When Meta unveiled Project Orion AR glasses at Meta Connect in September, it hinted at an impressive future for smart glasses, even if Orion is still a prototype.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Ray-Ban Meta's new smart glasses will feature “one small screen in the lens.” In addition, they may be launched with a sensor wristband controller similar to the one being tested on the Orion glasses.

This information comes from “a person familiar with the project,” but the report notes that Meta will not confirm the heads-up display glasses. Meta's vice president of wearables told the Journal that one of the most requested features was a viewfinder that would display basic information such as notifications. He said Meta is working on multiple “sizes and form factors.”

This appears to be consistent with Meta's roadmap leaked in 2023, which revealed that Meta plans to launch Ray-Ban co-branded glasses with viewfinders in 2025. That report also suggested that a “neural interface band” with hand movement control would debut along with the third generation of Ray-Ban smart glasses. Leading indicators of the sensor strap's presence were revealed in Project Orion. As suggested in the roadmap, the strap could be a smartwatch, but it is unclear when or if Meta is actually working on a “Meta Watch.”

The roadmap specifically mentions the “Orion,” which will reportedly launch in 2027 as part of a new line of AR glasses called “Innovation.”

Assuming the roadmap and the Journal's report are accurate, Meta will probably release a Viewfinder version in September or October, around the time of the annual Meta Connect event. Of course, Meta could shake things up, but based on its history of announcements, it is most likely to be released in the fall.

The viewfinder looks interesting, but it is doubtful that Meta will make other upgrades to make the display an effective tool. Currently, the Ray-Ban has an effective usage time of 6 hours. Our review found that live streaming absolutely drains the battery, and a small display with AR capabilities could easily eat up the battery.

We also wonder if it will maintain its stylish look, or if it will be a bit blocky like the Orions, or if it will be nice but not a fashion statement like the Xreal One AR glasses.

Just recently, Meta rolled out three major upgrades to its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses with Meta AI. This is due to the v11 software update.

The first upgrade is integration with Shazam, where you say, “Hey Meta, what's this song?” and the glasses use the built-in microphone to identify the song.

Additionally, Meta AI can now “see” what you are looking at through the camera. You can ask the Meta AI questions about what you are seeing and get answers.

Finally, live translation through Ray-Ban's Meta glasses allows you to get real-time translations in French, Italian, and Spanish.