What's all the talk about Ray-Bans with Meta? & Glasses with AI What!! How does that work? and the cost? $299 or $379 +tax if you need transitions without a prescription. If you would like to add a prescription you would want to talk with your glasses and lens provider. Anyway, lets dig in further!
Overview:
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are wearable devices that combine classic Ray-Ban style with Meta’s advanced AI technology. The glasses feature a discreet, built-in Bluetooth camera that captures images of your surroundings. When you activate the glasses—either by saying “Hey Meta” or by pressing a button—they send these images via a connected smartphone (which must have an active data connection) to Meta AI for real-time analysis.
The AI processes what the camera sees and provides spoken feedback directly through the glasses’ open-ear speakers. For example, you can ask the glasses to describe your environment, read text aloud, or identify objects and signs. This hands-free, voice-driven interaction allows users, including those who are blind or visually impaired, to receive immediate, relevant information about their surroundings without needing to handle a phone or other device.
How Does this Help?
- Environmental Description: Users can ask Meta AI to describe their surroundings, providing information about the environment
- Object Recognition: The AI can identify objects in the user's vicinity, helping with navigation and interaction (This is a bit of a mixed results from our testing..)
- Text-to-Speech: The glasses can read text aloud, making written information accessible (You do at times have to ask it to read the entire letter.)
Shopping Assistance: Users can get information about products, prices, and locate specific aisles in stores
Meal Preparation: The AI can help identify ingredients and provide cooking instructions
Latest Accessibility Features and Updates
Meta's Current Commands List Click Here! Want to learn more how blind and low vision users are using these features or updates? “Facebook Blind Users of Meta Glasses” or Facebook Ray-Ban/Meta Group
The Blind Life Review and new updates to the glasses have been added with time: Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses Review: Are They Worth It for the Visually Impaired?
Where to Buy & Insurance Information
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are available in a variety of lens colors, including transitions and prescription options, and come in multiple frame shapes. You can purchase a basic pair through Amazon, Best Buy, or opt for prescription lenses via Ray-Ban or LensCrafters. While vision insurance typically covers prescription lenses, it does not cover the frames. However, you can use your HSA or FSA funds to pay for both the frames and lenses.