Smart glasses that can sneakily snap pics and record videos have been around. But these new Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses? They’ve got a certain vibe to them.
Meta Connect just released them at the same time Apple released the new iPhone 15, and they’re like the next version of the Ray-Ban Stories from 2021. And guess what? Meta’s actually slapped their name on these bad boys.
Even though you’d think they’ve added some super cool feature or something. We got to play with them a bit, and it wasn’t really about any flashy new tech.
What’s New About These Glasses?
It might not be surprising, but moving from the Ray-Ban Stories’ 5-megapixel to a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera makes a world of difference. We’ve watched videos captured by people using the Stories. No offense to them, but those videos seemed like they were shot with a potato.
To put it in perspective, the iPhone 4 from 2010 had a 5-megapixel rear camera, while the Ray-Ban Stories was released in 2021. The footage we captured with the upgraded glasses? It was in 1080p at 30fps, comparable to what I regularly see on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram Reels.
Of course, a 12-megapixel camera translates to enhanced photo quality as well. The initial Stories images had a resolution of 2592 by 1984 pixels. Now, they’re at 3024 by 4032 pixels. While most images might be compressed when shared on social platforms or viewed on mobile devices, starting with a higher resolution typically results in better photo quality.
We only saw a few snaps and videos from the demo, but they looked good enough to share. Not award-winning, but we wouldn’t hide them either. And that’s the whole point of this update.
Oh, and check this out; Meta showed us this cool livestreaming thing on Instagram with the glasses. You can switch between your phone and the glasses, which is pretty neat. We didn’t see anyone actually watching the livestream, so we couldn’t test out the real-time comments feature. But everything we tried? Smooth as butter. But hey, this was just a demo, so who knows how it’ll be out in the wild.
Meta also said you can share pics with just your voice and even pick where to send them, like texts or WhatsApp. Didn’t see that in action, but if it works, that’s a game-changer.
A Closer Look at Ray Ban Meta Smart Glasses
Meta’s latest updates seem to be a response to the criticisms on the internet of their first-generation glasses. Notably, the recording indicator LED is now larger and pulses, which Meta claims is more attention-grabbing than the previous static LED.
While it did stand out more in an indoor setting, the real test will be its visibility outdoors, especially in direct sunlight. The device’s discreet design might still raise privacy concerns, as it’s more evident when someone records with a phone.
Design and Feel of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
Wearing these glasses gives a hint of espionage. They sport the timeless Ray-Ban smart glasses design, which, while dependable, lacks a novelty factor. They don’t scream “tech gadget” when worn, and most wouldn’t give them a second look.
Comfort-wise, they’re like any regular glasses. Despite the tech-packed arms, they don’t feel heavy. They stand out in the smart glasses market with their variety of styles. While most smart glasses offer limited color choices due to production complexities, these come in several colors, lens options, and even a new rounded Headliner frame.
Technical Aspects and Features
Meta seems to be addressing the audio leakage issue found in the Stories. The new glasses are touted to be 50% louder with improved directional audio, focusing sound towards the user. While you might still catch a soft sound at high volumes, its real-world performance, especially in noisy environments, remains to be seen.
An interesting feature is the semblance of spatial audio. We experienced this when listening to a recording of Meta representatives moving around us and clapping. It felt gimmicky, but it’s an option for those who might enjoy it.
Charging and Potential Use Cases
These glasses could be a boon for content creators, especially those focusing on first-person videos like cooking or driving. While previous models like the Snap Spectacles and the original Ray-Ban Stories were marketed similarly, this version feels more genuine in its appeal.
It remains to be seen if the general public will embrace the Meta smart glasses technology. There are still unanswered questions about the associated app, connectivity, IPX4 rating, and battery life. But, so far, it seems like a promising gadget, which might explain Meta’s confidence in branding it.
They seem cool but I don’t see why anyone, besides creators, would buy them.:/
Happens… Such casual concurrence
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