Meta is rolling out a set of new features for its Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses in 2026, including making virtual handwriting available to all users after a limited early access period.
The handwriting feature allows users to compose messages using hand gestures alone, powered by the Meta Ray-Ban Display’s included neural wristband. It was first announced alongside the glasses but was not available at launch. Meta introduced it in early access for WhatsApp and Messenger in January, and is now expanding it to WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, and native Android and iOS messaging apps.
Meta is also adding a feature called “display recording,” which captures video combining what the wearer sees through the lens display, their real-world view, and surrounding audio. Walking directions are now available throughout the entire US and in major international cities including London, Paris, and Rome. Live captions are coming to WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and voice messages in Instagram DMs.
In addition, Meta has opened a developer preview that allows third-party developers to build apps for the Meta Ray-Ban Display, including the ability to deploy web apps directly to the glasses. This could expand the range of software available on the platform over time.
The updates broaden both the everyday utility of the glasses and the tools available to outside developers, suggesting Meta is continuing to build out the Meta Ray-Ban Display as a more fully featured platform rather than a standalone device.
Source: The Verge