I just tried Ray-Ban Meta’s latest AI updates — my favorite smart glasses just got a whole lot smarter

Ray-Ban Meta’s smart glasses, the Ray-Ban Stories, have always been cool, but with their latest AI updates, they’ve gone from cool to super cool. The updates, which rolled out in November 2023, add a new level of smarts and functionality, turning them into a genuinely useful everyday device, something they previously only hinted at.

The first and most exciting addition is the integration of Meta’s AI, the same AI powering features like Meta’s Text Chat and Reels. This means your Ray-Ban Stories are now capable of generating and responding to prompts in natural language, basically becoming a pocket assistant on your face. You can ask your glasses to translate what someone is saying, set reminders, get directions, and even share information. It’s not only convenient but opens up exciting new possibilities for the way we interact with technology.

This is just the beginning. Another important update is the enhanced image recognition. Previously, you could capture pictures and videos with Ray-Ban Stories. Now, the AI lets you use voice commands to create specific filters for your content. You can easily make photos more vibrant, edit out unwanted elements, and even create effects with a simple voice command. This level of functionality directly challenges the existing smartphone photography landscape.

The updated audio quality is another game changer. With better noise cancellation, voice isolation, and crisp audio clarity, making calls, listening to music, and engaging in conversations feels more natural. I’ve found myself actually enjoying the clarity of calls, which makes a significant difference for users who want to rely on the device for professional communication.

I also find it very helpful to capture hands-free audio notes directly on the device. This is great for brainstorming ideas, remembering errands, and creating quick reminders. Gone are the days when I would miss those fleeting ideas I have while commuting.

The most significant advantage of the new AI update is that it opens up a world of possibilities for user customization. As the technology gets smarter, the software learns and adapts to your specific preferences and needs. In my experience, this meant fewer accidental activations, better tailored recommendations, and more intuitive user experiences. It’s as though the device learns how to be your own personalized companion.

I have to admit, there are some concerns with these new advancements. One is privacy. It’s impossible to ignore the potential ethical issues regarding the use of personal data. I appreciate that Ray-Ban Stories provide settings to control what information is collected, but it’s still a very important point to consider, especially as we delve deeper into this kind of intimate, AI-driven technology.

Another potential concern is the temptation for reliance on the technology. Are we at risk of becoming too dependent on AI, to the point where it undermines our own ability to think and perform independently? While that might sound a little extreme, it is an important discussion to have as technology becomes increasingly integrated with our lives.

However, these are concerns that can be mitigated with thoughtful use and continued dialogue surrounding ethical AI practices. And the fact remains that Ray-Ban Meta’s latest updates make their smart glasses even more accessible and valuable for daily use. The future of this tech is very exciting, especially if Ray-Ban Meta manages to integrate AI further while maintaining user privacy and data security. The current updates offer a sneak peek into the potential of augmented reality and demonstrate how technology can seamlessly integrate into our daily lives while still offering meaningful enhancements.

It seems like my beloved Ray-Ban Stories, which I previously enjoyed for their aesthetics, have now officially grown into something truly powerful. It’s not just a cool pair of glasses; it’s a companion that listens, helps, and empowers you to do more. This is a major step forward for wearable technology and, for many, will usher in a new era of how we experience and engage with technology.