Meta recently announced several new features for its Ray-Ban smart glasses, including real-time translation, Instagram messaging, and calling capabilities. These features, previously limited to Meta's early access program, are now available to all Ray-Ban smart glasses users.
The real-time translation feature, first unveiled at Meta Connect 2024 and beta-tested in select countries last December, now allows users in supported markets to communicate with people speaking English, French, Italian, or Spanish, receiving real-time translations directly through their glasses.
Furthermore, users can download language packs in advance to use the real-time translation even without Wi-Fi or cellular data, offering significant convenience for international travelers. Meta also introduced new color lens combinations for the Ray-Ban Meta Skyler frames, including sleek powder grey with sapphire gradient lenses and sleek black frames with clear or green lenses.
Beyond real-time translation, Meta detailed other upcoming or expanding features. The "live AI" functionality of the Meta AI smart assistant is rolling out fully in the US and Canada, enabling more natural conversations. The ability to send and receive Instagram direct messages, photos, audio calls, and video calls on the smart glasses is also coming soon, mirroring functionality found in WhatsApp, Messenger, and native messaging apps on iOS and Android.
Access to music apps like Spotify, Amazon Music, Shazam, and Apple Music is expanding beyond the US and Canada. However, requesting Meta AI to play music or get information about currently playing music remains limited to users with "English set as the default language".
Meta AI launched in the UK earlier this month and will begin rolling out to all supported countries in the EU next week. Meta also plans to launch Ray-Ban smart glasses in Mexico, India, and the UAE in the near future, though specific timelines haven't been announced.
Key Highlights:
🌍 Real-time translation in multiple languages is now available for Ray-Ban smart glasses.
📱 Users can now send and receive Instagram messages and make calls directly through their glasses.
🎶 Music app access is expanding, and Meta AI is rolling out to more countries.
