If I had to name a few things I can't leave the house without, it's my phone, earbuds and a pair of stylish sunglasses. But, I'd never thought I'd have these (very particular) items combined into one product — literally, what else is the tech industry going to think of next?
Ray-Ban and Meta recently teamed up and launched a line of smart glasses, and as someone who always thought — meh — about tech-y things like this, it's safe to say they've changed my life. Any chance I get, I whip them out and show them to everyone I know. And they happen to be a winner of Shop TODAY's Gifts We Love 2024.
And now through June 16, you can save 20% off on all Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses!
Why I tried it
I'm super picky about sunglasses for a variety of reasons. One: I always lose them so I have to actively take care of them. The second reason is the overall style; only a few shapes suit my face. I’ve always admired the style of Ray-Ban glasses so when the brand invited me to a press event of this product launch with Meta, I was intrigued and excited to see what the smart glasses were all about.
Why I like it
Honestly, I had no idea what to expect with them. Did I sort of hope I'd feel like Tony Stark from "Iron Man?" Yes. And they really exceeded my expectations. Via Bluetooth with your smartphone, you pretty much have access to all of the necessities of your phone, while being hands-free, discreet — and looking chic.
What can the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses do?
These smart glasses can do more than I anticipated with the Meta AI technology. My favorite features — and the ones I use most — are the point-of-view photography and video function, which I use often when I'm traveling, attending events or just coming across pretty scenery. The function is so easy to use and takes high-quality images. In fact, I find that the photos turn out better and sharper than taking them on my phone. To use, all you do is "point" and click the button on the right side of the frame's arm, and if you hold the button down for a few seconds, it starts to record video. But don't worry, a flash goes off (and remains on during video) on the frame, so people will know you're taking photos or videos, and vice versa.
Another handy feature is the speaker system that's located right above your ears on the arms. It plays music! It connects to whichever music app you listen to (Spotify in my case), sounds really good and plays discreetly! I've tested this out with several people and only the glasses-wearer can hear what's playing.
Also, I love this feature for safety reasons. I live in New York City and like to listen to music when I run errands or walk around. This allows me to be more aware of my surroundings; I can listen to music and still hear if someone is behind me, or a bus going by.
The speaker system also allows you to make crystal clear calls, too. You just say "Hey Meta! Call Mom," and the phone starts dialing; you can also just click through your phone contacts like normal and it connects. So, if you ever see me walking down the street talking to myself, I'm most likely chatting with my mom through my glasses.
While those are my most used features, it does so much more. The picture taking and voice/speaker system can translate signs in foreign languages, which will come in handy for international traveling, And you can even ask Meta basic questions, like "Hey Meta! Where's the best coffee shop in Midtown, Manhattan?"
They come in different styles
The glasses come in a few variations to suit different tastes. I have the Skylar glasses in black, and I love the cat-eye shape. They also come in unisex styles, like the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer, transition lenses, and certain styles offer normal clear lenses. If you need a prescription, the brand offers the option to order with your Rx, too.
What really sold me on these glasses is not only how cute they are but also, you really can't tell that they're "smart." The cameras are on both sides of the frames but I don't find them noticeable, unless you're looking for them. If someone does point them out, it makes for a great conversation starter. They've become my go-to party trick.
What other editors think
Other Shop TODAY editors are proud owners of the Ray Ban Meta Skylar Smart Glasses and share similar sentiments to me. Commerce writer Danielle Murphy loves how they look like regular sunglasses. "I’ve tried other smart glasses before, and they were bulky and ugly. These look like a sleek pair of Ray-Bans and nothing more — which is awesome! They are so stylish and actually protect my eyes well from the sun," says Murphy.
She's also "blown away," by the smart functions and says uses them for music, taking calls and taking pictures. Editor and producer Julie Ricevuto says she is "obsessed" with hers, too.
"I wear them everywhere, but they’re especially great on vacations as they allow me to record video or take photos while still enjoying my surroundings. I recently even brought them on an African safari!," says Ricevuto. "They’ve also been useful for me when I’ve been in another country and saw a sign in a different language since they’re able to translate for me. In my opinion, this is one of the best gifts you can give someone this year!"
What to consider
Like all tech, you have to make sure you keep your glasses charged to utilize the smart features, which is making sure they're in their case when not in-use, and charging the actual case. However, I found both the case and the glasses keep their charge for weeks. I've had these since May and probably charged them four times. Meta will even tell you what the charge percentage is as soon as you put them on.
Everything is connected to your phone via the Meta App, which you have to download and set up. If you're phone and computer savvy, it's easy ... though I can see someone who is not tech-savvy might find it challenging. But don't let that deter you from gifting them to your Mom or Dad — it takes minutes and there's always in-store setup and customer support!
Since these glasses came into my life, they've been the only glasses I reach for when I leave my apartment and I love showing them off to anyone who will listen. I am a normal eyeglasses wearer, too, and I'm thinking about getting the prescription lenses version next — so then I can really feel like Tony Stark.
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Why trust Shop TODAY
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Shannon Garlin is an associate editor for Shop TODAY. She has been with the team for over two years, covering a wide range of topics, including product reviews, viral beauty and sales. Garlin has been wearing the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses since attending the launch press event in May 2024.
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