Ray-ban Meta is probably the most popular smartglasses in the world right now with an integrated AI. It is a second-generation wearable from EssilorLuxottica and Meta, succeeding the Ray-Ban Stories which launched in 2021. The glasses have received timely updates, the most recent of which is improved AI and features. In this article, we will discuss the Ray-Ban Meta in further detail and put a number on what its price in Nepal might be.
Ray-Ban Meta Overview
Design and Hardware
These new smartglasses have gotten some trimming and lost some weight too. They now boast an IPX4 rating and come with interaction earcons for faster and more reliable responses to your commands. The Ray-Ban Meta comes in Wayfarer, Headliner, and Skyler frame options. You can style the glasses in over 150 ways with different combinations of lenses through the Ray-Ban remix platform. They are prescription lenses compatible too! The creators have announced a new limited edition transparent version of the Wayframer frame, which gives us a peek into the internals of the glasses.
Talking of the internals, the Ray-Ban Meta has a combination of different things. Firstly, there is a custom-designed open-ear speaker on each arm. Additionally, there are five microphones on these glasses which allow you to make calls and access the AI assistant. This pair of glasses also features a 12MP ultrawide camera on each side with which you can snap photos and take minute-long videos at 1080p. Then there is the Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 chipset under the helm handling all the processing and computing. Lastly, the Ray-Ban Meta has a built-in battery which can last you up to 36 hours with the charging case, which looks just like a regular eyewear case with a luxurious touch of leather finish.
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Features and AI
While the hardware itself is about alright, it isn’t enough to set the Ray-Ban Meta apart from other smartglasses in the market. What does make it stand out is the features it offers and Meta AI integration. This wearable device benefits heavily from the fact that Meta owns all the major social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. As such, you can live-stream POV videos onto the former two platforms and hear out the comments too. Similarly, you can video call your friends and family through Messenger and WhatsApp as well, opening the possibility for easier hands-free communication.
The Meta AI integration is by far the greatest feature and the main selling point of the Ray-Ban Meta. Users can say “Hey Meta” to access the conversational assistant and ask for help. It’s not just limited to search and answer types of queries, it can utilise the built-in camera, understand the context, and help you out accordingly. For instance, you could ask the smartglasses to translate a foreign text you are looking at. Or look at a historical site and pull up information about it.
It got even better
The Ray-Ban Meta was already capable enough, now the AI and features got even better and richer. Now the Meta AI retains the memory of the recent conversation, so you can ask follow-up questions without saying “Hey Meta”. Likewise, you no longer need to say “look and” for your glasses to see and inform you about what you’re looking at. Just ask away… These glasses can now remember other things and set up reminders as well. Like, you could ask the Ray-Ban Meta to remember where you put your keys or parked your car, and such.
These glasses were already capable of video calls on WhatsApp and Messenger but now you can also send voice messages only. Furthermore, Ray-Ban Meta can act as a real-time tourist guide for you. Meta has added video input to its AI, which is now able to tag along through your journey, plan routes, and so on. Moreover, these glasses will soon be getting live speech translation features as well. The AI is being better integrated into Spotify and Amazon Music and expanded to Audible and iHeart. With this, you can ask the glasses about the music or audiobook you are listening to.
Apart from AI things, Meta has partnered with Be My Eyes. It is a free app that allows visually impaired individuals to connect with regular sighted volunteers for guidance on what is in front of them. Since Ray-Ban Meta specialises in POV videos, this partnership will help blind individuals, as they will not have to point their smartphones towards whatever they are looking at. As a result, they will have both hands free for the chores they are trying to perform.
Ray-Ban Meta Specifications
- Design: Wayfarer, Headliner, Skyler frames, Customisable lenses
- Processor: Qualcomm AR1 Gen 1
- Storage: 32GB Flash
- Camera: 12MP Ultrawide
- Picture Quality: 3,024 x 4,032 pixels (Image), 1,440 x 1,920 pixels @30FPS (Video)
- Speaker: 2x Open ear custom-built
- Microphone: Custom 5-mic array (2 in left arm, 2 in right arm, 1 near nose pad)
- Connectivity: WiFi 6, Bluetooth v5.2
- Compatibility: Android 10.0 or iOS 14.4 and above
- Battery Life: Up to 4 hours (glasses only), Up to 36 hours (with charging case)
Ray-Ban Meta Price in Nepal and Availability
These smartglasses were launched on 27 September last year and the most recent update was announced on 25 September 2024. These smartglasses start at USD 299 and go upwards depending on how you customise them. If they somehow made their way here, we expect the Ray-Ban Meta price in Nepal to start at NPR 48,099.
| Ray-Ban Meta Smartglasses | Price in the US (Official) | Price in Nepal (Expected) |
| Standard frames | USD 299 | NPR 48,099 |
| Shiny Transparent Wayfarer (Limited Edition) |
USD 429 | NPR 68,999 |
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