This is the only place where Meta had not yet added a dose of artificial intelligence. And yet, it will be done on the social media giant’s new generation of connected glasses. During its Meta Connect conference on Wednesday, the company unveiled the second version of its Ray-Ban Meta, connected glasses designed with EssilorLuxottica, an eyewear specialist. And this, although the first versions were not necessarily successful.
Launched last year under the name Ray-Ban Stories, they come in the form of sunglasses (or with transparent lenses), which is the most classic, using Ray-Ban’s iconic Wayfarer model. The new generation combines the name of the two brands to become Ray-Ban Meta and shows the contribution of the two partners.
Improved video
Like the first version, the new Ray-Ban Meta allows you to listen to music, take photos, film and answer your calls or messages received on your smartphone, all in hands-free mode.
But the 2023 model year goes further and improves all functions, with the addition of artificial intelligence. Starting with video with the possibility now of transmitting video and sharing your daily life live with your friends, on Instagram or Facebook.
As with Meta Quest 3, Meta has partnered with Qualcomm to bring power to its glasses. We thus find the Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 chip, which allows more powerful calculations in photo and video processing, but which, specially designed for connected glasses, guarantees good heat management to avoid facial burns.
The camera, which is activated with a click on the branch, now has a 12 Mpx sensor to capture the image or video (1080p for 60 seconds maximum) from your point of view. And by saying “Send a photo” to the built-in Meta AI voice assistant, your photos will be immediately shared with your loved ones. Please note that photos are now taken by default in landscape mode and can be edited in the Meta View app. Meta AI-related features will initially be available only in the United States.
Up to 36 hours of battery life
As for the audio, of quite good quality given the ergonomics offered (the speakers are integrated into the temples of the glasses), Meta promises an improved experience with a 50% higher maximum volume, more extended bass and a directional sound that will allow reduce audio loss. Added to this is the presence of 5 microphones that will make a more immersive audio recording possible, since you will hear everything around you at the time of capturing the video.
The Ray-Ban Meta are delivered with a slimmer carrying case than the previous one that allows you to recharge the glasses and thus ensure up to 36 hours of battery life (8 charges). They are offered in different styles and sizes, but also in different colors, for more than 150 possible combinations of frames and lenses. It is also possible to fit corrective lenses, in solar, transparent or Transitions versions. And now they are splash resistant (IPX4 certification)
The Ray-Ban Meta will be available starting October 17 from 329 euros.
Source: BFM TV
