Meta has made a significant move in the wearable tech market with the launch of its new line of smart glasses. These glasses, priced starting at $299 are a departure from the company’s previous collaborations with Ray-Ban and Oakley. The new Meta Glasses are designed in partnership with EssilorLuxottica and offer a range of features that cater to both style and functionality.
The new smart glasses are available in several countries and come in a variety of color and lens combinations. Meta’s push into wearables comes at a time when competition in the space is heating up. The company and its partner, EssilorLuxottica, dominate the market with an estimated share of more than 80% according to data from Counterpoint Research.
The Features of Meta Glasses
The Meta Glasses do not have a built-in screen but come equipped with a camera and personal speakers. A dedicated button on the glasses can be used to trigger the Meta AI assistant or it can be customized to launch specific features. Meta claims these glasses offer over eight hours of battery life, with the on-the-go charging case providing up to 40 hours of additional usage.
The first models in this new line include the Meta Adventurer featuring a rectangular shape and available in standard and large sizes. The Meta Fury frame has a boxier design, resembling popular styles of men’s glasses. The most notable model is the Meta Glasses by Kylie designed in collaboration with American model Kylie Jenner. This model features a slim oval frame and comes with a special case that includes a mirror.
AI Capabilities and Future Updates
The Meta AI assistant on these glasses can answer a wide range of questions, from sports scores to local restaurant recommendations. It can also understand what you’re seeing and help manage your daily life. Meta plans to add a Pedestrian navigation feature soon, which will provide turn-by-turn directions for walking. Additionally, the company is adding support for 14 new languages for its live translation feature, including Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, and Korean.
Meta’s new smart glasses come just a week after Snap unveiled its long-awaited consumer smart glasses, the Specs priced at a hefty $2,195. This competitive landscape highlights the growing interest and investment in wearable technology.
Design and Comfort
Meta has focused on making the new glasses comfortable to wear. The glasses feature adjustable nose pads and temple tips, allowing for a personalized fit. The nose pads can be pressed and clicked into three separate positions, while the temple tips have a wire that allows for bending to better suit different face shapes. The glasses also support a wide range of prescriptions, spanning from -12 to +2.25.
The design of the glasses is not just about comfort but also about style. The Meta Adventurer has a classic rectangular shape, while the Meta Fury is more square and bold. The Meta Glasses by Kylie feature a unique design with a distinct Y2K flavor, including a tiny gemstone on the lens for added personality.
Meta’s new smart glasses represent a significant step in the company’s efforts to establish its own brand in the wearable tech market. With advanced AI capabilities, stylish designs, and affordable pricing, these glasses are poised to attract a wide range of consumers.
