Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses are facing a new chapter, marked by a leadership change that has caught the industry’s attention. In a bold move, Meta has handed the reins of its smart glasses division to an outsider who was previously critical of the product. This shift signals a potential pivot in the company’s strategy for wearable tech, raising both hopes and questions about the future of Meta’s smart glasses portfolio.

The latest iteration of the Ray-Ban smart glasses, launched in 2023, reflects Meta’s broader ambitions in the augmented reality (AR) and wearable tech spaces. Following mixed reviews of the initial launch in 2021, the 2023 update brings significant improvements. The frames are slimmer, and the glasses now boast enhanced features such as hands-free photo and video messaging, real-time live streaming on Instagram, and a refined 12MP ultra-wide camera. In addition, Meta’s integration of artificial intelligence (AI) takes functionality to a new level, allowing the glasses to recognize objects in real-time, adding a layer of utility beyond what most wearables offer.

Despite these advancements, the glasses still have shortcomings, particularly in comparison to competitors. Unlike Amazon’s Echo Frames, Meta’s smart glasses lack a location-tracking feature. This omission leaves users vulnerable to losing their $300 device, a security concern that has been raised by potential customers and tech analysts alike.

The new leadership brings hope that these gaps will be addressed. The critic-turned-leader brings a fresh perspective, potentially positioning Meta’s smart glasses to better compete in the rapidly evolving wearable tech market. By refining its focus on security and usability, Meta has the opportunity to solidify its place in this space—if the new direction is executed well. Whether this leadership change will result in a breakthrough for Meta or further challenges remains to be seen, but the industry is watching closely.