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[FCE] Zuckerberg hailed AI ‘superintelligence’. Then his smart glasses failed on stage | Matthew Cantor | The Guardian

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At the recent Meta Connect 2025 developers conference in Menlo Park, California, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, unveiled an ambitious new product: the Ray-Ban Meta Display. These AI-powered smart glasses aim to revolutionize daily life by functioning as a smartphone worn on the face. Users can make calls, send messages, and access artificial intelligence assistance without ever touching a device. Zuckerberg hailed the technology as a step towards ‘superintelligence,’ suggesting it could play a vital role in the future by offering meaningful support to people in various aspects of their lives.

However, the live demonstration of the glasses turned into an embarrassing moment for Zuckerberg. During his keynote speech, he attempted to showcase the AI’s capabilities by assisting a chef in creating a Korean-inspired steak sauce. Unfortunately, the AI provided incorrect advice, repeated itself awkwardly, and eventually lost connection due to poor wifi. In another segment, Zuckerberg struggled to make a video call to a colleague using a wristband that allows typing through small hand movements. Despite multiple attempts, the call failed to connect, leaving the audience in an uncomfortable silence as he apologized with a strained smile before moving on.

Such public tech failures are not uncommon. Other major companies, like Google, have also experienced similar setbacks when demonstrating new AI tools or gadgets. For Meta, however, this incident was particularly disappointing. The Ray-Ban Meta Display was intended to impress, blending stylish design with cutting-edge technology to simplify human interaction. Instead, the demonstration raised questions about whether these innovative products are truly ready for everyday use or even necessary in the first place.

This event also reflects a broader trend in the tech industry: the rush to integrate AI into consumer devices. Many companies are competing to embed artificial intelligence into everyday items, even when public demand for such features remains unclear. Critics argue that this focus on complex gadgets may divert attention from more pressing real-world issues that require urgent solutions.

While tech mishaps can be amusing, they also highlight a gap between ambition and reality. Are these setbacks a sign that AI technology is not as advanced as companies claim, or are they merely temporary obstacles? The future of AI in daily life remains uncertain, prompting debate about whether such innovations address genuine needs or simply create solutions for problems that do not exist.

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1. What is the main purpose of the Ray-Ban Meta Display according to Zuckerberg?

  • A. To replace traditional smartphones with a fashionable accessory
  • B. To act as a smartphone on the face with AI assistance
  • C. To improve video call quality using wristband technology
  • D. To solve pressing real-world problems through AI

2. What problem occurred during the AI demonstration with the steak sauce?

  • A. The chef refused to follow the AI’s instructions
  • B. The AI gave wrong advice and lost connection
  • C. The audience interrupted the demonstration
  • D. Zuckerberg forgot how to use the glasses

3. How did the audience react when the video call failed?

  • A. They laughed at Zuckerberg’s mistake
  • B. They remained silent as he apologized
  • C. They clapped to encourage him
  • D. They left the conference in disappointment

4. What broader concern does the article mention about AI in consumer devices?

  • A. There is a lack of public demand for such features
  • B. AI technology is too expensive for most consumers
  • C. Companies are not competing enough in this area
  • D. AI gadgets are solving real-world issues effectively

5. What does the phrase ‘a gap between ambition and reality’ suggest about AI technology?

  • A. It is more advanced than companies admit
  • B. It often fails to meet the high expectations set for it
  • C. It is not ambitious enough to be useful
  • D. It is already solving problems in everyday life