March 31 (Reuters) - Meta Platforms ( META ) launched

two new Ray-Ban prescription smart glasses on Tuesday, expanding

its offerings in an area that has become one of the few

breakthrough successes in the race for artificial

intelligence-powered gadgets.

The new glasses, which are available for pre-order in the

U.S. starting at $499, will broaden options for prescription

eyewear users. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in January that

"billions of people wear glasses or contacts for vision

correction."

The company said the new products - Ray-Ban Meta Blayzer

Optics and the Ray-Ban Meta Scriber Optics - would become

available at optical retailers in the U.S. and select

international markets on April 14.

The Facebook parent plans to invest hundreds of billions of

dollars in its pursuit of "personal superintelligence," where

advanced gadgets, among other things, would bring the benefits

of AI to individual users. Meta develops its AI glasses in

partnership with Ray-Ban owner EssilorLuxottica.

Last year, Meta launched $799 Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses,

the company's first model with a built-in display, enabling

users to read messages, follow navigation directions and

interact with AI services without using a phone.

Earlier this year, however, Meta delayed its global rollout,

citing a supply shortage and strong demand.

The Display smart glasses can also be ordered with

prescription lenses for an additional $200.