Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses hands-on: Techy sunglasses you might actually want to wear

Summary

MetaConnect unveils the second-generation Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, featuring improved tech including a 12MP camera, 32GB storage, and 1080p video recording. The sleek design offers two styles, Wayfarers and Headliners, with multiple lens and color options. Enhanced audio, water resistance, and live streaming capabilities are notable upgrades, with battery life supporting around six hours of mixed use. The Meta View app has been redesigned for ease of use, and privacy features include an LED indicator that prevents covert photos. Pre-orders start today, with sales beginning October 17th, priced at $299.

Takeaways

• 🕶️ Meta has announced its second-generation smart glasses, rebranded as Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.
• 👓 Two styles are available: the classic Wayfarers and a new addition, the Headliners.
• 📸 The camera resolution has been significantly improved from 5 to 12 megapixels, allowing for full 1080p video recording.
• 🔊 The smart glasses now have upgraded audio and are 50% louder while also leaking less sound than the previous model.
• 🔋 The battery life has been reported to last about six hours of mixed use, or around four hours during live streaming.
• 💧 New water resistance features have been added, along with support for different lens types, offering a wide range of style combinations.
• 🎥 Live streaming capabilities have been integrated, allowing direct streaming to Facebook or Instagram with a nearby phone.
• 👀 Five cameras are included across the smart glasses for various functions, including voice clarity during calls.
• 🎶 Touch panel and capture button allow for easy control of music playback and photo/video capture, with voice control also supported.
• 🔒 A new LED indicator has been added for privacy, which blocks capture if covered, ensuring others are aware when a photo or video is being taken.
• 📱 The Meta View app has been redesigned to better highlight features and streamline the user experience, including voice-activated photo sharing.
• 🔌 A smaller charging case with an indicator light and USB-C port is included, offering 8 additional charges for a total run time of around 36 hours.

Q & A

What is the updated name for Meta's second-generation smart glasses?

The updated name for Meta's second-generation smart glasses is Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.

What are the two styles of smart glasses introduced in the second generation?

The two styles introduced are the Wayfarers and the Headliners.

What are some of the new features in the second-generation smart glasses?

New features include improved photography, upgraded audio, new water resistance, support for live streaming, and an updated design.

What is the camera resolution upgrade in the new smart glasses?

The camera resolution has been upgraded from 5 to 12 megapixels.

How much storage do the new smart glasses offer compared to the previous model?

The new smart glasses offer 32 gigs of storage, compared to just four on the previous model.

What is the maximum video clip length that can be recorded with the new smart glasses?

The maximum video clip length is 60 seconds.

How many cameras are included in the smart glasses, and what is their purpose?

There are five cameras included. One is for clear voice during calls, two are hidden behind the logos for general use, and two are located at the bottom for additional functionality.

What is the battery life claim for the new smart glasses during mixed use?

Meta claims about six hours of mixed use battery life.

How loud are the speakers in the new smart glasses compared to the previous model?

The speakers in the new smart glasses are about 50% louder than before.

What new privacy feature has been added to the smart glasses?

A new LED indicator has been added, which becomes brighter and if covered, blocks the ability to capture anything, ensuring no pictures or videos can be taken without the subject knowing.

What is the design of the charging case for the new smart glasses, and what additional features does it have?

The charging case is designed to look like a classic Ray-Ban case but includes an indicator light, a USB-C port for charging, and can hold 8 additional charges for a total run time of around 36 hours.

What is the price range for the new smart glasses, and are there options for polarized and transition lenses?

The price is staying the same at $299, with polarized lenses options starting at $329 and transition lenses models starting at $379.