5 Meta Ray-Ban Upgrades We Hope to See on September 17
▼ Summary
– Meta will announce Hypernova smart glasses with a heads-up display and neural wristband at Meta Connect on September 17, priced around $800.
– An upgraded version of the audio-only Meta Ray-Bans is also expected this fall, following strong sales and plans to scale to 10 million units annually by 2026.
– The author recommends doubling the battery life in the new Ray-Bans to match the eight-hour performance of Meta’s Oakley smart glasses.
– Key desired improvements include adding horizontal photo/video capture, audio note-taking, and better camera quality with higher resolution and low-light capabilities.
– Faster and more reliable photo/video transfers using technologies like Wi-Fi Direct are needed to enhance usability and reduce current connection issues.
Anticipation is mounting for Meta’s upcoming smart glasses, with the tech community eagerly awaiting the official unveiling at Meta Connect on September 17. While the futuristic Hypernova model is expected to steal the show with its heads-up display and neural wristband, many are also hoping for meaningful upgrades to the popular audio-focused Meta Ray-Bans. Having sold over two million units, these glasses have already proven their appeal, but there’s still room for improvement.
As a daily user for the past two years, I rely on my Meta Ray-Bans for calls, music, and quick photos. Based on that experience, here are five key enhancements that would make the next iteration even more compelling.
Battery life remains a significant limitation with the current model. Officially rated for four hours, actual usage, especially when capturing photos or videos, can drain the battery in as little as one to two hours. While the charging case offers a quick top-up, the recently released Meta Oakley smart glasses demonstrate that better endurance is possible, boasting up to eight hours of life. Matching that performance would be a game-changer for heavy users.
Another major pain point is the camera’s orientation. The current model only shoots in vertical mode, which feels restrictive in a world dominated by horizontal screens. A simple software update allowing users to switch between portrait and landscape shooting would dramatically improve the glasses’ versatility. No one should have to tilt their head sideways just to capture a widescreen moment.
Audio note-taking is a feature found in competing smart glasses but absent here. Imagine triggering Meta AI with a voice command to record a thought, meeting, or reminder, with both the audio and a transcribed text version saved for later. This kind of seamless integration would make the glasses far more useful for productivity on the go.
Camera quality, while respectable at launch, now feels dated. With smartphone cameras advancing rapidly, the 12MP sensor and 1080p video no longer stand out. Improvements in low-light performance, higher resolution video (ideally 3K, like the Meta Oakleys), and better dynamic range would make the glasses a more credible alternative to pulling out your phone.
Finally, the transfer process for photos and videos is needlessly cumbersome. Currently, files are moved via a temporary Wi-Fi connection between the glasses and phone, a clunky and sometimes unreliable method. Adopting a more modern approach like Wi-Fi Direct or leveraging Bluetooth with Wi-Fi 6E could enable faster, more stable transfers, making the entire experience smoother and more intuitive.
While other upgrades like improved waterproofing or expanded language support would be welcome, these five improvements would address the most common frustrations users face. If Meta can deliver on these fronts, the next generation of Ray-Bans could easily become an indispensable tool for millions.
(Source: ZDNET)