Ray-Ban & Meta Drop Cutting-Edge Smart Glasses
Renowned eyewear brand Ray-Ban, in collaboration with US tech giant Meta and EssilorLuxottica, unveiled a collection of next-generation smart glasses on October 17. This product launch marks a significant step forward in integrated wearable technology, offering features designed to replace both the mobile phone camera and conventional headphones.
The newly released Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are distinct in their offering, providing live streaming capabilities along with built-in Meta AI. This innovative technology brings significant improvements to the camera, audio, and microphone systems compared to its predecessor, the first-generation Ray-Ban Stories. Each of these enhancements was meticulously designed, following feedback from users who appreciated the hands-free convenience provided by the original model.
These smart glasses boast an ultra-wide 12-megapixel camera, a significant upgrade from the 5-megapixel camera in the first iteration. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 Platform, the device promises high-quality photo and video processing, allowing for crisp photos and 1080p videos up to 60 seconds in portrait mode. With 32GB of storage, users can capture and store up to 500 photos and 100 videos of up to 30 seconds without the need for app imports.
For an immersive audio experience, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses feature custom-designed open-ear audio in the arms, offering extended bass, higher maximum volume, and improved directional audio. This advanced system guarantees enhanced audio during calls, music, and podcasts, even in challenging environments. When recording or live streaming, the device’s five-microphone array captures sound from all directions, providing a faithful reproduction of the wearer’s original auditory experience.
Besides hardware upgrades, significant improvements have been made to the device’s charging case and companion app, Meta View, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. This allows users to easily import and share content through various platforms, including WhatsApp.
One of the standout features of the new Ray-Ban Meta glasses is the built-in Meta AI, which facilitates hands-free control over the device’s various functionalities. Users can easily engage with Meta AI through voice commands, controlling video, photo, and audio capture, and content sharing on WhatsApp.
Furthermore, the smart glasses offer live streaming functions, allowing wearers to share their real-time experiences and viewpoints on Facebook and Instagram. With the ability to easily toggle between the glasses and phone cameras, users can broadcast live on Instagram or Facebook for up to 30 minutes.
Rocco Basilico, Chief Wearables Officer for EssilorLuxottica, expressed pride in the collaboration with Meta, highlighting the unique features integrated into the Ray-Ban Meta collection. “We imagined truly wearable, life-enhancing technology when we first decided to enter this space, and it will only get better,” Basilico stated.
Privacy concerns have also been addressed in the design of the new smart glasses. An enlarged, easily noticeable privacy LED light is incorporated into the glasses, alerting those nearby when the wearer is capturing photos, videos, or live streaming.
Launching with 21 new styles, lens variations, and colors, the collection allows for extensive customization, available with prescription, sun, clear, polarized, or Transitions lenses. These smart glasses will be available in several countries, with prices starting at £299/$299/€329, and can be purchased from Ray-Ban stores, Ray-Ban.com, Meta.com, and select EssilorLuxottica stores.
