At CES 2026, Meta showcased new applications for its EMG neural wristband beyond smart glasses, including car controls and assistive tech for disabilities. The company also paused international expansion of its Ray-Ban Display glasses due to high demand and limited supply. New features like a teleprompter and handwriting recognition were announced for the glasses.
Meta's Ray-Ban Display glasses, launched in September 2025 at $800, feature a miniature display in one lens and a wrist-worn neural band that interprets subtle muscle movements for control. The company has experimented with electromyography (EMG) technology for years, commercializing it first in these glasses.
At CES 2026 on January 6, Meta partnered with Garmin to demonstrate the neural band controlling in-car infotainment systems as part of Garmin's "Unified Cabin" concept. In a demo, users navigated touchscreen apps using pinch and swipe gestures, such as manipulating a car model or playing the game 2048. Garmin indicated future uses could include vehicle functions like rolling down windows or unlocking doors.
Meta also announced a research collaboration with the University of Utah to apply EMG tech for people with ALS, muscular dystrophy, or other hand-use impairments. The band could enable control of smart speakers, blinds, thermostats, and locks. "Meta Neural Band is sensitive enough to detect subtle muscle activity in the wrist — even for people who can’t move their hands," Meta stated in a blog post. Researchers will explore mobility aids, including the TetraSki program, which currently uses joysticks or mouth controllers for skiing.
Separately, Meta paused its planned early 2026 launch in the UK, France, Italy, and Canada due to strong US demand and limited inventory, with waitlists extending into late 2026. "We'll continue to focus on fulfilling orders in the US while we re-evaluate our approach to international availability," a spokesperson wrote.
New features for the glasses include a teleprompter, rolling out this week, which scrolls customizable text for speeches. The EMG handwriting feature, available for early access, lets users write on any surface with their finger, converting it to messages for WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.
Analysts view the sales pause as a prudent delay for a first-generation product. Ramon Llamas of IDC noted low initial volumes to address bugs before scaling. Daniel Burrus called it a "let's not scale too fast" decision, citing challenges like certifications and regulations.
