Mentra Launches First Smart Glasses With Dedicated App Store

US-based startup Mentra has announced the release of Mentra Live, positioning itself as the first smart glasses to feature a dedicated app store for third-party applications.

The lightweight 43-gram frames include a 12-megapixel HD camera, AI integration, and the ability to livestream to major social media platforms including YouTube, Instagram, Twitch and X. The glasses also support phone calls and music playback.

What distinguishes Mentra from competitors like Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses is its MentraOS operating system, which the company has made open-source. The platform includes a software development kit that has enabled developers to create applications for Mentra's MiniApp Store since early 2025.

"Smart glasses will only reach their full potential if the ecosystem remains open, accessible, and community-driven, rather than closed and dominated by Big Tech," said Cayden Pierce, CEO and co-founder of Mentra.

The MiniApp Store currently features applications including Merge Proactive AI, Poker Probability, and AI Notes, all accessible through Mentra's iOS and Android companion app.

Mentra Live frames are compatible with prescription lenses, allowing eyecare professionals to fit the smart glasses with corrective optics for their patients.

Strong Investor Backing

The startup raised US$8 million in seed funding in July 2025, with backing from Y Combinator, Amazon, Toyota Ventures, and Hartmann Capital. Notable individual investors include Rich Miner (Android co-founder), Jawed Karim (YouTube co-founder), Paul Graham, and Eric Migicovsky (Pebble founder).

Felix Hartmann, Managing Partner of Hartmann Capital, said Mentra's combination of "user-centric hardware design and a network-effect-driven software strategy" separated it from competitors in the smart glasses space.

Technical Specifications

The Mentra Live glasses measure 162mm x 148mm x 47mm and weigh 43 grams. They're powered by a Mediatek MTK8766 CPU with a low-power MCU dual-chip system designed to extend battery life.

Battery performance includes 12+ hours of standalone use from the 260mAh battery in the frames, with the charging case providing an additional 50+ hours from its 2,200mAh capacity. An "Infinity Cable" option allows charging from a phone or external battery pack.

The 12MP camera features a 119-degree field of view, while three microphones enable what the company calls "audio multi-tasking". Stereo audio is delivered through integrated speakers.

The glasses are compatible with iOS 15.1 or later and Android 12 or later devices.

Limited Release

Only 1,000 units of Batch 1 are available for pre-order at US$299 (approximately AU$450), with shipping scheduled for 15 February 2026. A second batch with limited quantities will open for orders later in the first quarter, with shipping dates to be announced.

Pre-orders are currently only available in the United States, with no Australian release date announced at this time.