Meta has unveiled significant updates to its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, rolling out a suite of AI-driven features that redefine the wearable tech experience. The new firmware, version 11, allows users to engage in ongoing conversations with Meta’s AI assistant, access real-time video analysis, and perform live speech translations between languages.
“We’re continuing to learn what works best and improving the experience for everyone,” the company said in a blog post.
A key addition is the “live AI” feature, now available to participants in Meta’s early access program in the U.S. and Canada. This feature enables wearers to converse continuously with the AI assistant without repeatedly using the “Hey, Meta” wake word. Users can interrupt with follow-up questions or seamlessly change topics, creating a fluid conversational experience. In addition, the AI retains context, referencing earlier parts of the discussion as needed.
Another highlight is the glasses’ ability to analyze and respond to real-time video. Leveraging the device’s front-facing camera, users can ask the AI about their surroundings or request insights on what they’re seeing, which is an excellent update for situational awareness. Meta’s development puts it ahead of competitors like Google, which has yet to announce a release date for its AR glasses with similar functionality.
Moreover, the new update includes live translation capabilities for users engaging across language barriers. The glasses can translate real-time conversations between English and Spanish, French, or Italian. Speech is converted into English audio via the glasses’ open-ear speakers, with a text transcript displayed on the user’s paired phone.
Recent updates, including a November rollout of AI tools in select European markets, have bolstered sales, making Ray-Ban Meta the top-selling brand in 60% of Ray-Ban stores across EMEA regions.
Meta hints at a future where its AI assistant provides proactive suggestions based on user interactions, although details remain sparse. As wearable tech evolves, these innovations position Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses as a trailblazer in the AI-powered wearables landscape.