Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has unveiled its second-generation smart glasses, now under the iconic Rayban brand. In this hands-on review, we explore the updated features, design, and improvements that come with the Meta x Rayban smart glasses. It reveals exciting enhancements, from an upgraded camera to improved audio, water resistance, and even live streaming capabilities. Join us as we delve into the details of this techy eyewear that aims to seamlessly blend style and functionality.
The Rayban Meta smart glasses continue to offer the classic Wayfarer style, but now they introduce a new addition – the headliners. The video highlights Meta’s effort to streamline and enhance the technology in the second generation. Moreover, the design options have expanded with three transparent color choices: jeans, caramel, and smoky Rebel black. With additional options for lens types, users have a plethora of combinations to customize their smart glasses to match their personal style.
Meta x Rayban Smart Glasses Specs
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand and Name | Meta, formerly Facebook, unveils the second-generation smart glasses now under the Rayban brand. |
| Design | Classic Wayfarer style with a new addition – the headliners. Three transparent color choices: jeans, caramel, and smoky Rebel black. Expanded options for lens types to customize personal style. |
| Camera | Resolution upgraded from 5 to 12 megapixels. Increased storage from 4 to 32 gigs. Full 1080p video recording capability. Ability to live stream directly to Facebook or Instagram with a 60-second cap on clips. Battery life increased to approximately six hours of mixed-use or four hours during live streaming. |
| Audio | Speakers inside the arms are 50% louder, minimizing sound leakage. Enhanced audio experience for a more immersive user experience. |
| Meta View App | Redesigned app interface for improved accessibility. Incorporates voice controls for sending pictures effortlessly. Learns user habits over time, selecting the right messaging service and contact for sharing images. |
| Privacy Features | Five cameras include one in the nosepiece for clear voice during calls, two behind logos on each side, and two at the bottom. Transparent color options showcase interior components, including speakers, touch panels, and sensors. |
| Charging | Compact charging case reminiscent of classic Rayban cases. Includes an indicator light, USB-C port for charging, and the capability to hold eight additional charges for a total runtime of around 36 hours. |
| Pricing | The LED indicator on the left side serves as a clear signal when capturing photos or videos. If the LED is covered, the glasses block the ability to capture anything, ensuring user privacy. |
| Conclusion | The second-generation Rayban Meta smart glasses represent a significant upgrade with improvements in design, camera capabilities, audio quality, and privacy features. Maintains consistent and affordable pricing at $299. |
Enhanced Capabilities
The second-gen smart glasses boast significant improvements in various aspects. The camera resolution has jumped from 5 to 12 megapixels, accompanied by a considerable increase in storage from 4 to 32 gigs. Users can now record full 1080p videos, with the added ability to live stream directly to Facebook or Instagram, albeit with a 60-second cap on clips. The battery life has seen an increase, with Meta claiming approximately six hours of mixed-use or four hours during live streaming.
Innovative Camera System
A notable feature of the Rayban Meta smart glasses is the inclusion of five cameras. These include one in the nose piece for a clear voice during calls, two behind the logos on each side, and two more at the bottom. The transparent color options provide a glimpse of the interior components, showcasing speakers, touch panels, and sensors. The video demonstrates how users can control the smart glasses through tapping, swiping, and voice commands, offering a versatile and user-friendly experience.
Improved Audio Experience
Meta has focused on enhancing the audio experience with the second-generation smart glasses. The speakers inside the arms are reportedly 50% louder than before while minimizing sound leakage. This ensures a more immersive audio experience for the user without disturbing those around them, a significant improvement for public settings like subways or cafes.
Redesigned Meta View App
To complement the hardware upgrades, Meta has redesigned the Meta View app, providing a better interface to highlight new features and improve accessibility. The app incorporates voice controls, allowing users to send pictures to friends effortlessly. The app learns user habits over time, ensuring it selects the right messaging service and contact for sharing images, adding a layer of convenience and personalization.
Privacy Features
In addressing privacy concerns, Meta has introduced a new LED indicator on the smart glasses, located on the left side and brighter than before. This indicator serves as a clear signal when the user is capturing photos or videos. Interestingly, if the LED is covered, the glasses block the ability to capture anything, ensuring user privacy. This feature is a significant step towards preventing unauthorized photography.
Convenient Charging
The smart glasses come with a compact charging case reminiscent of classic Rayban cases. This case includes an indicator light, a USB-C port for charging, and the capability to hold eight additional charges, providing a total runtime of around 36 hours. This design ensures that users can comfortably use the smart glasses throughout the day without worrying about battery life.
In conclusion, Meta’s second-generation Meta x Rayban smart glasses appear to be a significant upgrade from their predecessors. With improvements in design, camera capabilities, audio quality, and privacy features, Meta has addressed key areas to provide a more refined and versatile product. The consistent pricing, starting at $299, maintains affordability for users interested in adopting this tech-savvy eyewear. As pre-orders go live and official sales commence, it will be intriguing to witness the public’s response to these stylish yet technologically advanced smart glasses. Whether they are enough to entice users to trade in their regular Raybans remains to be seen, but Meta’s innovations have certainly sparked interest in the ever-evolving landscape of smart eyewear.
