There was a surge of “smart glasses” in 2021 from brands such as Ray-Ban, Bose, and even Anker, incorporating features like notifications and music to seamlessly integrate into daily life. While it seemed like a passing trend, Ray-Ban made a comeback with the Ray-Ban Meta, aiming to outshine its predecessor, the Ray-Ban Stories. Here’s why the Ray-Ban Meta stands out:
Style
The initial sight of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses is their charging experience, presented in a travel-friendly light-colored faux leather case. Adorning the front is the iconic Ray-Ban logo, with a USB-C charging port located at the base. This case features an indicator light that illuminates when opened, with green signaling full charge and amber indicating charging— a significant upgrade from the rigid exterior of the previous Ray-Ban Stories.
Upon unboxing the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, you are greeted with two options: the more modern Performer variant, which I currently use, or the classic Wayfarer style. Both options offer seven different frame colors and various lens choices. I opted for Transition lenses with a Matte Black frame. Additionally, prescription options are available, with LensCrafters being an authorized provider for adjustments post-purchase.
Functionality
Upon donning the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, stereo alerts welcome you, accompanied by a 12MP ultrawide camera and a 1080p video eyepiece. Positioned on the right hinge of the glasses is a button for capturing up to 60 seconds of video or snapping photos. The View Meta app enables customization of settings and facilitates easy sharing of content to your mobile device via the glasses’ Wi-Fi connection.
Activating the glasses with a simple “Hey Meta” command allows for hands-free photo or video capture and basic queries like weather updates. The discreet light display around the camera ring during usage ensures minimal intrusion on privacy, although visibility may vary based on the observer, potentially posing privacy concerns.
Equipped with a touch panel for volume adjustment and playback control, the glasses also support Music Click for instant music access.
Usage
During my intermittent use of the Ray-Ban Meta over the past weeks, I found them slightly heavier than my regular prescription glasses, albeit still comfortable and non-intrusive. They seamlessly blend into daily activities, offering a hands-free experience without the need for headphones or a helmet.
Featuring dual speakers, one on each side, the glasses are ideal for tasks like blogging or listening to music while staying aware of your surroundings. Even at higher volumes, the discreet design ensures minimal sound leakage, preserving privacy.
Continuous usage may lead to rapid battery drainage, as observed during a day’s use from 9 am to 2 pm, engaging in various activities like photography, video playback, music streaming, and message notifications. However, the glasses’ quick-charging capability provides a swift recharge from 19% to 45% in just 10 minutes.
Content Creation
Relying solely on the Ray-Ban Meta glasses for capturing images and videos, I found them proficient in well-lit environments, delivering satisfactory results. However, performance may slightly diminish in low-light conditions, requiring slight adjustments in positioning to optimize image quality. The glasses’ lenses positioned at the edges necessitate subtle head movements for accurate focusing.
While Livestreaming is supported on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, occasional lagging was noted, possibly influenced by network connectivity fluctuations. Integration with popular streaming services like TikTok or YouTube would enhance the glasses’ versatility and appeal.
Verdict
In conclusion, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have exceeded expectations, offering portability, efficient battery management, and commendable image and video quality. While the virtual assistant functionality and notifications are commendable, further integration with diverse mobile applications is desirable. The potential for expanded livestreaming capabilities, currently in Early Access, indicates promising advancements in Meta AI technology.
Priced reasonably starting at $299.99, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses are available in various colors and sizes to suit individual preferences.
For a visual demonstration of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses in action, check out TikTok or Instagram for engaging content.
