User:Christoph Geske/sandbox

Ray-Ban Meta-Smartglasses are a line of smartglasses developed by Meta and EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban. They are the second generation of smartglasses from Meta, following the Ray-Ban Stories that were launched in 2021. The Ray-Ban Meta-Smartglasses feature improved audio and cameras, over 150 different custom frame and lens combinations, and they are lighter and more comfortable than the previous model³. They also allow users to take photos and videos, listen to music, make phone calls, and livestream directly to Facebook and Instagram without using their smartphone¹²³.

History
The Ray-Ban Meta-Smartglasses were announced on September 27, 2023 at the Meta Connect 2023 event. They were available for pre-order on the same day through the Ray-Ban website and selected retailers³. The smartglasses were part of Meta's vision to create a more immersive and connected social experience for its users, as well as to showcase its wearable technology and design capabilities³⁴.

Features
The Ray-Ban Meta-Smartglasses have a single 12 MP ultra-wide-angle camera that can capture photos and videos with a field of view of 120 degrees. The camera is located in a hole next to one of the lenses, while the other hole is a dummy for symmetry. The smartglasses have a LED indicator that lights up when the camera is in use, to alert others that they are being recorded⁵. The smartglasses can store up to 500 photos or 30 minutes of video on their internal memory, which can be transferred to the user's smartphone via the Meta app¹.

The smartglasses also have two open-ear speakers that deliver stereo sound without blocking ambient noise. The speakers can be used to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks from Spotify or other streaming services. The smartglasses also have three microphones that enable voice calls and voice commands. The user can activate the smartglasses by saying "Hey Meta" followed by a command, such as "take a photo" or "start a livestream". The smartglasses also support gesture control, such as tapping or swiping on the touchpad located on the right temple¹².

The smartglasses can connect to Facebook and Instagram via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and allow users to share their photos and videos directly from their eyes. Users can also livestream their point of view to their followers or friends, with options to add filters, stickers, or captions. The smartglasses also support other Meta apps, such as WhatsApp, Messenger, Horizon Workrooms, and Spark AR Studio¹².

The smartglasses have a battery life of up to six hours of continuous use, depending on the usage. They can be charged via a USB-C cable or a magnetic wireless charger that comes with the smartglasses. The smartglasses also come with a protective case that has a built-in battery that can provide an additional 18 hours of charge¹².

Design
The Ray-Ban Meta-Smartglasses are designed to look like regular Ray-Ban sunglasses or eyeglasses, with minimal visible technology. They are available in six different frame styles: Wayfarer, Wayfarer Large, Round Metal, Clubmaster Classic, Clubmaster Aluminum, and Aviator Classic. They are also available in various colors and materials, such as black, tortoise shell, gold, or silver. Users can also choose from different lens options, such as polarized, clear, prescription, or transition lenses¹². The smartglasses weigh between 40 and 50 grams depending on the frame style⁵.

Reception
The Ray-Ban Meta-Smartglasses received mixed reviews from critics and users. Some praised the smartglasses for their sleek design, improved performance, and fun features, while others criticized them for their privacy issues, limited functionality, and high price. Some of the common complaints were the lack of a display, the low-resolution camera, the short battery life, and the dependence on Meta's apps and services⁵.