News · Meta
Meta Redefines Smart Glasses as Fashion with New Aviator, Cat-Eye Zena, and BLACKPINK's LISA
This week, Meta unveiled the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3, expanding its smart eyewear lineup with a 90th-anniversary Aviator and a bold Zena cat-eye frame. The company also launched a separate Meta Glasses collection designed in collaboration with BLACKPINK's LISA.
Meta's latest product launch, announced this week, signals a strategic pivot for smart glasses: frames are now as crucial as the embedded technology. The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 line introduces three distinct silhouettes: the classic Aviator, the new Zena cat-eye, and the familiar Wayfarer. Concurrently, Meta Glasses launched a distinct collection crafted with LISA of BLACKPINK.
The Aviator model commemorates the shape's 90th anniversary with a limited, vintage-inspired colorway. In contrast, the Zena offers a striking cat-eye profile, breaking from the predominantly rectangular frames that have long defined the smart eyewear category. Combined with the Wayfarer, these three styles offer consumers 27 unique frame and lens combinations.
Beyond the aesthetic updates, the Gen 3 models boast significant hardware improvements. They record 3K Ultra HD video via a 12-megapixel camera, incorporate six microphones that Meta Connect 2026 claims reduce over 90 percent of background noise, and deliver up to nine hours of battery life. A customizable action button provides direct access to Meta AI. Pricing begins at $449, with availability starting during the Connect event.
LISA's collaboration falls under the Meta Glasses brand, distinct from Ray-Ban. It features the Adventurer LISA Edition, presented in Moonlit Sky with Blush lenses, and the Capri LISA Edition, an Eclipse cat-eye frame paired with grey lenses. Both editions support prescription lenses and start at $399. Unique design elements include a custom star on the frames and case, special case charms inspired by LISA's pets, and digital photocards unlocked with the glasses.
Video: Meta Connect 2026
The BLACKPINK member's involvement extends beyond a typical endorsement. Meta Connect 2026 reports that the collection was designed in collaboration with LISA, bridging wearable technology with K-pop and broader fashion trends. Both the Zena and Capri models highlight the growing mainstream appeal of cat-eye designs within the smart glasses market, positioning them as a serious style option rather than a niche novelty.
Mark Zuckerberg, speaking on stage at Connect, framed these releases within Meta's overarching AI strategy. Referring to Muse, the cross-device personal agent, he stated it is "the centerpiece of our vision for what we're building," as Meta Connect 2026 reports. While not specifically referencing the new frames, this statement underscores Meta's strategy to diversify the form factors through which its AI assistant can be worn.
Meta's strategic message is unambiguous: smart glasses are evolving beyond a singular tech product available in multiple colors. The Aviator offers a globally recognized icon, the Zena provides a sharp cat-eye alternative, and the LISA collection injects a distinct pop-culture identity with unique physical details. The technology itself is increasingly integrated into a fashion-centric catalog.
Our take: The most impactful announcement may not be the technical jump to 3K video or the improved battery life. Instead, choice is becoming Meta's primary competitive advantage. By offering a familiar Aviator, a trendy Zena cat-eye, or a collectible LISA edition-all without compromising core AI and camera functions-Meta is aligning smart glasses purchasing closer to conventional eyewear buying behavior.
Interactive guide — prices, displays, cameras, battery.
Share this story
