Ray-Ban

DEF CON 2026 has banned Meta-style smart glasses with recording capabilities, including prescription lenses, citing privacy concerns. The conference's 2023 photo policy prohibits secret photography of attendees without consent. Similar bans by Monopoly Events and CalMac reflect growing privacy concerns over discreet recording devices.

Instagram is removing content and accounts using Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses to secretly record people in public, addressing privacy concerns over the devices dubbed 'pervert glasses.' Meta claims its glasses have privacy safeguards like an LED indicator for recordings, but a lawsuit alleges contractors in Kenya accessed sensitive user footage. The glasses, part of Meta's AI-powered wearable expansion, face scrutiny as shipments surged 167% in Q1 2026.

Ray-Ban is offering verified promo codes for 50% savings on frames, custom designs, and prescription lenses in July 2026.

Meta's glasses offer the same functionality as its Ray-Ban models but lack the premium feel. The review highlights functional parity but criticizes the overall polish and perceived quality.

Lorde criticized AI glasses during her Real Cool Festival performance in Madrid, likely referencing Ray-Ban's collaboration with Meta. She described the glasses as 'not sexy' and questioned their reality during her set.

The Ray-Ban dynasty is facing a billion-dollar succession feud. The dispute highlights internal conflicts within the family over the company's future.

Meta's new AI glasses, priced at $299 and developed with EssilorLuxottica, aim to merge fashion with functionality. Mark Zuckerberg emphasizes the need for stylish, comfortable wearables that balance aesthetics and AI capabilities to attract consumers.

Meta announced a new line of in-house designed AI smart glasses priced at $299, cheaper than its previous Ray-Ban and Oakley models. The glasses feature three styles, AI capabilities like language translation and image-based answers, and a new Muse Spark AI model to improve functionality.

Meta is launching its own smart glasses brand with a starting price of $299, which is $80 cheaper than the Ray-Ban Meta models. The new glasses include three frame styles, one of which is a $399 collaboration with Kylie Jenner.

Snap unveiled its Specs AR glasses with EyeConnect at a Long Beach conference, priced at $2,195, which is significantly higher than competitors like Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses ($350) and Apple's Vision Pro ($3,500). The high cost has drawn criticism from tech experts, who called the product 'out of touch' and predicted it would be 'dead on arrival.'

Apple is positioning its smart glasses to disrupt both the tech and traditional eyewear markets, targeting competitors like Meta, Samsung, Oakley, Ray-Ban, and Warby Parker. The strategy mirrors the Apple Watch's approach, which generated $17 billion annually, with eyewear representing a potentially larger market estimated at $132 billion.

Meta's summer sale offers discounts on Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, with prices starting at $224.25 for the original model and $322.25 for the second-gen model. The sale event runs through May 26th and is available on Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from Meta.

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Glasses, code-named 'Jinju,' have leaked images showing a design similar to Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses. The glasses, potentially announced at Google I/O next month, will cost $379–$499, feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 processor and a Sony IMX681 camera, but lack a built-in display. A premium model with a micro-LED display, code-named 'Haean,' is planned for a 2024 release.

Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, heir to the Ray-Ban family, is intensifying negotiations for a €10 billion buyout of his siblings' shares in the company. The deal, if finalized, would consolidate ownership within the Del Vecchio family and impact the optics industry.

Google is partnering with Gucci to develop stylish AI smart glasses, set to launch in 2027 under Kering's brand. Google's first Android XR glasses, 'Project Aura,' expected this year, resemble Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses and mark Google's second attempt at wearable tech after the failed Google Glass.

Best Buy's Ultimate Upgrade Sale offers significant discounts on gadgets like AirPods Pro 3, LG OLED TVs, and Google Pixel 10A, with prices matched by Amazon and other retailers. The five-day sale runs through April 19th, featuring deals on tech products from multiple brands.