Technologies

Meta Tightens Grip on Smart Glasses Market as Global Shipments Soar 139%

AI glasses accounted for 88% of smart glasses shipments in the second half of 2025.

AI smart glasses may be getting more attention, but new data from Counterpoint Research suggests the category is still in its early stages. The tech market research firm reported that the smart glasses market grew 139% year-over-year in the second half of 2025, compared with 2024. And Meta’s AI smart glasses portfolio gets credit for the growth.

Meta AI smart glasses lead market growth

Both Gen 1 and Gen 2 Ray-Ban AI Glasses drove seasonal demand. Meta accounted for 82% of smart glasses shipments thanks to its new products, and its smart glasses were the best-selling. Both Gen 1 and Gen 2 Ray-Ban AI Glasses drove seasonal demand, followed by the Oakley Meta HSTN and Oakley Meta Vanguard, which accounted for over 30% of the last quarter of 2025.

CNET editors are big fans of the Meta AI glasses for reasons beyond the AI capabilities. The Ray-Ban Gen 2 glasses are appreciated for their improved battery life and video quality and for maintaining the same shape as earlier generations, so you can use the old lens if you’d like.

Read more: Meta Ray-Bans, 6 Months Later: The Best AI Companion Happens to Be Camera Glasses

AI glasses are becoming popular, but pricey

AI smart glasses accounted for 88% of total smart glasses shipments during the second half of 2025, while demand for simple smart audio glasses was far lower. The demand for AI glasses stems from Meta’s AI glasses and from Chinese vendors, including Li Auto, Rokid and Bolon.

The market growth for smart glasses isn’t expected to stop. Counterpoint says smart glasses shipments are expected to continue strong growth this year, with plans for new brands and for others to expand. But price will become a concern in 2026.

The average price of AI glasses has risen quickly — reaching $347 in the first half of last year. Yet, the average price went up to $360 in the second half. And prices could rise even further if the current memory shortage persists.

Customers and experts weigh in

Counterpoint also found that Meta customers generally gave positive feedback on video performance for the Gen 2 Meta AI Glasses, and the Oakley Meta Vanguara received positive feedback for its design, as well as its photography and audio features. On the other hand, users say there are still improvements needed in battery performance.

However, CNET editors are big fans of the Meta AI glasses for reasons beyond the AI capabilities. The Ray-Ban Gen 2 glasses are loved for their improved battery life and video quality, and for keeping the same shape as the older generations, so you can use the old lens if you’d like.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im