Meta’s Ray-Ban AI glasses, launched in October 2023, have become a surprisingly compelling piece of AI hardware. While a successor hasn’t been officially announced, Meta’s continuous feature updates have transformed these glasses into a favorite AI gadget for many, including myself. These updates offer significant quality-of-life improvements, and it’s exciting to see the evolution of this technology. This week marks yet another expansion of features and regional availability for the Ray-Ban Meta glasses.
I purchased the Headliner Meta Ray-Bans in January 2024, and they’ve been a constant travel companion ever since. It’s not just the ability to capture on-the-go video that makes them special, but the subtle integration of AI. These glasses don’t scream “tech,” and that ambient presence is what truly sets them apart. Even after 18 months, they continue to improve.
Why These Are My Favorite AI Product
Prakhar Khanna wearing the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses.
When I first bought them, the functionality was limited, a realization only apparent with the significant improvements implemented over time. Initially, my Ray-Ban Meta Glasses could play music, answer calls, provide hands-free navigation, and record videos.
Fast forward a year, and I can now use Meta AI to identify iconic buildings while exploring Amsterdam, or video call my girlfriend on WhatsApp and share a live view of the Eiffel Tower. From capturing thrilling POV videos on rollercoasters at Universal Studios to filming quick hands-on demonstrations at Mobile World Congress, these glasses have consistently delivered quality content. The 12MP camera performs impressively in daylight conditions.
The open-ear design does leak audio at higher volumes, but listening to music at a theme park, with the clarity of the audio blending with the ambient sounds, creates an immersive, movie-like experience. And they achieve all this while looking stylish, avoiding the awkwardness of wearing a conspicuous tech accessory.
The Ray-Ban Meta Glasses excel at being fashion-forward without sacrificing functionality. Unlike many AI glasses that prioritize features over design, Meta has clearly prioritized aesthetics, a key aspect of their appeal.
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in the case.
From the glasses themselves to the charging case, every detail reflects a focus on lifestyle rather than pure technology. The case resembles a standard Ray-Ban case with an added Type-C port, making it incredibly convenient for travel. This is especially important now, as the expanded video recording time (up to three minutes from the original one minute) impacts battery life. Simply placing the glasses in the case tops up the battery – a charging solution more wearables should adopt.
New Meta Ray-Bans Features This Week
Ray-Ban Meta Glasses worn by Prakhar Khanna.
Meta recently announced a suite of new features, stylish summer frames, and expanded availability for the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses.
Live translation is now available offline, after downloading the necessary language packs (French, Italian, or Spanish). This is a game-changer for international travelers, facilitating conversations with locals and translating movies, lectures, or instructions in real-time.
Meta AI is also expanding to Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Users can now ask Meta AI questions about their surroundings, like identifying landmarks or points of interest.
In March, while admiring cherry blossoms in a London park, I used Meta AI to confirm their identity without pulling out my phone. Follow-up questions can be asked without repeating the “Hey Meta” wake word.
The Ray-Ban Meta Glasses already support calls and messages through WhatsApp and Messenger, with Instagram integration promised soon. Expanded music service support beyond the US and Canada will allow users to play and identify music through Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Shazam.
The $299 smart glasses will also be available in India, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates, though pricing and availability details are yet to be confirmed.
Four Features for the Next Generation
A person holding the Ray-Ban Meta smartglasses.
It’s commendable that Meta is actively developing new features for the current generation. However, there are a few hardware and software improvements I’d like to see in the next iteration.
Improved battery life is crucial. The original battery life was already average, and the expanded video recording capabilities have further reduced it. With active camera and audio use, the battery drains within two hours.
A more robust hinge design is needed. The hinge on my right frame has loosened over time. While the glasses remain sturdy, the loose hinge is a minor annoyance.
User control over video aspect ratio would be a welcome addition. Currently, the glasses choose between 9:16 and 3:4 without user input.
Finally, minimizing shutter lag would be a significant improvement. The current one-second delay can cause missed shots.
The Future of Meta Glasses
A pair of Ray-Ban Meta smartglasses on a table.
While details on the next-gen Ray-Ban Meta Glasses are scarce, rumors suggest Meta is developing screen-equipped smart glasses, potentially a separate AR glasses lineup.
A Bloomberg report indicates the next Meta AI glasses may feature display graphics, hand gesture tracking, and enhanced capabilities. A neural wristband could enable users to control the glasses with gestures, scrolling through apps and photos with hand rotations and selecting items with pinches.
Codenamed Hypernova, these high-end smart glasses are rumored to cost between $1,000 and $1,400, with a potential release later this year.
The current Ray-Ban Meta Glasses have become a surprisingly enjoyable AI product, seamlessly integrating into daily life. The continuous software updates and feature expansions demonstrate Meta’s commitment to this technology. If this is just the beginning of Meta’s AI hardware journey, the future looks promising.
