Meta, in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, has unveiled the next-generation Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses collection at the Meta Connect event.
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses: Here is the official release date and prices
These smart glasses have been completely redesigned, improving upon the core features of the first generation while introducing innovative capabilities not previously seen in smart eyewear.
The new collection starts at $299 (R5 624 excl. taxes, levies), with pre-orders currently open.
Customers can expect online and in-store availability starting from Tuesday, 17 October 2023.
READ MORE – WhatsApp rolls out global channels: Here’s everything you need to know
Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses features and functions explained
The first-generation Ray-Ban smart glasses, developed in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, garnered significant attention for their ability to capture and share moments hands-free.
From capturing personal milestones to enjoying live events without the distraction of a handheld camera, these glasses offered users a unique perspective on the world.
Taking user feedback into account, Meta embarked on a ground-up redesign of the next-generation glasses.
They aimed to enhance the already impressive features, such as the stylish form factor, hands-free convenience, and open-ear audio, while addressing areas for improvement, including media quality and comfort.
Key highlights of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses include:
Improved Audio
The glasses feature custom-designed speakers with extended bass, higher maximum volume, and improved directional audio, reducing audio leakage for enhanced calls, music, and podcasts.
They also incorporate a newly designed five-microphone array for immersive audio recording during video capture.
Enhanced Camera
An ultra-wide 12 MP camera delivers improved photo and 1080p video quality, allowing users to capture their experiences with exceptional clarity. It supports videos up to 60 seconds in length, and users can easily share photos directly from the glasses using voice commands.
ALSO READ – Meta plans to roll out Threads web app a month after bleeding users
Powerful Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 Platform, these glasses offer higher-quality photo and video processing and faster computing capabilities.
The redesigned charging case provides up to eight additional charges, totalling 36 hours of use, in a slimmer and more compact form.
Variety in Design
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses come in the classic Wayfarer style and a new Headliner design, both available in Matte Black and Shiny Black.
Three transparent frame colours, including Jeans, Rebel Black, and Caramel, celebrate the technology within. Users can further customize their glasses with over 150 frame and lens combinations on the Ray-Ban Remix platform, and the glasses are prescription-lens compatible.
Comfort and Control
Improvements have been made to reduce the weight of the glasses and enhance comfort. They are now water-resistant (IPX4), with an improved touchpad and interaction earcons for faster and more reliable response to commands.
Hands-Free Livestreaming
Users can now live stream directly from the glasses to Facebook or Instagram, even seeing comments in their preview or having them read aloud for real-time engagement.
DID YOU KNOW? – Meta will ‘turbocharge’ AI for WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger
Meta AI Integration
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses integrate Meta AI, the advanced conversational assistant from Meta, optimized for hands-free, on-the-go experiences.
Users can activate Meta AI with “Hey Meta” to access information, control features, and spark creativity using voice commands. Meta AI features will be available in the US in beta at launch.
Are these smart glasses available in South Africa?
It’s important to note that the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are currently available for beta testing in the United States.
The glasses represent a significant leap in the evolution of smart eyewear, offering users an immersive and convenient way to interact with technology and the world around them.