Meta Ray-Ban Wayfarer Limited Edition Glasses Review
At Meta Connect in September, I had the opportunity to try out the limited-edition Meta Ray-Ban glasses, which caught my attention with their transparent frame, sapphire transition lenses, and affordable $429 price tag. As a user of the Meta Quest 3 and Viture Pro XR glasses, I was excited to see how the Meta Ray-Ban glasses would perform.
Initial Impression
Only 7,500 units were made available worldwide, and I was lucky enough to snag a pair as stock ran out. My pair, number 4,255, is marked on the inside of the right frame and on the charging case. After months of use, ZDNET’s Kerry Wan still enjoys the functionality of the standard Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses.
Features and Functionality
I intended to use the glasses to capture video that’s difficult to record accurately with a camera or smartphone, such as testing watches, fitness gear, and e-bikes, as well as creating vertical short-form videos for YouTube and Instagram. I also spend time fly fishing, where both hands are occupied, and I want to capture video and still images of these experiences to share with family and friends.
Hands-Free Video Capture
I’ve used action cameras for some of this content before, but I wanted to see if a first-person perspective would result in better footage. The Meta Ray-Ban glasses have exceeded my expectations, capturing great video while running with new watches, testing e-bikes, fishing, and playing with my cat. You can now capture up to three minutes of video by setting that as the default length, and the audio quality during recording has been much better than I expected.
Audio Quality and Bone Conduction
Beyond video and still capture, I now prefer using the glasses for calls and podcasts over my AirPods Pro while walking around downtown Seattle. Like the bone conduction headphones I use for running, the Ray-Ban glasses leave my ears open for better awareness of my surroundings, and the sound quality is good for podcasts and music. However, in heavy traffic, the sound can be too quiet, so a future version with bone conduction technology would be ideal.
Additional Features and Updates
I also appreciate the various messaging options, especially being able to have messages read aloud and easily reply to friends and family. Keeping my phone in my pocket while commuting and wearing the Meta glasses feels like an optimal way to get around. I’m enjoying spending less time looking at screens and more time engaging with the world around me.
Transition Lenses and Future Updates
The transition lenses are a game changer, allowing me to wear the glasses both indoors and outdoors. However, I wish the lenses would get a bit darker in full sunlight. I’m excited to see what future updates will bring, including natural language processing, the ability to remember and recall key information, live translations, and more.
Conclusion
Overall, I’m very pleased with my purchase of this Limited Edition model of the Meta Ray-Bans. The glasses have exceeded my expectations, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for this technology. With added utility from future updates, I believe the Meta Ray-Ban glasses will continue to be an excellent choice for those looking to stay connected and capture memories on the go.
FAQs
Q: How many units were made available worldwide?
A: Only 7,500 units were made available worldwide.
Q: What is the price tag for the limited-edition Meta Ray-Ban glasses?
A: The price tag is $429.
Q: What are the features of the Meta Ray-Ban glasses?
A: The glasses feature transparent frames, sapphire transition lenses, and hands-free video capture, among other features.
Q: Can the glasses capture video?
A: Yes, the glasses can capture up to three minutes of video.
Q: What is the audio quality like?
A: The audio quality is good for podcasts and music, but can be too quiet in heavy traffic.
Q: Will future updates be available?
A: Yes, future updates will be available, including natural language processing, live translations, and more.
