At Meta Connect 2024, Zuck unveiled several new AI features for the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, including a limited edition transparent model which I purchased without hesitation. Previously, the glasses were just stylish alternatives to Snapchat Spectacles, especially in the UK where Meta AI was unavailable. However, with the introduction of Meta AI in the UK and Australia, I got to experience the innovative capabilities of these smart glasses. The new updates enhance the glasses’ functionality, transitioning from a basic Q&A tool to a genuinely helpful assistant. One major improvement is the ability to interact more naturally; users no longer need to preface requests with “Hey Meta. ” This change allows for spontaneous interactions, such as translating menus or seeking recipe suggestions directly and easily. While most requests work smoothly, some still require precision. For instance, asking about my Viking compass tattoo yielded only a dictionary definition until I used a more specific prompt.

Overall, the system performs impressively. In another breakthrough, Meta introduced reminder functionalities that incorporate visual elements. Simple reminders can be set like “remind me to find news stories tomorrow, ” and it can also recall items based on visual inputs. For example, asking “what book am I supposed to buy in two weeks?” quickly provided the correct answer. However, it currently lacks location-based reminders linked to visual inputs, which would be a beneficial feature. Additionally, the ability to scan QR codes and send links to my phone was useful, especially for bookmarking content for later use, despite the preference to open most links immediately on a phone. While some anticipated features, like live voice translation, aren’t available yet, the existing capabilities demonstrate that the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are indeed smart devices. With continual improvements, particularly in version 186, they stand out as one of the premier AI hardware options currently available, making them a valuable addition to any tech collection.