From fitness trackers and smart watches to e-textiles and robotic dresses, the intersection of iconic style and functional innovation is where wearable tech shines. One of the latest iterations of this continuously evolving (and continuously blurred) line between fashion and technology involves the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.
A collaboration between—you guessed it—sunglass superstar Ray-Ban and technology trailblazer Meta, these smart glasses combine popular Ray-Ban frames and cutting-edge technology. Beyond protecting your eyes from UV rays and supporting prescription lenses, these glasses help you see, share, and immerse yourself in the world differently through hands-free interactive technology. Want to capture what you see, exactly how you see it? These glasses feature a 12 megapixel ultra-wide camera that takes high-resolution images and enables high-definition livestreaming for up to 30 minutes. Prefer to listen to music without disconnecting from your surroundings? The custom-built speaker features five mics with discreet directional sound that ensures what you’re hearing is for your ears only. Tired of stopping to answer your phone? Immersive video calling allows you to speak face-to-face while voice commands offer hands-free access to calling and texting through WhatsApp, Messenger, and SMS.
With up to 32GB of storage (roughly 100+ 30-second videos and 500+ photos) and up to 36 hours of use with a fully charged case, these glasses have some impressive functional power, but whether they have impressive staying power—especially for those who already have a handful of wearable smart technology—is up to you. The Ray-Ban Meta collection is available now, and you can choose between the Wayfarer (329 USD), the Skyler (299 USD) or the Headliner (299 USD), all of which have various style and color customization options.
