Imagine capturing life’s moments hands-on, without the hassle of taking out your phone. The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses aim to blend classic Ray-Ban style with discreet smart features. But are they worth the price? Let’s dive in.
Seamless design, seamless capture
Unlike its clunky predecessors, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses look and feel very similar to their regular counterparts. Available in Wayfarer and Headliner styles, they integrate a 12-megapixel camera for capturing photos and videos on the go.
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses feature
The magic lies in the voice and touch controls. Just say “Hey Meta, take a video” to capture those fleeting moments, or use the built-in touchpad for playback and volume controls. This makes them ideal for situations where using your phone is inconvenient, such as walks, hiking or sporting events.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Design | Classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer and Headliner styles |
| Display | No display (uses smartphone app for preview/playback) |
| Camera | 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera |
| Video Recording | 1440 x 1920 resolution |
| Storage | 32GB |
| Audio | Open-ear speakers with extended bass |
| Microphone | Five-microphone system |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Control | Touchpad (play/pause, volume), voice commands (“Hey Meta”) |
| Battery | Not specified (charging case included) |
| Water Resistance | Not specified |
| Compatibility | iOS and Android |
| App | Meta View app for connection, settings, and file transfer |
| Price | Starting at $299 USD |
| Prescription Lenses | Available through Ray-Ban |
| Availability | 15 countries (including US, Canada, Europe) |
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Surprisingly good audio
The Ray-Ban Meta features a five-microphone system and open-ear speakers, which provide surprisingly immersive sound for listening to music or podcasts. Not audiophile-grade, but the directional audio output minimizes sound leakage, ensuring you don’t disturb those around you.
A social media partner
The glasses capture photos in portrait mode, which is perfect for sharing on social media. With seamless integration with the Meta View app, you can easily transfer files and share your captures directly to platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
Privacy matters
The Meta addresses privacy concerns with an LED light that flashes during recording. The glasses will also not work if the LED is covered. While a Meta account is required, you can opt-out of data sharing.
A Capable Assistant
The Meta AI assistant handles basic tasks like checking the weather and music playback well, but complex interactions are still under development. Version 2.0 of the software brings improvements for a better user experience.
The $299 price tag may be steep for some people. The camera quality is good but not top-notch, and the open-ear speakers mean your audio won’t be completely private.
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Seamless Design: The Ray-Ban Meta look exactly like classic Wayfarer or Headliner sunglasses, making them stylish.
- Hands-free convenience: You can capture photos and videos with voice commands or a simple tap.
- Surprisingly good audio: The five-microphone system and open-ear speakers deliver great sound.
- Social media ready: Capture photos in portrait mode. Easy transfer from the Meta View app to your phone.
- Privacy Features: An LED light blinks while recording, and the glasses will not function if the LED is covered.
- Stylish Prescription Option: Available with prescription lenses for those who need them.
Cons:
- Price: At $299 or more, the Ray-Ban Meta comes with a premium price tag.
- Camera Quality: The 12-megapixel camera doesn’t compete with high-end smartphones.
- Limited Features: Meta AI assistant for complex interactions is still under development.
- Open-ear speakers: They may not be ideal for private listening in noisy environments.
- Limited availability: Currently available in only 15 countries.
Verdict: A stylish step towards a hands-free life
The Ray-Ban Meta Glasses aren’t perfect, but they represent an important step forward in stylish smart glasses. The ease of capturing photos and video, coupled with surprisingly good audio, make them an attractive option for those who want a more hands-free way to document their lives. However, privacy concerns and limited feature set are important factors that should be considered before making a decision.
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