Photo source: Ray-Ban
Meta has enhanced its Ray-Ban smart glasses with new AI capabilities, which allows users to set reminders based on what the camera is focused on, among other features.
The Ray-Ban Meta glasses combine stylish Ray-Ban aesthetics with practical functionality, avoiding the bulkiness often associated with mixed-reality devices.
Equipped with an AI assistant, these glasses can respond to inquiries and identify objects through their integrated cameras. Users appreciate the convenience of using voice commands to take photos and videos without needing to reach for their smartphones.
At the recent Meta Connect event, CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced several updates to the smart glasses’ software.
“The reality is that most of the time you’re not using smart functionality, so people want to have something on their face that they’re proud of and that looks good and that’s, you know, designed in a really nice way,” he stated.
He also emphasised the ongoing improvements to the software and ecosystem, and highlighted the glasses’ growing intelligence and capabilities.
Additionally, Meta introduced its new Meta Quest 3S, a more affordable version of its mixed-reality headsets, and announced various AI enhancements across its platforms, including updates to Meta AI and Llama large language models.
While Meta has made strides in integrating AI technology into the Ray-Bans earlier this year, the latest updates focus on refining existing features rather than introducing radical changes. Users can already engage with Meta AI for answers and hear responses through speakers embedded in the frames. The new features expand upon this functionality.
One notable enhancement is the ability to set reminders. Users can look at an item while wearing the glasses and say something like, “Hey, remind me to buy this pair of shoes next week,” prompting the glasses to recognise the item and schedule a reminder. In a week’s time, Meta AI will then notify them about purchasing the shoes.
Meta also plans to introduce live transcription services soon, which will allow users to see transcribed speech in real-time when conversing in different languages. However, it remains uncertain how effective this feature will be since previous translation capabilities have had mixed results.
The company has also added new frame and lens colours, including transition lenses that adjust shading based on sunlight exposure.
Meta has not specified an exact release date for these additional AI features for the Ray-Bans, but they are expected to roll out later this year. With only three months left in 2024, users can anticipate these updates soon.
