I can't see myself using them.
However, for those who primarily use the glasses for interacting with the AI and listening to music, it could be a great option.
Obviously, Meta is trying to address the "pervert glasses" concerns we've heard a lot about with this new model. And offering a camera-free pair might take some of the heat off the company; if it's still selling pairs with glasses (which we fully expect it to), then it's sure to have issues still.
We're there!
We have members of the team live and in-person at Meta Connect 2026, so we can bring you all the news from the event and provide any potential hands-on impressions.
Keep your eyes locked to the live blog and we'll bring you all the news and information as quickly as we can.
What other tech leaders have said about Meta
CEOs of other tech companies have also taken turns throwing shade at Meta’s offerings, even if their comments do seem somewhat self-serving.
Back in July, Even Realities CEO Will Wang, whose glasses lack both cameras and speakers, called out both Meta and Google, saying "Adding a camera onto a pair of glasses definitely introduces many more downsides than upsides." His argument was that one of the end goals for both companies' wearables was to gather data for AI training purposes.
We also interviewed Snap CEO Evan Spiegel in September, who said that smart glasses disguised as normal eyewear are "creepy." However, it should be acknowledged that the new Snap Specs are significantly larger than other smart glasses on the market.
And, in September, OpenAI's Sam Altman was quoted as saying "I find it very uncomfortable talking to people with a camera and a light." Of course, his company is also developing an AI wearable of its own, which will most likely be a form factor other than glasses.
How Apple handles privacy
The privacy backlash was certainly not lost on Apple, which went out of its way to explain the protections with the Apple Watch Series 12's new Audio Intelligence features, Live Rewind and Siri Recap. In both instances, the watch doesn't keep a recording of the audio, nor does it transcribe word-for-word what was said; rather, it creates a summary.
Is this the best approach when it comes to always-listening wearable devices? Let us know in the comments.
Where are Samsung's smart glasses?
Waaaayyyy back in May, we got our first hands-on with Samsung's new smart glasses, powered by Google's Android XR platform. At the time, the company said that the glasses would come out this fall. We know it's only the second day of the season, but we haven't heard a peep from the company since then on the release date.
Your thoughts on Smart Glasses?
We know Meta is one of the leaders in the smart glasses space and we expect the company to cement that position today with its camera-free model. But we want to know: what do you think about smart glasses overall?
Hit the poll below and let your voice be heard!
The market seems happy
As of this post, Meta stock has increased by $15.64 (2.12%), a sizable bump. That may indicate the market expects whatever is officially announced today to be positive for the company. However, the company's new Muse AI agent is more likely the main catalyst for today's increase.
Whatever the reason, the company needs to live up to investors' hopes with its keynote today, and I hope it has more than just camera-free glasses to announce.
Project Phoenix
Are you excited to see Project Phoenix? I sure am!
I've never been fully onboard with virtual reality as a concept — the headsets are just too big to be practical for my life. This hybrid device that seems to fall somewhere between AR and VR looks to be right up my alley, though.
We're not 100% sure Meta will completely spill the beans on the device at Connect 2026, bit we expect at least some sort of tease for the new piece of tech.
What about the Snap Specs?
The Snap Specs, which have been called a "new type of computer," loom large against Meta Connect 2026. They're doing exactly what Project Phoenix promises to do, but at a very high $2,195 starting price.
Will Meta be able to undercut the high-end Specs with its AR/VR device? Only time will tell, but there's a good chance we might learn something today at Meta Connect 2026.
Photos from the show
We're running around the show and capturing photos of the festivities. It's a busy time, but we're ready to make sure you feel like you're there! Stay tuned for the in-person photos as they come in.
Pass the hors d'oeuvres
Our own Scott Younker is at Meta Connect, and prior to the keynote, is sampling some of the appetizers being passed around. This little cake, shaped to look like an apple, was surprisingly mild. "I was hoping for more apple flavor," he said.
No Vanguard updates?
While the Meta Ray-Ban Displays were the highlight of last year's Meta Connect, we actually found the Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses to be our favorite pair. We took them sledding, skiing, running, and biking, and really liked their look, the videos they took, and the novel feature where it creates a highlight reel synced to your Garmin watch activity.
We're not expecting any new updates to the Vanguards this year, though; as it's a more niche product than the general Ray-Ban Meta glasses, we suspect it'll be another year before we see a new version.
Meet Muse
Central to all of Meta's hardware is its recently announced Muse AI, a new agentic AI that can do a number of things on your behalf, such as making calendar appointments, setting reservations, and even buying things. Our AI editor Amanda Caswell has a good rundown of what Muse AI can do, but it's already run into some controversy, as Amazon has prevented it from crawling its site to shop there for you.
