Finally, Smart Glasses That Don't Look Dumb: Meta Ray-Ban Review

In a world brimming with cameras, the idea of adding one to a pair of sunglasses might seem unnecessary, or even a bit unsettling. But as I donned the stylish Ray-Bans, I was reminded of a quote from the late Anthony Bourdain, a visionary who once mused about a world where he wouldn't be the star of his own show. Instead, the focus would be on the unique perspective, like a camera gliding through space without a visible host. While Bourdain may have preferred his classic pair of Persol shades, Meta's smart glasses could have brought his vision to life.

These innovative glasses are a fusion of a wearable camera and open-ear headphones, housed in a package slightly larger and pricier than your regular Ray-Bans. Powered by Qualcomm's augmented reality chipset, I had the opportunity to review these glasses at Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii. And let me tell you, these glasses are different from previous iterations I've tested from Snapchat, Bose, and Amazon. They're not just enjoyable gadgets; they became a part of me, almost inseparable from my daily routine.

The Camera in Your Sunglasses

Let's dive right into the star of the show: the 12-megapixel camera nestled in the frames. Unlike conventional landscape-oriented cameras, this one is designed in portrait orientation to capture the best stories and reels. This choice may not suit landscape YouTube videos, but it's perfect for Instagram, which is the platform these glasses are built for.

Operating the camera is straightforward. A single button on the right temple, right above the Ray-Ban logo, handles all the shooting tasks. A quick press takes a photo, while a long press initiates a video recording that can go up to a minute. The capture LED on the right side lights up when the camera is active. An intelligent sensor prevents you from being a creep by blocking the capture LED when you cover it.

One key thing to note is that there's no built-in display on the glasses. You have the choice of transition, prescription, or polarized lenses, but for viewing your content, you'll need to rely on your paired device. The glasses have another LED inside the frame that flashes different colors to convey camera power and pairing status. They also use sound cues to indicate their status, ensuring you're always in the know.

These glasses, in true futuristic fashion, also have voice-activated features. You can trigger Spotify with a press and hold of the gesture area on the right temple, summoning an AI-powered DJ to keep you entertained on the go. While it's not powered by real humans, it's a cool feature, even if you wish it were.

Sound and Clarity

The glasses feature directional speakers over the ears, making them perfect for enjoying music or making phone calls. I tested the microphones by having a few calls, and my friends nearby couldn't distinguish that I was on a call, saying that I sounded just like I was talking on a regular phone. These glasses are great for phone calls, whether you're sitting by a fountain, strolling under the trees, or exploring new locations.

The glasses offer clear and loud sound, easily overcoming ambient noise. However, they may struggle with extremely loud environments, such as a noisy boat ride or the incessant announcements on some airlines. But for most situations, the audio quality is more than satisfactory.

A First-Person Perspective

To provide you with a genuine understanding of what these glasses can do, let me share some of the photos and videos I captured during my time with them in Hawaii. Qualcomm, whose technology powers these glasses, thoughtfully provided them at a summit set in one of the most picturesque settings in the United States. I had the chance to capture footage while enjoying locally sourced coffee, immersing myself in culturally significant music, and even contributing to the local butterfly ecosystem.

The glasses performed admirably, providing a realistic and immersive perspective of the beautiful Hawaiian landscape. Even in lower light conditions, they held their own for social media posts, although your smartphone might outperform them in low-light scenarios. Still, these glasses offer a unique and captivating way to share your experiences with the world.

Wrapping Up

While these glasses may not be everyone's cup of tea, they are a remarkable tool for content creators and those who want to share their unique point of view. With features like onboard voice assistants and AI-powered montages, there's certainly room for improvement. Battery life, while not terrible, could be better, but the glasses charge quickly, which is a plus.

To wrap it up, the Meta Ray-Ban Bands are a remarkable innovation that pushes the boundaries of wearable tech. They seamlessly blend fashion with functionality, providing a new way to capture and share your experiences with the world. So, whether you're a tech enthusiast, a content creator, or just someone who appreciates cutting-edge gadgets, these glasses are worth considering. Just be careful around water; they may not be as water-resistant as you'd hope.

And on a more serious note, if you're inspired by the breathtaking beauty of the world, remember to support the places and communities you visit. As we explored Maui, we were reminded of the impact of tourism on the local economy. So, let's spread the word that Maui is open and support relief efforts where possible.

In the ever-evolving world of technology, the Meta Ray-Ban Bands offer a glimpse into a future where wearable tech becomes an integral part of our daily lives. So, go ahead and embrace the future; these glasses might just be your new favorite travel companion.