Meta's new Ray-Ban Meta Generation 2 smart glasses offer significant improvements in both battery life and camera quality compared to their previous generation. The new glasses provide up to eight hours of continuous usage on a full charge, doubling the four-hour battery life of the earlier model. This extended battery life enables users to engage more freely with the features offered without needing frequent recharges. The accompanying charging case can recharge the glasses to 50 percent in approximately 20 minutes, slightly faster than the 22 minutes required by the first generation. Furthermore, this charging case extends the total battery life to up to 48 hours, a considerable upgrade from the prior 32 hours of combined usage the original case offered.
In terms of camera capabilities, the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 smart glasses support video recording at multiple resolutions, including 3K at 30 frames per second (fps), 1440p at 30 fps, and 1200p at 60 fps. However, the maximum continuous recording duration is limited to three minutes per video clip. Meta plans to introduce additional video features like hyperlapse and slow-motion modes for all its AI glasses later in the year. The glasses also include a dual-camera setup for photo and video capture, integrated with AI features designed to enhance user interaction and utility.
Regarding the hardware specifics contributing to battery efficiency, the glasses house a small 154 mAh lithium-ion battery designed to balance power with lightweight comfort, which is crucial for wearable devices. The overall weight of the glasses is kept around 69 grams, maintaining comfort during extended wear despite the inclusion of advanced technology such as cameras, microphones, and speakers.
Alongside battery and camera updates, Meta's new smart glasses feature transition lenses that automatically tint in response to UV light, adding to their functionality as both tech devices and eyewear. The device's audio system comprises two speakers, one for each ear, and more than five microphones to support clear voice commands and audio interaction, including a planned feature called "conversation focus," which amplifies the voice of the person the wearer is talking to.
Additionally, the new Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses maintain the classic Wayfarer design but with improvements in fit and frame sturdiness, including flexible hinges to accommodate different head sizes without compromising comfort.
More recently announced, Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses are a separate product line featuring an on-demand heads-up display with mixed-use battery life of about six hours per charge and an additional 24 hours when leveraging the compact charging case. These glasses allow users to view text messages, social media, and navigation prompts through a monocular display with a resolution of 600x600 pixels and a brightness peak of 5000 nits. The Ray-Ban Display glasses also feature transition lenses and weigh approximately 69 grams, making them comfortable for all-day use.
In summary, Meta's new smart glasses integrate doubled battery life to roughly eight hours of continuous use, a robust charging case extending total battery time to around 48 hours, and enhanced camera performance capable of 3K video capture. They are designed to blend fashion with technology, offering practical smart capabilities without excessive weight or bulk. The inclusion of AI-driven features and an improved design makes them a significant step forward in wearable augmented reality and smart eyewear technology.