Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
| Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Smart Glasses |
| Type | Smart Glasses |
| Subtype | Camera Glasses |
| Platform | Meta View app |
| Creator | Meta Platforms, EssilorLuxottica |
| Developer | Reality Labs |
| Manufacturer | EssilorLuxottica |
| Announcement Date | September 27, 2023 |
| Release Date | October 17, 2023 |
| Price | $299 (starting) |
| Website | https://www.ray-ban.com/usa/ray-ban-meta-ai-glasses |
| Versions | Wayfarer, Headliner, multiple lens options |
| Requires | Meta account, Meta View app (iOS/Android) |
| Predecessor | Ray-Ban Stories |
| Successor | Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses with Display (2025) |
| System | |
| Operating System | Meta proprietary |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 |
| CPU | Qualcomm (specific details undisclosed) |
| GPU | Qualcomm (specific details undisclosed) |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 32GB |
| Memory | Not specified |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | None (Gen 1), Heads-up display (Gen 2 variant 2025) |
| Subpixel Layout | N/A |
| Peak Brightness | N/A |
| Resolution | N/A (no display) |
| Pixel Density | N/A |
| Refresh Rate | N/A |
| Persistence | N/A |
| Image | |
| Field of View | N/A |
| Horizontal FoV | N/A |
| Vertical FoV | N/A |
| Average Pixel Density | N/A |
| Peak Pixel Density | N/A |
| Foveated Rendering | No |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Standard eyewear lenses |
| Ocularity | N/A |
| IPD Range | Fixed (eyewear) |
| Adjustable Diopter | Prescription lenses available |
| Passthrough | N/A (see-through glasses) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | No |
| Tracking Frequency | N/A |
| Base Stations | None |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | No |
| Body Tracking | No |
| Rotational Tracking | No |
| Positional Tracking | No |
| Update Rate | N/A |
| Tracking Volume | N/A |
| Play Space | N/A |
| Latency | N/A |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Open-ear speakers |
| Microphone | Yes (5 microphones) |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | No |
| Camera | 2× 12MP ultra-wide cameras |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ports | None (wireless charging case) |
| Wired Video | No |
| Wireless Video | Yes (livestreaming) |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi (for uploads) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Power | Internal battery |
| Battery Capacity | ~154mAh (glasses) |
| Battery Life | ~4 hours (mixed use), 36 hours (with case) |
| Charge Time | ~1 hour (in case) |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | Standard Ray-Ban sizes |
| Weight | ~50g |
| Material | Plastic/acetate frame |
| Headstrap | N/A (glasses temples) |
| Haptics | No |
| Color | Multiple (frame and lens options) |
| Sensors | Touch controls, 5 microphones |
| Input | Voice (Meta AI), touch controls |
| Compliance | FCC, CE |
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The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are the second generation of smart glasses created through a partnership between Meta Platforms and EssilorLuxottica (parent company of Ray-Ban), announced on September 27, 2023, and released on October 17, 2023 starting at $299. Building on the Ray-Ban Stories released in 2021, these glasses feature upgraded dual 12-megapixel ultra-wide cameras (up from 5MP), improved open-ear speakers with enhanced audio, five microphones, Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 processor, and critically, integration with Meta AI for voice-activated assistance. Unlike AR glasses that overlay digital content on the real world, Ray-Ban Meta glasses focus on capture, communication, and AI assistance—allowing users to take photos and videos, make calls, listen to music, livestream to Facebook and Instagram, and interact with Meta AI through voice commands, all from standard-looking Ray-Ban sunglasses.
