Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Review: The Evolution of Social Shades

In the world of fashion tech, change is the only constant. Two years ago, Facebook introduced the Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses, a fascinating fusion of eyewear and technology. Fast forward to today, and Facebook is now Meta, and its smart glasses have been rebranded as the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. The big question: have these smart glasses evolved beyond novelty status? Let’s dive into the new and improved features that make them worth a second look.

The Aesthetic Upgrade

One thing that hasn’t changed, and that’s a good thing, is the way the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses blend seamlessly with your fashion sense. The frames have been slimmed down, and the charging case now mirrors the classic tan leather pouch you’d associate with Ray-Ban. While they’re a tad bulkier than standard sunglasses, they are surprisingly lightweight even during extended wear.

Seamless Functionality

A significant enhancement in this year’s model is the elimination of the power switch, streamlining the user experience. These glasses automatically power on when you take them out of the case and put them on. However, sometimes, you may need to launch the Meta View app to establish a connection with your phone. The charging mechanism has also been revamped; they now charge wirelessly through the nosepiece. With approximately four hours of use on a single charge and an additional four charges stored in the case, you won’t find yourself constantly recharging. However, a more precise battery level indicator for the case would be appreciated.

Fashion Choices and Transparency

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses come in the iconic Wayfarer style, starting at $299, and a new, rounder “Headliner” design for $329. The aesthetic choices include blue “shiny jeans,” tan, and black variations. Notably, the “shiny jeans” and “shiny caramel” options are slightly transparent, giving you a glimpse of the embedded tech, including the camera and LED indicator. If you prefer subtlety, the black frames do a better job of concealing the tech.

Enhanced Audio and Camera

A closer look at the transparent frames reveals evidence of significant upgrades. Five microphones are now embedded in each pair, offering improved audio quality and new immersive audio features. The open-ear speakers are 50% louder and don’t distort at higher volumes. While some sound leakage is inevitable, these speakers create a balanced level of ambient noise, particularly suitable for activities like jogging or hiking.

The camera has also undergone a transformation, upgrading from a 5-megapixel to a 12MP ultra-wide lens. While it may not match smartphone camera sharpness, it’s more than capable for social media content. Even indoor and low-light photos, where sunglasses are typically unnecessary, look decent. However, be cautious of wisps of hair ending up in your frame with the ultra-wide lens.

Livestreaming and Voice-Activated Sharing

One remarkable feature is the ability to livestream directly from the glasses to your Instagram or Facebook account. Touch controls on the glasses allow you to receive a readout of likes and comments from your followers. While not an everyday feature, it opens the door to creative possibilities for content creators.

Sharing photos has become a breeze with voice commands. You can snap a photo and instantly share it with a contact via WhatsApp or Messenger, eliminating the need for manual reviews before sending.

Meta AI Assistant

Two years ago, voice commands felt awkward with the Ray-Ban Stories. However, the inclusion of Meta’s AI assistant has transformed voice interactions into a key feature. This AI assistant is one of the first to incorporate Meta’s generative AI. It can engage in conversations on various topics, with responses delivered through the internal speakers and accessible via the Meta View app. While it’s still somewhat unusual to say “hey Meta” in public, the AI assistant adds a compelling dimension to the glasses.

The assistant’s knowledge is, however, limited. It can’t provide real-time information beyond the current time or weather forecast, and its knowledge cutoff is December 2022. Occasionally, it may generate fictional-sounding answers, a known trait of large language models, but something to be mindful of when using Meta AI.

In summary, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have evolved and improved since their Ray-Ban Stories inception. While they may still have an air of novelty, the addition of new features, including improved audio, a better camera, and Meta’s AI assistant, make them more functional and appealing, especially to content creators and Meta platform users. Despite privacy concerns, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses offer a glimpse into the future of fashion tech.