Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday unveiled two new hardware products at the company’s annual Connect developer conference: the Meta VR Glasses, priced at $1,299, and a handheld device called the Muse Charm, designed to interact with Meta’s AI agent, Muse.
The Meta VR Glasses, scheduled for release in spring 2027, are slimmer and lighter than previous Quest headsets, weighing approximately 100 grams compared to Apple’s Vision Pro’s 600 grams. They require an external puck containing a Qualcomm processor and battery, which reduces the headset’s weight and size. The glasses feature eye and hand tracking, eliminating the need for controllers, and are positioned as a more immersive alternative for watching movies, gaming, and virtual work. Meta describes them as a “glimpse of the future” and highlights their potential for VR-immersive environments tied to Disney franchises.
The Muse Charm, a handheld device, allows users to interact with Meta’s Muse AI agent without unlocking a phone or opening an app. Zuckerberg stated it would be ready for shipping by December 2026, though pricing was not disclosed. The device includes a screen displaying Jolly, the mascot of Muse, and is positioned as a faster alternative for engaging with AI agents when glasses are not worn. Meta also announced plans to upgrade the AI experience on its existing Meta glasses in the coming weeks, integrating Muse more deeply into daily interactions.
Meta’s broader hardware push includes audio-only smart glasses and partnerships with companies like Shopify, PayPal, Expedia, and Instacart to expand Muse’s capabilities. The company has established a new design lab led by former Apple executive Alan Dye and hired Rui Xu, a veteran from China’s tech sector, to lead hardware efforts within its superintelligence division. Meta’s hardware initiatives aim to reduce reliance on smartphones and position its AI agent as a central tool for managing daily tasks.
The announcements reflect Meta’s strategy to compete in the growing market for AI-powered devices, positioning itself against rivals like OpenAI, which is reportedly developing its own hardware with former Apple designer Jony Ive. Meta’s Muse AI agent has rapidly gained traction, topping app store charts shortly after its launch. The company’s hardware expansion underscores its ambition to integrate AI agents into wearable technology, though questions remain about practical use cases beyond entertainment and virtual interactions.