Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: livestreaming, headphone-replacing eyewear

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, recently announced their new model of smart glasses. These glasses, called the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, have two main features: audio capabilities and a camera. They are designed to replace headphones and provide a personal audio system similar to Amazon’s Echo Frames and the Bose Tempo series. The glasses also come with an upgraded microphone system, including five microphones, to improve call quality and voice commands.

In terms of camera capabilities, the smart glasses have small camera lenses on each temple, allowing users to take 12-megapixel photos and 1080p videos. The glasses have 32GB of internal storage, which can hold approximately 500 photos and 100 30-second videos. Users can easily sync their captured content through the Meta View app and share it across various social media platforms.

One notable addition to the new model is the ability to livestream to Facebook or Instagram with just a few taps on the glasses’ stem. However, this feature raises concerns about privacy, as it further blurs the line between public and private spheres.

Addressing the challenge of user engagement, Meta is marketing these smart glasses as a creator tool. Users can engage in various activities, such as cooking or playing musical instruments, while capturing their experiences. The company aims to make the glasses more appealing to users who may have lost interest in wearing previous models, such as the Stories glasses.

Aesthetics play a crucial role in the success of smart glasses, and Meta has collaborated with Ray-Ban to create stylish designs. The glasses come in different colors and lens options, including a new rounded style called Headliner in addition to the classic Wayfarer.

Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 processor, the smart glasses offer on-glass AI capabilities in a low-power package. The battery life is expected to last between four and six hours of active use, with the included case providing an additional eight charges.

It is important to note that these smart glasses are not the highly advanced, screen-equipped glasses that Meta envisions for the future. However, their improved aesthetics and expanded functionality may increase their appeal and make them more likely to be worn regularly.

Ultimately, the success of these smart glasses will depend on user adoption and acceptance. While the idea of incorporating audio systems and cameras into glasses may seem enticing to some, privacy concerns and the practicality of these features remain uncertain. Nevertheless, the new Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses offer an attractive and functional option for those looking to embrace wearable smart technology.