Smart glasses have been around for a while, so why is Meta charging Rs 24k for its Ray-Ban glasses?

We've been witnessing the emergence of smart glasses capable of discreetly capturing photos and recording videos for some time now. However, a new player has entered the field – the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, and they exhibit a distinctiveness that sets them apart from their predecessors.

Meta recently introduced its innovative smart eyewear, a collaborative effort with Ray-Ban. These glasses go beyond the typical features of providing music, photo capture, and video recording.

Mark Zuckerberg addressed the audience at the Meta Connect event, hosted at their California headquarters last Wednesday.

During the event, he unveiled the Quest 3 Mixed Reality headset, scheduled for release on October 10, priced at $500 (INR 41 thousand). This headset incorporates mixed-reality technology, akin to the Quest Pro.

Key features and availability

• These Meta Ray-Bans also offer the ability to share your perspective in real-time on Facebook and Instagram.
• While recording, a conspicuous flashing white light encircles the lens, clearly signaling that it's capturing the moment.
• You can pre-order these new glasses from either the Ray-Ban or Meta websites, with prices starting at $299 (INR 24 thousand).
• Polarised lenses are available for $329 (INR 27 thousand).

These glasses are set to commence shipping on October 17.

What's new

• These glasses feature a unique sound system designed to deliver an immersive audio experience tailored exclusively for the wearer.
• Furthermore, the microphone technology has been significantly enhanced, with the addition of five microphones.
• One of these microphones is cleverly concealed within the nose bridge, ensuring crystal-clear phone calls and voice commands even in noisy or windy conditions.

This represents a significant improvement over the older Stories model, which had only one microphone.

The camera

• The glasses are equipped with small cameras on the right side capable of capturing 12-megapixel photos and recording 1080p videos.

• With 32GB of storage, they can store approximately 500 photos and up to 100 brief 30-second videos.

• An accompanying app, Meta View, facilitates the management and sharing of captured content across various platforms.

• Initiating live streams on Facebook or Instagram is made effortless with a simple tap on the glasses.

• While undoubtedly convenient, this feature does raise questions regarding the privacy implications associated with smart glasses.

• Meta envisions these glasses as a means to capture moments when your hands are occupied with other tasks.

Ray-Ban vs Meta Ray-Ban

• The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses embody the classic Ray-Ban design, allowing them to seamlessly blend in like regular eyeglasses.
• They eschew the appearance of a high-tech gadget on your face, affording a low-key, incognito vibe.
• In comparison to other smart glasses that typically come in basic colors, these glasses offer a wider array of style options.
• They are available in various colors, lens choices, and feature a newly designed rounded Headliner frame.

Smart glasses with AI

• Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses introduce AI into the equation, offering voice-activated commands for weather updates, dining recommendations, and translations.
• A simple "Hey Meta" activates the AI functionality, seamlessly merging fashion and technology. In the near future, they will even provide visual and auditory assistance, aiding in recognizing landmarks and signs.
• Maintaining Ray-Ban's timeless style, these glasses are slimmer and lighter, available in Wayfarer and Headliner designs.

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are offered in Matte Black and Shiny Black, with three fresh transparent frame colours: Jeans, Rebel Black, and Caramel.