The next version of Meta Ray-Ban screen smart glasses could arrive later this year, and with them, a watch. A new report from The Information indicates that the smartwatch, named Malibu 2, could have fitness features like an Apple Watch or Fitbit. But the real reason a watch like this is emerging today is to work with smart glasses. Let me explain.
When I discussed with Andrew Bosworth, CTO of Meta last year he told me that the Meta neural band released with the Ray-Ban Display glasses last fall was something that would eventually make sense in the context of a watch. This is exactly what I think will happen this year.
Representatives for Meta did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Meta won’t be alone in a mission to triangulate wearable devices. Apple would have planned about releasing glasses and perhaps a pin to accompany the AirPods and Apple Watch. Google’s XR team confirmed to me that its next smart glasses 2026 will also work with Android watches.
The biggest problem with Meta’s fascinating neural strip accessory, which uses skin electromyography to detect signals from motor neurons and translate them into interface gestures, is that it currently only works to control Ray-Ban Display glasses. Meta has already explored other devices its neural strip technology could connect with: I tried a demo of Meta Neural Band in a Garmin smart car cabin at CES in January.
Wearing a neural bracelet and a smartwatch at the same time is not ideal. Meta’s next step could be to combine the two.
Scott Stein/CNETBut Meta’s wearables team is also likely working on ways to make a wearable wristband do more than just recognize hand gestures. Enter a smartwatch, which could add fitness tracking. Meta has already dabbled in fitness over the past year: The company’s Oakley Vanguard sports glasses feature LED heart-rate tracking indicators and pair with Garmin watches.
If I had to guess a partner for this smartwatch, it would be Garmin. Meta clearly has a partnership with them, both for the fitness features of the existing glasses and for the smart car demo I tried. Out of all the smartwatch manufacturers that aren’t made by Apple, Google, or Samsung, Garmin is the best remaining bet.
A watch might also be a better glasses companion. A touchscreen could potentially act as a viewfinder or control the camera on the glasses.
A watch could be another place Meta could explore onboard AI, either as a glasses companion or for AI-powered fitness functions.
We probably won’t know more until later this year, since Meta’s Connect developer conference, where its new products tend to be announced, usually takes place in September. But launching a new neuron-equipped watch with next-generation Ray-Ban Display glasses (hopefully with a wider range of subscription support and developer access to create apps) would make a lot of sense as Apple and Google appear ready to delve into the same territory.
