Virtual reality and augmented reality (VR and AR) offer some of the most unique experiences out there. You aren’t just watching the action play out on your TV, phone screen, or computer monitor - you’re actually part of the action.
The dominant force in the space right now is Meta (formerly Oculus), with its excellent lineup of hardware and software (which includes the immensely popular Oculus Quest 2) but it’s not the only player. Valve, HTC, and Pico offer excellent VR headsets, and Xreal and Snapchat are among those creating fun AR smart glasses.
And then of course there's Apple, which recently entered the space with its Vision Pro mixed-reality headset. We expect that announcement to help move this category from niche interest to mainstream concern very quickly.
Latest about Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality
12 years ago Google Glass arrived and so did the privacy concerns. We don't seem to have learned very much since then.
Meta has a new pair of smart glasses for your consideration, and here are the upgrades they bring.
BlackPink star Lisa and Meta have debuted new smart glasses that come with a random blind box.
The Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses have Dolby Atmos, and no cameras at all
The Meta VR Glasses are incredible: easily the best VR headset Meta has ever made.
I went hands-on with the new Ray-Ban Gen 3, exploring the upgraded cameras, battery, audio, and three new styles that make Meta’s smart glasses more capable and wearable.
They're set to launch in the US later in 2026
Meta has updated its Meta Glasses to stop a malicious secret recording strategy, but critics say it isn't enough to stop surreptitious or non-consented filming.
