Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: New models and AI features announced

Meta is expanding its portfolio with a new category of smart glasses designed specifically for prescription lenses and all-day comfort. The so-called “Ray-Ban Meta Optics Styles” support almost all visual acuities and introduce new ergonomic adjustments for different face shapes, including more flexible hinges, interchangeable nose pads, and adjustable temple tips by an optician. With the new product category, Meta is responding to one of the biggest criticisms. However, the new smart glasses can also be ordered without prescription lenses.

The first two models in the new category are called “Blayzer” and “Scriber,” and they come with two sleeker frames than previous Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Blayzer has a rectangular shape and is available in two sizes, while the Scriber model has a rounder shape. They are available in various colors and come with a dark brown charging case.

Although the new category is sleeker, Meta states that the models come with all the features of previous Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Whether they have compromises elsewhere remains to be seen in testing. Meta does not provide weight specifications.

The glasses can be pre-ordered now in the USA via Meta and Ray-Ban and, according to Meta, will be available from April 14th at opticians in the USA and in “selected international markets.” This suggests that an appointment with an optician might be mandatory, which would be new for Ray-Ban Meta glasses.

The starting price is 499 US dollars. This makes the sleeker and more ergonomic models pricier than the first generation (from 299 US dollars) and second generation (from 379 US dollars) of Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Heise online asked Meta about availability and prices in Germany.

New AI Features for All Smart Glasses

For the existing portfolio, Meta is announcing new colors and lenses. The sports glasses Oakley Meta HSTN and Oakley Meta Vanguard will receive new combinations of colors and lenses, while the second generation of Ray-Ban Meta glasses will get three new, limited-time color variants in spring and summer.

Meta's smart glasses will also receive new AI features across the portfolio related to nutrition and WhatsApp. Tracking one's nutrition should become significantly easier. Users can log meals via voice command or photo, after which Meta AI will extract nutritional information and log it in the corresponding app. Based on this, the system will create personalized recommendations over time and can also provide situational dietary tips. These features will launch soon in the USA on the Ray-Ban and Oakley models and in the summer on the Meta Ray-Ban Display, which is currently only sold in the USA.

Additionally, Meta is introducing new AI features for WhatsApp. In the future, incoming messages can be summarized or specifically searched by Meta's AI assistant via voice command, for example, to find specific details from a chat. Processing is done directly on the device and remains protected by E2E encryption. The features will be rolled out soon for beta testers of all models available so far.

New Languages for Live Translation

The Meta Ray Ban Display already received a series of new features this month. For spring, Meta is now announcing further functions. In the future, users will be able to record their perspective and the content of the display simultaneously. The digital overlays and the camera image will be combined in a video that can be shared. Furthermore, visual pedestrian navigation will be expanded: starting in May, it will be available in all cities in the USA and will display step-by-step instructions directly in the field of vision.

The Meta Neural Band, included with the Meta Ray Ban Display, will also be updated in the coming weeks: the handwriting recognition introduced in January will leave the test phase and soon reach all US users. Additionally, it will be compatible with iMessage in the future. So far, the function only supported Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Android's native messaging app.

The Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta glasses will be expanded to other markets in the coming months, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Furthermore, Meta is expanding the live translation function for these models. Starting in the summer, they will support a total of 20 languages, including Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, and Arabic. Previously, live translation supported English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese.

(mack)