Meta Pairs with Garmin for EMG In-Car Controls, Pauses Global Glasses Rollout

• Meta showcased Neural Band integration with Garmin’s in-car system, enabling gesture-based control without glasses.
• The company has paused its planned rollout of Ray-Ban Display in four international markets due to limited inventory and high U.S. demand.

Meta’s Neural Band is evolving into a standalone control system, extending beyond its role with Ray-Ban Display glasses. The company announced the availability of new features that increase the use cases for its glasses. It also showed off early automotive demos that see the band being used independently to navigate in-car interfaces.

In a CES 2026 demo with Garmin, Meta showed how the Neural Band can interface with in-car entertainment systems. Passengers used finger gestures, like scrolling or pinching, to control Garmin’s Unified Cabin UI. The demo highlights how Meta’s EMG tech could provide hands-free interaction in vehicles.

“Meta Neural Band and its EMG technology could be the best way to control any device,” says Meta VP of Wearables Alex Himel, in an official news release. “Once you start using the band regularly, you want it to control more than just your AI glasses. We’ve already developed prototype experiences for the band to control devices in your home, and it’s been great to team up with Garmin to showcase its potential in your car. We’re excited about all the possibilities EMG can unlock as a future input platform over time.”

Meta also introduced a built-in teleprompter feature for Meta Ray-Ban Display, allowing users to navigate through scripts using the Neural Band. Early access users can now also send WhatsApp and Messenger messages using finger-based handwriting, with smart suggestions appearing in real time. This feature was first demoed by Mark Zuckerberg on stage at Connect 2025, where the Meta Ray-Ban Display and Neural Band debuted.

Despite announcing new features, Meta confirmed a pause on its planned international launch of Ray-Ban Display in the UK, France, Italy, and Canada, citing “unprecedented demand and limited inventory” as the reason to delay its global expansion. The rollout has been put on hold while the company reassesses its strategy and focuses on fulfilling orders in the U.S.

🌀 Tom’s Take:

The Neural Band is becoming the backbone of Meta’s input strategy, more than an accessory for smartglasses, acting as a bridge across screens, environments, and devices.

Source: Meta

Disclosure: Tom Emrich has previously worked with or holds interests in companies mentioned. His commentary is based solely on public information and reflects his personal views.