What you need to know
- Meta says it will donate its Ray-Ban AI smart glasses to legally blind veterans through its various partnerships, including one with the Blind Veterans Association (BVA).
- The BVA is said to host in-person events for blind veterans to get their glasses and receive technical support as well as a “training guide.”
- We expect a lot more from Meta’s smart glasses this year at Connect 2026, and there could be something extra from Qualcomm.
The 4th of July is approaching and Meta has announced that it will donate Ray-Ban AI glasses to legally blind American veterans.
The company broke things in a publishing in the newsroomstating that there are “more than 130,000” legally blind American veterans in the country. To achieve this, Meta says it is partnering with the Blind Veterans Association to host “monthly webinars” (with TechSoup). These webinars are educational and give veterans the opportunity to ask questions about AI glasses issues and receive support.
The BVA is expanding its assistance by developing a “training guide” for veterans who are blind or have low vision. The guide will consist of “activation of voice commands, reading documents, answering phone calls and navigating daily tasks with greater autonomy.” Meta will continue to partner with other organizations to host in-person events where veterans can receive their AI glasses and early assistance.
Meta is also using its partnerships to not only help veterans who are blind or have low vision, but also to connect them with others with similar stories.
Eligible veterans can get started by visiting the BVA official website for blind veterans to apply for a device.
Outside the standard Ray-Ban space, Meta launched an upgrade for your Ray-Ban Display glasses with important features. The update was sparse at first, but those who received it reported Palm Unlock first. This unlocking method was added to the device’s biometrics, giving users a way to access their glasses by opening their palm. “Live Sports” was another addition. Users could receive updated scores on their HUD without having to pick up their phone.
Additionally, Meta brought better functionality with WhatsApp video calls. Users can rely on the POV camera of their glasses. This would broadcast what they see to their friends/family on the call, so it’s like you’re there with them. There’s a lot more we expect from Meta this year, especially during Connect in September. Qualcomm began to mock “something new” in the XR space, and we can’t help but think that this could debut (or at least appear) during Meta Connect.
