Have you ever wanted to capture a moment with video or photo, but the moment passed before you could get your phone’s camera out? Meta may just have the solution for you. Meta has partnered with Ray-Ban to create a trendsetting smart eyewear collection, designed on the premise of “living in the moment.”
Wearing these glasses, whether they’re sunglasses or prescription glasses, you can capture photos, videos, and livestream to Facebook and Instagram, so you never miss a moment again.
How Does it Work?
To use the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, you’ll need an iPhone with iOS 14.4 or above, or an Android with Android 10 or above, and the Meta View app. The glasses are compatible with Apple, Google Pixel, and Samsung. You’ll also need Wi-Fi access or a 5G cellular connection to use the smart features, as well as a valid Meta account.
You can pair and manage up to two glasses in the Meta View app. From the app, you can share content with friends, as well as add special effects to your photos and videos.
Features
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses feature a wide-angle lens, so the effect while filming is not unlike wearing a GoPro, but it is definitely less cumbersome. You can livestream directly to Instagram and Facebook for up to 30 minutes per session. That feature requires Wi-Fi or cellular connection to work, and an environmental temperature of at least 41∞F (or 5∞C). Too cold, and it just won’t work.
The 12 MP camera is an upgrade from the previous 5 MP camera, and there’s improved low-light filming. You can record 1080p video up to 60 seconds⎯perfect for those Instagram Reels. The glasses are an asset for content creators, as well as those who just want to have more immersive photos and videos, and connect with others.
Speaking of connecting with others, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have open-ear speakers with improved bass that allow you to listen to music, videos, and phone calls. You’ll also use the speakers to interact with Meta AI, but we’ll get to that in a second. In addition to making calls, you can send text messages, or message via WhatsApp and Messenger with your voice.
Saying, “Hey Meta,” wakes the AI and allows you to interact, controlling features of the glasses with your voice or getting the same kind of information you might get with another smart assistant like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. The voice features are only available in English, Italian, and French, and some of the voice features are only available in English. The default language is English so you’ll have to go into the phone settings to change it, and you can only use one language at a time.
You charge the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses a USB-C cable, either via a plug and a power outlet or a USB port. A single charge gives up to four hours of use, and with a fully charged case, you get up to thirty-six hours. The case preserves and extends battery life.
The glasses are made with IPX4 water resistance, which means you can get them a little wet, but they’re not designed to be totally submerged or withstand extended exposure to liquids. If you get caught in some light rain, it’s no problem. You can just wipe them dry as soon as you can, and they’ll continue to work just fine.
The Ray-Ban Meta Collections
Wayfarer Collection
Headliner Collection
Privacy is Important
There’s a Capture LED light that signals to those around you that you’re going live or capturing content, allowing them to be a part of it or get out of the way. If the LED is covered, you’ll get a notification so you can rectify that.
The privacy settings for your glasses are easily accessed. In the settings, you can choose what gets shared with Meta and what doesn’t. Information that is shared with Meta is used to improve the app and glasses, but it is optional.
Most everyone remembers Google Glass, circa 2014. There was significant pushback due to privacy concerns, as people could record anyone in real time. Though no one could confuse Google Glass for regular sunglasses, as they could with these Ray-Ban Meta glasses, would anyone care now, if Google did a reboot of theirs, when it comes to privacy?
These Ray-Ban Meta glasses certainly add a layer of stealth videography and photography we’ve never had before, and higher resolution than the Google Glass provided. Is the Capture LED light enough? Probably not for some people. For most, in this era, it likely is, and Google Glass may even see its day in the sun.
Smart Glasses for Living in the Moment
Whether you’re a content creator or someone who wants to capture more of those special moments in life, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have you covered. With features like livestreaming to Instagram and Facebook, capturing immersive photos and video, and hands-free calling and messaging, these glasses allow you to live a more connected life while staying in the moment.
Who doesn’t want to be more present, while also capturing great memories? It’s the best of both worlds.
The glasses can be used as prescription eyewear, sunglasses, or transition eyewear, so no matter what your preference is, Ray-Ban Meta has a frame and lens for you.
