My Experience After Seven Months Using Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
Meta recently launched AI-powered Oakley sunglasses alongside Ray-Ban Meta glasses. While the Oakleys feature higher resolution cameras (3K vs. 1080p) and double the battery life, I’ve been using the Ray-Ban Meta glasses for over half a year. These stylish smart glasses incorporate a camera, open-ear speakers, microphones, and Meta AI, all embedded in a classic Wayfarer design.
Initially, I was enamored with their novelty. I even had prescription lenses fitted and used them daily. However, after several months, I noticed some limitations. The glasses weigh about 49 grams, which can be uncomfortable over long periods, especially with prescription lenses increasing the weight to 54 grams. I often found myself switching between regular glasses and smart glasses depending on my activity. In terms of build quality, the glasses have held up remarkably well, with no warping or damage, and remain stylish.
Battery life remains a concern, as they only last around four hours, requiring frequent recharging—an inconvenience during extended outdoor use. The built-in charging case mitigates this somewhat, but it’s still a limitation. Socially, the glasses draw attention, which might not always be desirable, as some people find them intrusive or suspicious. Functionally, their camera is excellent for casual photos, while the voice-activated features for calls, messaging, and music control work well but are not perfect.
The most promising feature is language translation, which accurately translates spoken words in real-time, potentially offering useful applications. However, the AI assistant is less impressive; it wears off quickly and can’t perform complex tasks like booking hotels. Privacy concerns are significant, as Meta explicitly states that voice recordings are stored unless disabled, and camera use is always enabled unless turned off.
For privacy-minded users, these glasses may not be suitable. At a price point around $299, they offer good value for their features, but with upcoming models like the Oakley glasses, which have better specs and longer battery life, it may be worth waiting before making a purchase. Overall, after months of use, these glasses have proven to be a useful daily accessory, though they are not quite the seamless digital assistant I imagined. Improvements in weight, battery, and AI functionalities would make them even better.
