Meta unveiled a handheld AI gadget called Meta Charm on Sept. 23, according to Reuters. The device is roughly the size of an Apple AirPods case and features a 2-inch touchscreen and a built-in 5G connection to house its new Muse AI assistant. It is slated to ship for the holidays in December without an announced price.
Meta Charm and the Race for Post-Smartphone Hardware
According to Reuters, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced the Meta Charm at the annual Meta Connect device event in Menlo Park, California. Zuckerberg stated that the device packs the entire Muse experience, including real-time voice and avatar stacks, into a keychain-sized form factor that is always available. This surprise announcement arrives as Silicon Valley companies pour billions into hardware built around AI assistants capable of seeing, hearing, and responding to their surroundings, though it remains unclear which form factor will dominate the market, per Reuters reporting.
Did you know?
Meta’s initial hardware success in the AI category came from its partnership with EssilorLuxottica on Ray-Ban smart glasses, according to Reuters.
Expanding Muse AI Across Smart Glasses and VR
Alongside the Charm gadget, Meta expanded the Muse AI assistant across its smart glasses lineup, introducing computer use capabilities and integrations with retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Gap, according to Reuters. Muse will now serve as the primary interface for the glasses, letting users shop and complete tasks via voice commands. Additionally, Reuters reports that Meta announced slim VR glasses priced at $1,299, slated for a spring 2027 release. Weighing about as much as a deck of playing cards due to a separate puck housing the battery and processor, the VR device responds to eye, voice, and hand gestures.
Linda Sui, founder of market research firm Smart Analytics Group, noted that bringing the weight down to around 100 grams is impressive and could improve the user experience, but added that core use cases remain broadly similar to previous VR headsets and higher prices could hinder mainstream adoption, according to Reuters.
Ray-Ban Meta Audio and Ongoing Privacy Scrutiny
Meta also debuted the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, a camera-free smart glasses model shipping October 13 at a starting price of $349, according to Reuters. While the design drops the camera to build the thinnest pair yet with a 12-hour battery life, the glasses still record audio without a clear visual signal to bystanders, unlike camera-equipped versions that flash a light while filming. Reuters notes that this camera-free approach places the device in direct competition with audio gear like Apple’s AirPods.
The privacy debate surrounding devices that see and hear has prompted lawsuits and bans at some UK venues, according to Reuters. Jitesh Ubrani, director at market research firm IDC, told Reuters that while Meta is addressing some privacy issues, the ability to record audio without consent remains a key concern that requires a clear warning system for bystanders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Meta Charm?
According to Reuters, Meta Charm is a small handheld AI gadget roughly the size of an Apple AirPods case. It features a 2-inch touchscreen, a built-in 5G connection, and houses Meta’s Muse AI assistant.
When will the Meta Charm be available?
Meta announced that the Charm gadget will ship for the holidays in December, though pricing has not yet been disclosed, per Reuters.
How much will Meta’s new VR glasses cost?
According to Reuters, Meta VR Glasses are priced at $1,299 and are scheduled to launch in spring 2027.
What are the Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses?
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