What's New with Meta Ray-Ban? A Deep Dive into Recent Updates

Since my initial review of the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, Meta has rolled out several major updates that transform how these glasses function. Here's a detailed look at everything new.

Live AI Integration

The glasses now feature advanced AI capabilities that allow you to interact with your surroundings in new ways. Simply say "Hey Meta, look and..." followed by your question, and the glasses will capture an image, process it in the cloud, and respond through the speakers.

You can use this feature to:

• Identify objects, plants, or animals in your view

• Get information about landmarks

• Translate text you're looking at

• Ask follow-up questions about what you're seeing

• Get help with tasks like cooking

The AI provides responses through the glasses' open-ear speakers. While impressive, this feature runs for approximately 30 minutes on a full battery charge.

Enhanced Translation Capabilities

The new live translation feature supports conversations between English and three languages: Spanish, French, and Italian. Here's how it works:

1. Say "Hey Meta, start live translation" or access it through the Meta View app settings

2. Download your desired language pairs in advance

3. Select languages for both speakers

4. Start your conversation

The glasses will translate speech in real-time, with options to hear translations through the speakers or view them as transcripts on your phone. The feature works best in quiet environments with a stable internet connection. It can also translate written text - just say "Hey Meta, look at..." followed by the text you want translated.

Audio Improvements

Meta has introduced adaptive volume, which automatically adjusts based on surrounding noise levels. You can enable this through the Meta View app settings.

The AI assistant also got an upgrade with new celebrity voice options, including Awkwafina, John Cena, Kristen Bell, and Judi Dench (UK only).

Camera Quality Boost

The camera system now features an ultra-wide 12MP sensor, a significant upgrade from the previous 5MP. Key improvements include:

• 1080p video recording at 60 seconds

• Enhanced image processing via the Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 Platform

• Improved video stabilization

• Social media-friendly aspect ratio

• Better performance in various lighting conditions

New Style Options

Meta expanded their frame selection with new designs including the Skyler frames, featuring a cat-eye design suited for smaller faces. The new Low Bridge Headliner addresses comfort with better weight distribution and improved nose pads to prevent sliding. A limited edition Scuderia Ferrari colorway adds racing-inspired design elements and premium finishing. All frames offer extensive customization through Ray-Ban's Remix platform.

Additional Features and Future Plans

Shazam integration lets you identify songs playing nearby, while enhanced video calling supports WhatsApp and Messenger with hands-free operation. The touchpad received updates for better responsiveness and customizable controls.

Looking ahead, Meta plans to introduce in-lens displays in 2025, expand language support, and enhance AI capabilities. With their Ray-Ban partnership extending beyond 2030, we can expect continued innovation in this space.

Some features currently have limited availability. Live AI and translation features are restricted to Early Access Program members in the US and Canada, while Shazam integration is available throughout North America. Regular software updates continue adding features and improvements, making these glasses increasingly versatile for daily use.

Prescription Lenses Now Available

For those who need prescription lenses, VR Wave now offers custom lenses for all Meta Ray-Ban smart glass models. These lenses are specifically designed to maintain full functionality of the frames while providing clear vision for users who need corrective lenses. Available in brown, transparent, or dark grey colors, you can customize your lenses to match your style and vision needs.

The ordering process is simple - just provide your prescription details (SPH, CYL, and AXIS for both eyes) and IPD measurement. You can also opt for transition lenses that automatically darken in sunlight for an additional $35. Check out VR Wave's prescription lenses for Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses here: VR Wave Ray-Ban Meta Prescription Lenses

Final Thoughts

The Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses have evolved significantly since their initial release. The addition of Live AI, real-time translation, and improved camera capabilities shows Meta's commitment to making these glasses more than just a camera you wear on your face.

While some features still have room for improvement - particularly battery life when using AI features and translation accuracy in noisy environments - the direction is promising. The upcoming Hypernova glasses with their built-in display and Meta's expansion into sports-focused eyewear with Oakley suggest we're moving closer to truly capable augmented reality glasses.

For now, the current Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses offer a compelling way to capture moments hands-free while staying connected. Whether you're traveling abroad and need translation help, want to identify plants on a hike, or simply want to take photos without pulling out your phone, these glasses are becoming increasingly capable of handling these tasks.

If you already own a pair, make sure to update your glasses through the Meta View app to access these new features. And if you need prescription lenses, remember that VR Wave can help you customize your glasses to your vision needs.