Meta’s Ray-Ban Wayfarers Redefine Wearable Tech: The Stylish Leap into Everyday AI

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Adrienne So

Apologies to Virtual Reality: Meta's Ray-Ban Wayfarers Take the Crown as the Premier Facial Tech

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I've become a nuisance, endlessly mumbling to myself as I roam. To be more precise, it's my sunglasses I'm speaking to. “Hey Meta, can you identify this tree?” “Hey Meta, should this concrete be redone?” While jogging, I tune into podcasts via the speakers integrated into them. I utilize the camera in the glasses to snap photos of my parents' garden, sending essential messages to the landscaper. Using the built-in mic, I search online to find out if the food stand is operating.

My Meta Ray-Ban Wayfarers and I have become an inseparable duo. I recently mentioned to my husband my desire to acquire another pair, this time with clear prescription lenses, to avoid roaming our home at night in sunglasses. "Are you sure that's what you want?" he inquired, somewhat anxiously. Indeed, it is exactly what I wish to do.

In contrast to the awkwardly designed goggles or the latest attempts in AI-driven devices such as the Humane Ai badge or the Rabbit R1, the Meta glasses stand out as a chic and practical piece in my collection of tech gadgets, blending effortlessly with my daily activities. Wearable technology's next chapter has arrived, and it bears a striking resemblance to Tom Cruise's appearance in Risky Business.

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Climbing That Slope

Image credit: Ray-Ban

Firstly, let's tackle the most evident aspect of Meta's strategy: the functional role of sunglasses. They not only shield my eyes and prevent me from squinting under the sun but also enhance my cool factor. I've been a fan of the iconic black Wayfarers for years (and own a white pair for those days I want to add a bit of flair), so the fact that I already appreciate my appearance in them encourages their use. By collaborating with Ray-Ban, Meta has smartly leveraged an established fashion symbol, effectively taking a shortcut to consumer acceptance. These glasses bear a striking resemblance to their conventional counterparts and are only slightly heavier.

The intelligent aspects of the device are not instantly noticeable, allowing me to wear them for casual activities, like cycling to collect my children from school, without appearing overly techy or out of place. The only instance someone gave me a peculiar look for having them on was when a buddy said hello as they walked by my home, and I didn't respond immediately because I was engrossed in listening to the newest Every Single Album episode while tending to my garden.

Authored by Jason Barlow

By Adrienne So

Authored by Eric Ravenscraft

Authored by Scott Gilbertson

Currently, they're my top choice for exercise headphones because they simplify my routine, allowing me to pick up just one item instead of multiple before I leave. My ears often feel like they're just storage hooks on my head—now, I no longer have to maneuver my earbuds amongst my hat, hair, and sunglasses, but can easily slide these on instead. In our analysis of the Meta smart glasses, we highlighted the impressively high-quality sound of the tiny speakers positioned near your ears. They're sufficiently loud for outdoor runs in a moderately populated city, with the mandolin plucks in the Band’s “Atlantic City” coming through crisply and vibrantly.

The convenience of being able to answer calls and hear text messages while jogging, without the need to take out my smartphone, is incredibly beneficial. I recognize that many individuals prefer to disconnect during their runs, yet I prioritize communication from my partner, children, their school, or my parents above everything else. The idea of making video calls while on the move sounds even more appealing. While it might not be a common occurrence for me, as my family doesn't utilize WhatsApp or Messenger, it's still within the realm of possibility.

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In comparison to other smart glasses I've examined for WIRED, these stand out due to their user-friendly interface. The controls are straightforward and finely tuned. Capturing a photo by pressing a button is incredibly intuitive. Whether pausing, resuming audio, or modifying the volume, a simple tap on the glasses does the trick reliably. Neither my hair nor my hat ever mistakenly triggers the music to play or pause.

The built-in camera on the smart glasses is fantastic, and I appreciate the convenience of snapping a photo on the fly. Without my Metas, I feel their absence keenly. It feels like I've delegated about 80 percent of my memory tasks to my smartphone's photo gallery, and missing a moment to capture feels like a significant loss. This was particularly evident when I hurried to my daughter's school concert and realized I was the only parent not recording the event. Having smart glasses that can take photos alleviates this worry. It's quicker and more discreet to capture moments with the Metas compared to pulling out a phone and raising it up. This stealthy way of recording has, however, made my husband uneasy. He often questions if I should be asking for permission when I inadvertently capture someone in my photos. (Is it necessary?)

The significant advancement in this context is the integration of Meta's AI assistant, which is voice-activated. Interestingly, what truly made artificial intelligence seem beneficial to me was its miniaturization and the fact that it was embedded into a wearable device.

Observing the emergence of AI devices and almost-conscious chatbots, I've been somewhat puzzled about their actual application in my daily life. ChatGPT has been useful for meal planning with whatever's in the fridge, yet often, a swift search on my phone suffices for my inquiries. However, my perspective shifted dramatically when I began using the Metas. Donning a pair of these voice-activated spectacles transformed my environment into a realm brimming with curiosity, igniting a desire within me to seek out information.

What was the price of the property on the other side of the road? The AI was unable to provide that information, however, it did advise me to refurbish the pathway leading up to my home. When requested to recognize various plants and automobiles, it performed efficiently. (It probably aided that the cars in my area are uniquely recognizable, predominantly being Subaru Foresters and Dodge Challengers.)

Authored by Jason Barlow

Authored by Adrienne So

Authored by Eric Ravenscraft

Authored by Scott Gilbertson

Additionally, it rendered my child's Spanish texts with a high degree of precision—I am fluent in both speaking and reading Spanish—and it didn't hesitate to add its own commentary. "It's unclear why Rafa is entering the car, just that he needs to be there by 3," the Meta AI expressed concern, sharing a worried comment as it worked on translating Que hacen Gabo y Rafa? for me.

I've consistently championed the metaverse, experimenting with every mixed-reality headset on the market and enjoying immersive gaming experiences in VR. However, the Meta Ray-Ban glasses stand apart. They don't offer visual projections or deep virtual immersion like the bulkier headsets, but they integrate a sensor-driven, smartphone-independent internet experience into everyday life. This aspect positions them as the most straightforward gateway to the metaverse I've encountered so far.

Their appeal isn't limited to the gaming community, so I don't need to prove their worth. People from various walks of life are drawn to them. Plus, they're reasonably priced! In contrast to the Apple Vision Pro, you don't have to shell out a fortune. There's no need to join a waitlist; these are readily available at Sunglass Hut. They offer a level of comfort not found in the bulky, battery-operated VR headsets, making them practical for everyday use outside. Different from the Humane Ai Pin and the Rabbit R1, they're actually functional. And there's no extra effort required to bring them along since they double as your everyday sunglasses.

Transitioning from my Meta sunglasses to my regular prescription glasses for reading sessions feels slightly odd, particularly at times when my curiosity spikes with trivial queries while I'm deep in work tasks. ("Hey Meta, what's the story behind Trader Joe?") Should there be an item capable of enticing me away from Apple's exclusive ecosystem to a company known for its occasional mishandling of user data, it would definitely be my voice-activated sunglasses.

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