In 2024, Apple's Vision Pro did not make a splash, while Meta's Asia Vets smart glasses gained much favor, with downloads surging.

On Tuesday, according to the latest report by Goldman Sachs Analyst Jack McFerran, the download volume of applications related to Meta's Asia Vets smart glasses showed explosive growth. Sensor Tower's app download data indicates that downloads of the Meta View app increased by over 200% year-on-year in October. This data reflects the high consumer attention towards Meta's Asia Vets smart glasses.

The price advantage may be the key competitive factor, as Meta's collaboration with Ray-Ban to launch Ray-Ban smart glasses comes with a price range of $300 to $379, while Apple's Vision Pro headset is priced at $3,500. Although Meta's Asia Vets smart glasses have relatively simple features, mainly adding a camera, speakers, and a large language model to the classic Wayfarer frame, lacking true AR/VR capabilities, consumers seem more inclined to choose this affordable option.

McFerran personally tried the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses at Westgate in Oxford and stated in the report:

The overall impression of these glasses is good; one can imagine using them to listen to podcasts while walking the dog, having morning conference calls, or using them while skiing or cycling. However, I am skeptical about the frequency of using its photo-taking function or the AI feature to find the nearest Pret or Starbucks.

Compared to Apple, Meta seems to have gained a leading advantage in the wearable technology field, with plans to add a display to the Ray-Ban glasses as early as next year.

According to media reports citing informed sources, Meta plans to add a screen inside the $300 sunglasses produced and sold in cooperation with the eyewear group EssilorLuxottica. Sources indicated that the upgraded Ray-Ban glasses may be released as early as the second half of 2025, with a small display potentially used to show notifications or replies from the Meta virtual assistant.

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