Ray-Ban x Meta Smart Glasses Comes with Ultra-Wide Camera and More Hands-On Features

Still going strong on the Meta subject, the company has recently unveiled its latest smart glasses collection in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica. These next-generation Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have been completely revamped, enhancing the key features of the initial generation and introducing functionalities not seen in any previous smart eyewear.

Compared to the first generation, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, now with a new ultra-wide 12 MP camera, are powered by the brand new Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 Platform. This enables better photo and video processing and even faster computing, which means just for a short amount of time, you can get the quality of your small-sized photos and short videos as clear as day. 

When it comes to the audio experience, Meta takes the next step in designing the speakers with extended bass, higher maximum volume, and improved directional audio that ensures every call you make or music you play is resistant to sounds that are not meant to be captured. They sort of apply this concept for videos too with its newly designed five-microphone array that whenever you’re recording one, you’ll be able to capture sounds exactly how you originally experienced them. 

Making sure the rich features do not come heavy, this time around the smart glasses are lighter and slimmer but not the flimsy one type of light. It boasts IPX4 water resistance and comes equipped with an improved touchpad and added interaction earcons so the glasses respond much faster and more reliably to your commands. With a redesigned and sleek charging case, which holds up to eight additional charges – that’s 36 hours worth of use – it does seem like these smart glasses are able to capture every angle they need for an improved version. 

Another new feature worth mentioning is the hands-free live streaming to Instagram or Facebook. Users of both platforms can now interact with their audience just by viewing comments directly in their preview or simply tapping and holding the side of their glasses to hear comments read aloud. Another addition you can do hands-free is their Meta AI which can control features just by using your voice. Just by saying “Hey Meta,” you can retrieve information and spark creativity faster than the tip of your fingers. Yeah, I know, it sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie except that it actually exists.

For the time being, these smart glasses can only be preordered now from the official Meta and Ray-Ban pages from USD 299 (around RM1,408) which will be available for open purchase from October 17. There's no update on local availability yet so we’ll have to wait and see.