Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
| Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Smart Glasses |
| Type | Smart Glasses |
| Subtype | AI Glasses |
| Platform | Meta |
| Developer | Meta Platforms, Ray-Ban |
| Manufacturer | EssilorLuxottica |
| Announcement Date | September 27, 2023 |
| Release Date | October 17, 2023 |
| Price | Starting $299 USD |
| Website | https://www.ray-ban.com/usa/ray-ban-meta-ai-glasses |
| Predecessor | Ray-Ban Stories |
| System | |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | None (audio-only) |
| Image | |
| Optics | |
| Tracking | |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Open-ear speakers, 5 microphones |
| Camera | 12 MP ultra-wide (2 cameras) |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Device | |
| Weight | ~50g |
The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses (2nd generation) are AI-powered smart glasses developed by Meta Platforms in partnership with Ray-Ban (EssilorLuxottica), announced on September 27, 2023 and released on October 17, 2023 starting at $299. The successor to Ray-Ban Stories, the new glasses feature significant upgrades including a 12 MP ultra-wide camera, five-microphone array, improved open-ear speakers, Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 processor, integrated Meta AI assistant with multimodal capabilities, and water resistance. Available in iconic Ray-Ban styles with over 150 frame and lens combinations, the glasses combine everyday eyewear with hands-free AI, photo/video capture, and audio capabilities—without an AR display.
History and Development
Meta announced the second-generation Ray-Ban smart glasses on September 27, 2023 at Meta Connect, launching on October 17, 2023. The new glasses represented a major upgrade over the original Ray-Ban Stories (2021), featuring improved cameras, microphones, and the integration of Meta AI. On April 23, 2024, Meta enabled multimodal AI capabilities, allowing Meta AI to see and understand what the user sees through the cameras. The partnership with EssilorLuxottica (Ray-Ban's parent company) continues Meta's strategy of bringing smart technology to stylish, mainstream eyewear.[1]
Design and Hardware
Camera
Upgraded dual camera system:
- 12 MP ultra-wide cameras (2)
- 1080p video recording
- Up to 60 seconds per video
- Higher quality photo capture
- LED recording indicator
- Privacy shutter available
Audio
Enhanced sound system:
- Open-ear speakers (improved)
- 5-microphone array
- Higher quality audio capture
- Precision and clarity
- Spatial audio playback
- Voice command support
- Hands-free calls
Processing
- Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen1
- Higher quality photo/video processing
- Faster compute for AI
- Efficient power management
Display
- No display included
- Audio-only experience
- No AR/HUD capabilities
- Focus on capture and AI
Build and Style
Iconic Ray-Ban designs:
- Wayfarer style
- Skyler style
- Headliner style
- 150+ combinations (frames and lenses)
- IPX4 water resistant
- Lighter and more comfortable than Gen 1
- ~50g weight
- Prescription lens compatible
- Transition lens options
Battery
- Up to 4 hours active use
- Charging case included
- 36 hours total (8 charges in case)
- Slimmer, redesigned case
Meta AI Integration
Conversational AI assistant:
Voice Commands
- "Hey Meta" wake word
- Hands-free activation
- Information queries
- Creative assistance
- Feature control
Multimodal AI
- Computer vision (April 2024 update)
- AI can see through cameras
- Identify objects and text
- Visual question answering
- Contextual assistance
Live Translation
- Real-time language translation
- French, Italian, Spanish, English
- Portuguese, German, and more
- Conversational translation
Social Features
Livestreaming
- Live to Facebook
- Live to Instagram
- First-person perspective
Sharing
- Direct photo/video sharing
- Meta View app integration
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Camera | 12 MP ultra-wide (x2) |
| Video | 1080p (60 sec max) |
| Audio | Open-ear speakers, 5 mics |
| Processor | Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 |
| Display | None |
| AI | Meta AI (multimodal) |
| Battery | 4 hours (36 with case) |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
| Weight | ~50g |
| Price | Starting $299 |
Reception
Praise:
- Stylish Ray-Ban designs
- 12 MP camera significant upgrade
- Meta AI integration useful
- Multimodal AI innovative
- 150+ style combinations
- Comfortable lightweight design
- IPX4 water resistance
- 36 hours total battery
- Livestreaming feature unique
- Live translation practical
- $299 accessible price point
Criticism:
- No AR/display capabilities
- Limited to capture and audio
- Privacy concerns (cameras)
- Recording indicator small
- 60-second video limit
- Requires Meta account
- Not true AR glasses
- Open-ear audio leaks[2]
See Also
References
- ↑ "Introducing the New Ray-Ban". Meta. https://about.fb.com/news/2023/09/new-ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses/.
- ↑ "Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Review: Stylish Immersion". UC Today. https://www.uctoday.com/immersive-workplace-xr-tech/ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses-review-stylish-immersion/.
- ↑ "Ray-Ban Meta". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray-Ban_Meta.