Meta Platforms, Inc. and EssilorLuxottica have officially launched the Ray-Ban Meta glasses in the United Arab Emirates during an exclusive launch event on May 7 held at Gitano Beach Club.
The Ray-Ban Meta collection offers user the ability to record photos and videos hands-free, listen to music discreetly without any headphones or ear plugs, the ability to have any language translated live – including sign language – and offers access to a built-in Meta AI that can be queried for answers on the go.
Additionally, an AR feature on the glasses offers context to real-world disconnects. For example. the AR feature allows users to learn the history of a landmark as they walk by, translate a sign that’s in a different language, translate a menu that’s in a different language, or get recipe suggestions based on what’s in your fridge, all using only a voice search command.
Available from May 12 at all Ray-Ban stores and partner opticians in the UAE, Ray-Ban Meta also offers a livestreaming function that helps content creators broadcast their experiences and points-of view (POV) in real time, hands-free. This unlocks a new level of authenticity and relatability in the content that’s being created, sharing live from their eyes.
The wearer can toggle between the glasses and phone camera to Instagram Live or Facebook Live for up to 30 minutes.
Ray-Ban Meta features explained
Diving a little deeper into the key features of the Ray-Ban Meta collection: The collection also features a companion app, MetaAI (iOS and Android), offering a seamless way to import, edit and add special effects to content.
Discreet open-ear speakers increase bass response and noise suppression, enhancing the overall audio quality. Each pair of glasses comes with five built-in microphones to support switching between music and calls, while still allowing the wearer to hear the ambient sound of their surroundings and stay attuned to the world around them.
Live translation is also coming to the UAE later this year. People traveling to a new country, needing to break the language barrier, can now hold seamless conversations with the glasses translating Spanish, French, Italian, and English – even on airplane mode – for those who have downloaded the language pack(s) in advance.
The glasses also receive regular software updates, so the AI glasses continue to get smarter and more useful over time.
The Meta AI offering gives wearers the ability to use the voice prompt “Hey Meta” to dive deeper into a moment of creativity, get things done, such as local recommendations or playlist suggestions and control features on the glasses.
The Ray-Ban Meta collection features multiple styles, colours, and lens variations, offering consumers technological benefits without compromising on aesthetics or comfort.
They are available in Wayfarer and Wayfarer Large, the most recognisable frame and a brand icon since the 1950’s, along with the Ray-Ban Skyler, a more inclusive and universal fitting design now available in Shiny Chalky Grey.
The Ray-Ban Meta glasses are also available in a full suite of prescription, sun, clear, polarised or Transitions®, with lenses designed for advanced clarity, comfort and protection.
Starting at an entry price of AED 1,330, the Ray-Ban Meta collection comes with a classic compact and portable charging case to keep the glasses powered. The enhanced experience allows the wearer to easily share with friends or to any social app on their phone and pair multiple glasses to their phone, managing them in one place.