History and Development
Ray-Ban Stories (2021)
First generation:
- September 2021 release
- $299 starting price
- 5MP cameras
- Basic smart glasses features
- Limited adoption
Meta Partnership
Strategic collaboration:
- EssilorLuxottica manufacturing expertise
- Ray-Ban brand recognition
- Meta AI and software
- Long-term partnership
Second Generation Goals
Improvements targeted:
- Better camera quality
- Improved audio
- AI integration
- More utility
September 2023 Announcement
Meta Connect reveal:
- Upgraded specifications
- Meta AI integration
- Multiple style options
- Same $299 starting price
Design Philosophy
Fashion-Forward Technology
Wearable design priority:
- Look like normal Ray-Bans
- Classic styles (Wayfarer, Headliner)
- Technology hidden
- Socially acceptable
Capture-First
Primary capabilities:
- Photo and video capture
- Hands-free documentation
- First-person perspective
- Social sharing
AI-Enhanced
Voice assistant focus:
- Meta AI integration
- Voice commands
- Contextual awareness
- Conversational interface
Camera System
Dual 12MP Cameras
Significant upgrade:
- 12 megapixel sensors (up from 5MP)
- Ultra-wide angle
- Improved low light
- HDR support
Photo Quality
Capable capture:
- 12MP photos
- Good daylight performance
- Improved over predecessor
- Quick capture
Video Recording
Enhanced video:
- 1080p at 30fps
- Up to 60-second clips (up from 30s)
- Video stabilization
- Smooth footage
Livestreaming
Social media integration:
- Facebook Live
- Instagram Live
- First-person streaming
- Real-time sharing
Audio System
Open-Ear Speakers
Upgraded audio:
- Custom speakers in temples
- Directional audio
- Improved bass over Stories
- Clear sound
Audio Quality
Good performance:
- Music playback
- Podcast listening
- Call audio
- Spatial awareness maintained
Five Microphones
Enhanced capture:
- Voice recording
- Noise cancellation
- Call quality
- AI interaction
Calling
Communication features:
- Phone calls
- WhatsApp calls
- Clear voice quality
- Hands-free operation
Meta AI Integration
Voice Assistant
AI capabilities:
- "Hey Meta" wake word
- Voice commands
- Conversational AI
- Natural language
Multimodal AI
Camera + AI features:
- "Look and Ask" feature
- Object recognition
- Translation assistance
- Real-time information
AI Features
Practical applications:
- Information queries
- Message composition
- Reminders
- Contextual help
Physical Design
Ray-Ban Styles
Classic frames:
- Wayfarer
- Headliner
- Standard Ray-Ban sizing
- Multiple colors
Weight
Light for smart glasses:
- ~50 grams
- Similar to regular Ray-Bans
- All-day wearability
- Comfortable
Lens Options
Customization:
- Clear
- Tinted (sunglasses)
- Transitions (photochromic)
- Prescription capable
Materials
Quality construction:
- Acetate frames
- Quality hinges
- Premium feel
- Ray-Ban craftsmanship
Controls
Touch Controls
Temple interaction:
- Tap for actions
- Swipe for volume
- Long press for AI
- Intuitive gestures
Capture Button
Quick access:
- Physical shutter button
- Press for photo
- Hold for video
- Tactile feedback
LED Indicator
Privacy signal:
- LED when recording
- Visible to others
- Privacy consideration
- Regulatory compliance
Battery and Charging
Glasses Battery
Internal power:
- ~154mAh capacity
- ~4 hours mixed use
- Standby longer
- Limited by size
Charging Case
Extended power:
- Compact case
- Up to 8 additional charges
- 36 total hours
- Wireless charging (glasses)
- USB-C charging (case)
Charge Time
Quick charging:
- ~1 hour full charge
- Partial charges useful
- Case always available
Software and App
Meta View App
Companion application:
- iOS and Android
- Media management
- Settings control
- Firmware updates
Content Management
Media handling:
- Automatic transfer
- Cloud backup
- Share to social
- Organize captures
Privacy Controls
User settings:
- Recording limits
- LED indicator always on
- Voice activation toggle
- Data management
Privacy Considerations
Recording Indicator
Visible notification:
- LED light when recording
- Cannot be disabled
- Protects others' privacy
- Social acceptance design
Social Concerns
Public reception:
- Recording without awareness concerns
- Some locations may prohibit
- Social norms evolving
- User responsibility
Use Cases
Content Capture
Documentation:
- Events and moments
- Hands-free recording
- First-person view
- Quick sharing
Communication
Calling features:
- Phone calls
- Voice messages
- Social check-ins
- Staying connected
Music and Media
Entertainment:
- Music playback
- Podcast listening
- Personal audio
- Ambient aware
AI Assistance
Productivity:
- Information queries
- Translation
- Reminders
- Hands-free help
Comparison with Stories
| Feature | Ray-Ban Meta (2023) | Ray-Ban Stories (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Camera | 12MP × 2 | 5MP × 2 |
| Video Resolution | 1080p | 720p |
| Video Length | 60 seconds | 30 seconds |
| AI Assistant | Meta AI | Facebook Assistant |
| Livestreaming | Yes | No (added later) |
| Audio | Improved | Basic |
| Price | $299+ | $299+ |
Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | Ray-Ban Meta | Amazon Echo Frames | Snap Spectacles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera | 12MP × 2 | None | Yes (varies) |
| Display | None | None | Varies by gen |
| AI | Meta AI | Alexa | Snap features |
| Style | Ray-Ban designs | Generic | Snap designs |
| Price | $299+ | $269+ | $99-$1200 |
Future Development
Display Variant (2025)
Announced upgrade:
- Small heads-up display
- Visual notifications
- AI responses visible
- Premium pricing
Continued Evolution
Platform development:
- Ongoing AI improvements
- New features via updates
- Hardware iterations
- Toward AR glasses
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Cameras | 2× 12MP ultra-wide |
| Video | 1080p @ 30fps, 60 seconds |
| Audio | Open-ear speakers, 5 microphones |
| Processor | Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 |
| Storage | 32GB |
| Battery | ~4 hours (glasses), 36 hours (with case) |
| AI | Meta AI integrated |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Weight | ~50g |
| Styles | Wayfarer, Headliner |
| Price | $299+ |