We guarantee we'll hear more about what Muse does in Meta's smart glasses at the event.
Google's using Qualcomm's chip to power its smart glasses; will Meta follow suit?
Happening at the same time as Meta Connect, but about 2,400 west, is the annual Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit in Maui, Hawai'i. Our managing editor for computing, Jason England, really took one for the team and flew out to the conference.
While there, it was just announced that Google's Intelligent Eyewear would run on Snapdragon's AR1 Gen 1 chipset, which itself was announced in June 2025. Will Meta's glasses use the same chip?
Jason also interviewed Ziad Asghar, Qualcomm’s SVP and GM of XR, who defended smart glasses in general, attributing the backlash to the newness of the technology.
Muse is already paying off for Zuck
The Meta Connect 2026 keynote is set to kick off in just under two hours but Mark Zuckerberg is already reaping the rewards from the company's personal AI agent Muse. In fact, according to Forbes, he just overtook Google's Sergey Brin as the fifth wealthiest person in the world thanks to an uptick in Meta's stock.
Almost in
Our own Scott Younker and Kate Kozuch are on the ground in Menlo Park, California at Meta's headquarters. People are already lining up for the keynote which is set to start in just over an hour at 4pm PT (7pm ET, 12am BST). We'll have more pics, videos and hands-on impressions once the event is underway, so stay tuned for all the big announcements as they happen from Meta Connect 2026.
Not your only avatar
With the launch of Muse, we're seeing the personal AI agent's mascot all over Meta's Menlo Park Campus. While it is certainly cute and very approachable, this isn't your only avatar option when using Muse.
When you first launch the app, Muse actually encourages you to design your own avatar and give it a personality. We'll likely hear a whole lot more once the keynote kicks off in less than an hour but check out this explainer from Amanda Caswell before then to see everything it can do so far.
Smart Glasses sales booming despite backlash
Smart glasses are definitely having their privacy moment right now as controversy about people secretly filming in public continues to grow. However, despite all the bad publicity so called 'pervert glasses' keep getting, they continue to sell, and really well at that.
According to new research from Counterpoint, global shipments of AI glasses surged by 263% year over year in the first half of this year. With new glasses from Meta and Android XR's launch just around the corner, even controversy can't stop smart glasses.
And we're in....
We just found our seats in the auditorium where Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg will be giving this year's keynote in less than 30 minutes. Everyone seems pretty excited about the new Meta Ray-Bans, audio-only glasses and everything else that's set to be unveiled.
20 minute countdown
20 minutes to showtime. Anything you're interested in hearing from Zuckerberg and co?
Nothing from Oakley?
So far, it's been quiet on the Oakley front. It seems the sporty take on Meta glasses won't be getting an update this year.
Perhaps it's perfect for people who like Oakleys.
5 minutes
Show is supposed to start in five minutes. Rest assuredly, it will probably not start exactly at 4 pm, but that's the stated time.
Wow! Starting with the hologram
There were rumors that Andrew Bosworth would show up as a hologram today.
Mark Zuckerberg is on stage
And of course he is immediately discussing AI and Ai agents.
Says Meta is optimistic versus the doomsdayers of AI in other parts of Silicon Valley.
Zuckerberg is claiming that Meta believes in people and putting power in the hands of people.
"Muse is going to grow into the personal super intelligence..."
Muse AI was announced a few weeks ago, but the personal AI agent is getting some shine here.
Muse spark model is trained to be a personal agent.
Muse mascot is named Jolly
Muse is free (for a huge number of tokens). Meta will profit from taking a small fee from transactions.
Video promoting muse
Different people discuss how Muse works for them from creating branding kits to travel plans and more.
Alexander Wang on Muse
Meta's Alexander Wang is on stage to discuss muse.
The mascot is customizable. One story involved shopping to find a new version of a broken plate, saving money, or booking travel.
Muse on Mac
Muse Mac app came out last week works across files, notes, and apps.
Today, they're adding computer use. This means Muse can use any app on a Mac. Will keep working for you if you walk away.
Shopping
Muse can shop for you using Shopify and Stripe and use Link and Shoppay.
It is also getting payments with Paypal globally.
Walmart, Best Buy, Sephora, Wayfarer, Ulta, Gap, Dicks , Fanatics, and others can work with Muse.
Productivity
Muse productivity. It will work with Box, the file sharing platform, Github and some other platforms.
