Meta’s new Ray-Ban Display glasses, priced at $799, offer a unique tech experience filled with both excitement and frustration. The glasses are designed for interaction via a gesture-sensitive wristband, but several limitations raise questions.
Innovative Features of the Glasses
The Ray-Ban Display glasses incorporate a high-resolution heads-up display activated by a neural wristband that responds to gestures. Unlike Meta’s previous Ray-Ban and Oakley models, these glasses allow for more advanced interactions through simple finger movements.
The wristband measures neural impulses on the wrist and controls the heads-up display. Users can swipe and tap to choose applications. However, the need to scroll feels uncomfortable, and a glance-and-select feature would enhance usability.
Design and Display Quality
The glasses feature a stylish, chunky design with shiny black frames and comfortable nose pads. They fit seamlessly into everyday wear, although prescription lenses are not yet available. My family has mixed feelings about their appearance, but I find them appealing.
Transition lenses help with glare reduction, making the display readable in various lighting conditions. While it feels somewhat ghostly, the small screen is generally effective. However, reflections and visibility from certain angles can detract from the experience.
Usability Challenges and Limitations
Despite their innovative features, the glasses have significant limitations. They cannot access many standard smartphone applications, making them feel disconnected from typical phone functionalities. Essential apps and services are notably absent.
Battery life varies: the glasses last about three to six hours depending on usage, while the wristband can last a full day. With multiple devices to charge, keeping track of power levels becomes burdensome.
