Tried & Tested
On trial: Ray-Ban Meta Glasses
This article is part of a paid-for partnership with Ray-Ban Meta
We put the AI-enabled glasses to the test, to find out how high-tech wearables can make it even easier to stay connected
Wearable tech has come a long way in a very short space of time, and the latest AI glasses are truly breaking new ground. Step forward Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, designed for the future of hands-free, super-connected living. Available in a range of styles, I tried out the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Glasses. So, are AI glasses really worth it? Read on for my review.
What are Ray-Ban Meta Glasses?
Ray-Ban Meta glasses are AI glasses that allow you to take photos and videos, listen to music, scan QR codes, make hands-free calls and even send texts – all without taking out your phone. You simply tap the side or use voice commands - you can ask Meta AI questions about what you see, and make a note of information for you to recall later. Plus, the AI glasses are able to run live translations, meaning that when you're exploring a different country you can hear translations in real time (between French, Italian, Spanish and English).
They’re lightweight and look like regular Ray-Ban glasses, but upon closer inspection you’ll spot they have an ultra-wide 12MP camera on the front, open-ear speakers, and multiple microphones for capturing audio.
What makes Ray-Ban Meta Glasses special?
Firstly, no one can tell you’re wearing smart-glasses; they’re stylish and only a tiny bit heavier than normal glasses, making them ideal for everyday wear. I was impressed by the wide range of capabilities, including voice commands to dictate messages - something that really helped me multi task. I really enjoyed making Whatsapp calls and listening to music without having to insert ear buds - the sound quality is excellent. Even when I was on a train with background noise I found the sound quality to the other person was great.
The function I used most was taking photos and videos of my kids. Usually when they’re doing something funny by the time I pull my phone out, the moment has gone. With Ray-Ban Meta Glasses you don’t miss a thing - you just tap the glasses or say ‘Hey Meta, take a photo’. I also took loads more videos than I usually do, and on Whatsapp calls I’d turn the camera on so family can see from my POV (basically streaming the kids to them).
It’s worth saying that all content is in vertical format, and making videos definitely uses the battery faster. Making a one minute video uses around 2% of the charge. It was easy to sync the glasses with my Android phone using the App, and it only took a minute or so to see content appear on my phone. If you love sharing content in real time, you can start a live-stream directly from your AI glasses to your followers through Facebook or Instagram. You can also switch between your phone or glasses cameras at any time, before or during a live video, by double-pressing the capture button on your glasses. This is a huge win for influencers or anyone who loves instant streaming to an audience.
Where can you use Ray-Ban Meta Glasses?
Anywhere you’d normally wear glasses! I’m usually only a glasses wearer for reading, but I found I wanted to keep the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses on during the day to make the most of the functions, especially if I was going out. It's easy to replace the lenses with your own prescription lenses (with zero risk of looking like Austin Powers), and the real win is the light-responsive transition lenses which effortlessly adapt from fully clear when you're inside to dark when you're outside, as well as offering 100% UVA and UVB protection. Basically, there's no reason to ever take them off.
How long do Ray-Ban Meta glasses last?
Fully charged, Ray-Ban Meta glasses can last up to four hours. That’s based on ‘moderate use’ - so if you’re making heaps of videos or asking Meta endless questions, it’ll be shorter. But brilliantly Ray-Ban Meta glasses come in a lightweight, portable charging case that can charge them when you’re on the go. I popped mine in their case inside my handbag and it took around 20 minutes to get 50% charged.
Are Ray-Ban Meta glasses worth it?
They’re an excellent choice for great quality hands-free calls, listening to music and for making content from your point of view; and if you're someone who loves capturing moments or wants to effortlessly share content with an audience they’re definitely worth it. I love that they made it easier to connect with my family, especially grandparents who live far away. They definitely enhanced a sense of closeness.
They’re comfortable, suit everyone and the battery life was great; being able to charge on the go is a real win. Before trying them I was a little bit concerned about the cameras - and people thinking I was recording them constantly - but there is a little LED light that appears on the glasses when you capture any type of content to let others know when you're recording. And, when using the AI features Ray-Ban Meta remove any key identifiable personal information to protect privacy.
I got so used to my messages being read to me and being able to take quick photos or ask Meta AI questions, that it made it hard to go back to ‘normal’ glasses. They're definitely life-enhancing.
★★★★
Meta AI only in select countries and languages. Meta account and Meta AI app required. User interface may vary.For ages 13+ only. May interfere with personal medical devices.
