Meta’s $799 Ray-Ban Display is the company’s first big step from VR to AR

Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, has taken a significant step towards augmented reality (AR) with the launch of its new $799 Ray-Ban smart glasses. This is the company's first major foray into the AR market, moving away from its virtual reality (VR) focus. The new smart glasses, developed in partnership with Ray-Ban, feature a see-through display, a significant downgrade from the more advanced "Orion" prototype demo showcased last year. The glasses are designed to allow users to view information and content without fully immersing themselves in a virtual environment. While the new smart glasses may not be as technologically advanced as the previous prototype, they represent a crucial step for Meta in its transition towards AR. The company aims to eventually develop more sophisticated AR devices that can seamlessly integrate digital information with the physical world. The launch of the Ray-Ban smart glasses marks the beginning of Meta's efforts to establish a presence in the AR market, which is seen as a crucial component of the company's long-term vision for the "metaverse."