Mark Zuckerberg took the stage at the annual Meta Connect conference this Wednesday to signal a bold expansion of the company’s hardware ambitions, blending the vision of the metaverse with a heavy push into artificial intelligence. The centerpiece of the announcement was the debut of the Meta VR Glasses, a sleek and slimmed-down alternative to the bulkier Quest headsets seen in previous years. Priced at 1,299 dollars and slated for release in spring 2027, these glasses aim to provide a highly immersive experience without the cumbersome feel of traditional gear. To achieve this lightweight design, Meta has moved the processing power and battery into an external puck featuring a Qualcomm processor, effectively turning the eyewear into a portable mini-computer.
Beyond just visual upgrades, Zuckerberg highlighted that these glasses feature advanced sensors capable of tracking eye and hand movements. This shift allows users to navigate virtual environments naturally, significantly reducing the reliance on handheld controllers. According to Zuckerberg, the goal was to maintain that magical sense of presence and immersion while finally fitting all that technology into a form factor that looks like actual glasses. It marks a significant jump in pricing from the budget-friendly Quest 3S launched back in 2024, positioning this new device as a premium entry into the market.
Alongside the glassware, Meta introduced a compact handheld accessory called the Muse Charm designed specifically to work with its recently released Muse AI personal agent. While full technical specifications remain under wraps, Zuckerberg described it as a fast lane for interacting with AI without needing to fumble with a smartphone or launch an app. By simply speaking to the charm or showing it surroundings, users can engage their digital assistant instantly. Although he did not disclose a price point yet because component layout is still being finalized, he expressed confidence that the devices would be ready to ship in time for December holiday shopping.
