Meta keeps pushing boundaries when it comes to wearable tech. In 2025, it launched the Meta Ray-Ban Display with a dedicated neural wristband. Now, at CES 2026, the company showed off new Meta EMG wearables that serve as tools for everyday life.
EMG, or electromyography, lets devices detect and interpret minute muscle movements. With it, Meta hopes to start a new era of hands-free control, and its partnership with Garmin is hinting at some exciting real-world applications.
Writing Messages With Just a Finger
One of the most practical demos is messaging with the Meta Neural Band paired with Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses. Users in the Early Access program in the U.S. can now send WhatsApp and Messenger messages simply by writing with their finger on any surface. The band detects these movements and converts them into digital messages instantly. As someone who sends out frantic WhatsApp messages on the regular, I’m thrilled.
Without even touching my phone, I can send a message the sitter or the school parent chat. For people juggling multiple tasks, this is a major step toward easier communication.
Expanding EMG Beyond Glasses
Meta isn’t stopping at messaging. The Neural Band’s EMG tech shows up in other concepts, including home automation and automotive. The collaboration with Garmin introduces a proof of concept called Unified Cabin. It lets passengers control vehicle displays with thumb, index, and middle finger gestures. Users can select and launch apps without ever touching a screen. It’s basically hands-free on-board entertainment.
According to Meta VP of Wearables Alex Himel, “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.”
Accessibility Takes Center Stage
I’m particularly interested in Meta’s EMG potential for accessibility tech. Everyday tasks can be a challenge for people with muscular dystrophy, ALS, or limited mobility. The Neural Band is sensitive enough to pick up subtle wrist movements, even for those who can’t fully move their hands.
Researchers at the University of Utah are testing how well these gesture controls work for a range of abilities. They could help flip light switches or steer mobility devices like the TetraSki, an independent alpine ski for athletes with complex physical injury or illness. By adapting wearables based on user feedback, Meta and its academic partners help people with disabilities interact with their environments in new ways.
The Future of Muscle-Controlled Tech
Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses are in high demand, and international availability is on pause since the company is focusing on filling US orders. But the partnership with Garmin, Early Access messaging features, and ongoing academic collaborations show that Meta EMG wearables are shaping the future of hands-free technology
For developers or companies interested in exploring EMG integration, Meta is inviting partnerships to expand the platform’s possibilities. With these tools, what once seemed like sci-fi gestures could soon become part of our everyday tech routines.