Meta introduces new Ray-Ban smart glasses with prescription support
What's the story
Meta Platforms has unveiled two new styles of Ray-Ban prescription smart glasses, expanding its AI-powered device portfolio. The company is working with EssilorLuxottica to develop these innovative eyewear solutions. The new models, dubbed the Ray-Ban Meta Optics Styles, come in a rectangular "Blayzer" style and a circular "Scriber" version.
Enhanced functionality
Features of the new smart glasses
The new smart glasses come with overextension hinges, interchangeable nose pads, and adjustable temple tips for a better fit. These features were first seen in the Meta Ray-Ban Display but weren't available in the regular Ray-Ban lineup. The frames will be offered in several colors including matte and transparent black, dark olive, ice gray, and stone beige.
Market launch
Price and availability
The new "prescription optimized" glasses will be available from April 14 at a price of $499. They are currently available for pre-order. According to Meta's press release, these glasses "support nearly all prescriptions," a significant improvement over the previous models which only supported prescriptions of +-6 (and only +-4 for the Display glasses).
Prescription details
Clarifications on prescription range
Meta spokesperson Albert Aydin clarified that while the prescription range for Blayzer and Scriber is unrestricted, customers should check with their retailer for any range restrictions. He also said that if your prescription falls outside the +-6 range when ordering directly from Meta's site, you will have to take the frames to an optician or a LensCrafters-type store.
Privacy issues
AI-powered nutrition logging feature coming to glasses
Meta has faced criticism over its smart glasses, especially regarding privacy and a proposed facial recognition feature. However, the company is also working on improving its software capabilities. Later this summer, Meta plans to introduce AI-powered nutrition logging for the glasses. Users will be able to use a voice prompt, take a photo of their meal, and have those details logged in the Meta AI app.