Ray Ban Meta Smart Glasses: A Complete Overview

Launched last fall, Ray Ban Meta smart glasses have taken the tech world by storm. This collaboration between Ray Ban and Meta seamlessly integrates advanced functionalities into a stylish design, perfect for the fashion-conscious tech enthusiast. These smart glasses go beyond the realm of typical sunglasses, offering a variety of features that enhance your day-to-day experiences.

What Do Ray Ban Meta Smart Glasses Do?

Ray Ban Meta smart glasses are packed with features that allow you to:

• Capture and Share Your World: Equipped with a built-in, ultra-wide 12MP camera, you can capture photos and videos of your adventures. The glasses also boast improved audio with a five-mic system for clear sound recording.
• Live Stream Directly from Your Glasses: Share your experiences in real-time with the world through the live streaming function.
• Stay Connected Hands-Free: Make calls and listen to music directly through the glasses, thanks to integrated speakers. No need to fumble with your phone!
• Interact with Voice Commands: Enjoy a truly hands-free experience with the built-in AI assistant, Meta AI. Simply say “Hey Meta” and use voice commands to control your glasses, get information, or complete tasks.

How much does the Ray Ban Meta Smart Glasses Cost?

Ray Ban Meta smart glasses come in a variety of colors and styles, allowing you to find a pair that complements your look. The price ranges between $300 and $500, depending on the specific frame and lens combination you choose.

How to get Meta AI on Ray Bans?

To experience the full potential of your Ray Ban Meta smart glasses, you’ll need to download the Meta View app on your compatible smartphone (Android 10 and above or iOS 14.4 and above). The app allows you to:

• Connect your glasses: Follow the on-screen instructions within the Meta View app to pair your Ray Ban Meta smart glasses with your smartphone via Bluetooth.
• Access Meta AI: After connecting, you can activate Meta AI features in the app. This allows you to access real-time information using voice commands (e.g., say “Hey Meta, what’s this place?”) and translate images of foreign text using Meta AI.

How Long Can You Record?

Ray Ban Meta smart glasses allow you to record videos in short bursts, with a maximum recording length of 60 seconds. This design choice balances functionality with practicality. On the one hand, 60 seconds is enough to capture quick snippets of your adventures, funny moments, or interesting sights. You can use this feature to film a friend’s skateboarding trick, record a birthday message for someone far away, or capture a beautiful sunset. On the other hand, limiting the recording length helps to conserve storage space on the glasses themselves and reduces battery drain. Additionally, short-form video is a popular format for social media sharing, making the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses well-suited for capturing content on the go.

Reviews of the Smart Glasses

Positive Reviews:

• Stylish Design: Many reviewers commend the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses for maintaining a stylish look that aligns with the classic Ray-Ban aesthetic. This is a major advantage over some bulkier smart glasses on the market.
• Improved Camera and Audio: Compared to previous iterations of smart glasses, the Ray-Ban Meta offers a significant upgrade in camera quality with a 12MP sensor and a wider field of view. Audio quality is also praised for its clarity, making calls and listening to music enjoyable.
• Seamless Voice Assistant: The integration of Meta AI as the voice assistant is generally well-received for its responsiveness and ability to understand contextual questions.
• Live Streaming Functionality: The ability to live stream directly from the glasses is a unique feature that some reviewers find particularly appealing for capturing experiences in real-time.

Negative Reviews:

• Limited Recording Time: With a maximum video recording length of 60 seconds, some reviewers find this feature restrictive, especially for those hoping to capture longer events.
• Battery Life: Battery life is a common concern for most smart glasses, and the Ray-Ban Meta is no exception. While the included charging case helps, some users report needing to recharge more frequently than desired.
• Price: The cost of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses falls on the higher end of the spectrum compared to some competitors. This might be a deciding factor for budget-conscious consumers.
• Privacy Concerns: As with any smart glasses equipped with a camera, there are privacy considerations. Some users might be apprehensive about the potential for accidental recording or unclear data practices.

Global Availability (but with Limitations)

As of May 4, 2024, Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are available for purchase in 15 countries. These include North America (United States and Canada), Europe (United Kingdom, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden), and Australia. Meta has hinted at expanding availability to other regions in the future, so stay tuned for updates. It’s worth noting that while the glasses themselves can be purchased in these regions, some features like Meta AI functionalities may have limitations depending on language support. Meta is actively working on expanding language support for Meta AI, so the available features may increase over time.

The Future of Smart Eyewear

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are a big step forward in wearable tech. They combine fashion and function, giving a peek into the future of smart eyewear. Their special features and trendy design offer a fresh way to see and engage with the world.