Mark talks glasses
Zuckerberg is talking about how Muse can be integrated with smart glasses and that AI glasses will be on the future everywhere.
Live Demo with Muse
Mark is trying a live demo with Muse AI. Seems to be working so far.
Hey it worked!
Zuckerberg was able to use his voice to talk with the Muse AI and find out information about an "AI charm" device.
He named his muse Agrippa, a Roman mostly known for military successes.
Customizable Muses
You can customize your Muse, from everything from what it looks like to its voice. You can have it speak slower, faster, or with a particular accent.
You can also name your Muse, and then address it directly using your smart glasses.
Using Muse to build a workout plan
MMA fighter shows how Muse can be used to build a workout plan over a week or more.
Promised privacy
Zuckerberg claims Muse will have privacy built-in including a new secure server that even Meta can't look at.
On glasses that looks like "privacy processing." Again, Mark claims that Meta won't be able to look at your content. This appears similar to WhatsApp.
He also mentioned the LED light for recording on the Meta glasses.
Coming to live translations first
Hearing enhancement
Hearing enhancement is a new feature coming to Meta glasses that is meant to help with mild to moderate hearing loss.
It turns your glasses into an FDA-approved OTC hearing aid.
Listen in
Hearing enhancement can be used in narrow focus to help users hear in loud environments.
Amplification for your ears can be tuned using the app.
A cost
Unmentioned, the Hearing enhancement (coming to Meta Glasses first) will require a $149.99 one time fee or a Meta One Subscription.
Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses announced
Meta is fighting a privacy battle and one way they seem to be challenging privacy concerns is with the camera-free Ray-Ban Meta Audio. I tried the Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses out and they’re Ray-Ban glasses without a camera. But the Clubmaster frames are cool.
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 is here
Does it need to be, though? The new Ray-Bans are thinner and have one additional hour of battery life. There’s also a new AI-specific action button but that’s about it. If you like Meta glasses there are more styles for the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3.
There are also 6 microphones now, and spatial audio recording.
Ray-Ban getting Aviator frames
As part of Gen 3, a new frame in the shape of the classic Aviator form is coming. There's also a cats eye frame called Zena.
New collaboration with Blackpink's Lisa
Meta collabed with Blackpink's Lisa on two new styles. One is more optical for daily use while the other is more of a catseye for more fashionable looks.
They feature stars on the arms and collectible charms and a special case.
The pink shaded version looks pretty slick in real life.
Over 100 styles by the end of 2026
Zuckerberg says that by the end of the year, Meta will over its AI glasses in over 100 different styles including Oakley, Ray-Ban and Meta frames.
Meta VR Glasses are real
Mark Zuckerberg just revealed the lighter, slimmer controller-free Meta VR Glasses. I was able to go hands on with the new headset before the keynote and I think they’re the future of the VR headsets, even with some early flaws.
Integrates AI agent in the operating system
Every interaction can be done with your hands, voice and eyes. This is done via the AI in the operating system.
VR Glasses live demo
Andrew Bosworth of Reality Labs is showing.
We can see his hands and he just brought up a National Geographic video that he says is immersive in the glasses.
Muse is on the VR Glasses as well
You can use the Muse AI agent to do multiple tasks including rendering, calendar scheduling and more.
"VR gaming is alive and well"
More than 75 "hands-enhanced" VR titles will launch with the VR Glasses. That includes a new version of Beat Saber.
3D and sports
A number of 3D and immersive content iscoming including a version of the Avengers and Star Wars A New Hope with immersive backgrounds.
Sports including college football and the NBA will be available in spatial focuses that put you on the field.
Hologram calling
Meta has built "full body" hologram calling that will present you for video calls in as a digital representation.
They really glossed over this one and I would love to know more.
VR glasses launches in spring 2027
Meta VR glasses launch in the spring for $1299
Well this is a surprise
Mark revealed a little keychain device that will hold your Muse AI character. There's a screen with a the Muse mascot that you can carry around with you.
Caling it Muse Charm.
Muse Charm
Zuck had one more one more thing - the Muse Charm, a small pendant-style device that contains the Muse AI. You can activate it by pressing the small fingerprint sensor along the edge, and it will answer your questions — no phone connection needed.
Zuckerberg said that only a few of these devices had been built so far, but that they were planning to ship it in time for the holidays.
And that's the keynote
That was a surprisingly packed keynote.
Let us know what you thought - Which device or product intrigued you the most? And did Meta do enough to allay your concerns about privacy?
Waiting to see if I can check out the Muse Charm. Stay tuned.
Twas a fallacy.
