The concept of smart glasses is nothing new, though we had yet to see a company deliver a pair that’s well-executed enough to justify using the wearable tech. This began to change in late 2021 when Facebook (now Meta) and Ray-Bans joined forces to create the Ray-Ban Stories glasses. After spending several years ironing out the kinks, the social media and tech giant partnered with the iconic eyewear outfit to produce the new and massively improved Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer in late 2023.
And at the ongoing Connect Conference, the two brands announced a massive software update for the smart glasses, along with a new limited edition transparent version that puts the device’s onboard tech and hardware on display.
The Basics
The Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Limited Edition is modeled after the eyewear brand’s iconic flagship shades, though the glasses see a computer and an onboard array of sensors, mics, and speakers neatly integrated into their construction. What can’t be seen is the game-changing updates done to the wearable’s software which has massively elevated the performance of the built-in Meta AI.
Limited Edition Constructions
Unlike the existing Meta Wayfarer glasses, the Limited Edition model jettisons the pair’s regular frame material in favor of a shiny transparent construction that lets you see the wearable device’s underlying chips and hardware — not unlike the Nothing Phone, the Analogue Pocket, and various Nintendo devices and controllers. The frame has also been paired with a set of photochromatic Transitions Gen-S lenses that automatically adjust themselves from clear to sapphire when they’re exposed to sunlight.
Onboard Hardware
Like the regular Meta Wayfarer, the Limited Edition model boasts an onboard camera system that can shoot stills at 12 megapixels and take 1440 x 1920 video at 30FPS — all of which is taken from a first-person perspective. There’s also a set of open-ear speakers and an array of five microphones. You also get 32GB of onboard storage.
Software Updates
The software updates to the Meta Wayfarer massively elevates the performance and functionality of the smart glass’s AI functionality. This hugely bolsters the AI’s object recognition and ultimately allows for a much smoother and easier-to-use experience. There are also new features such as a “Reminders” function that can take a snapshot of whatever the glasses are looking at and then send your phone a reminder later. It can also translate certain languages in real-time using its onboard speakers and microphones.
Spec Sheet
Class: Smart Glasses
Brand: Ray-Ban
Collaborator: Meta
Model: Meta Wayfarer Limited Edition
Frame: Transparent
Lenses: Transitions Gen-S
Battery Life: 4 Hours
Camera Resolution: 12MP
Video Resolution: 1440 x 1920 @ 30FPS
Speakers: Open-Ear
Microphones: 5
Onboard Storage: 32GB
Price: $429
Production: 7,500 Units
Pricing & Availability
Limited to 7,500 units worldwide, the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Limited Edition smart glasses are available now, with pricing set at $429.
Recap
Ray-Ban x Meta Wayfarer Limited Edition
Meta and Ray-Ban introduce a limited edition version of the smart Wayfarer glasses that feature sapphire Transitions Gen-S lenses and a transparent frame that puts the wearable’s underlying tech, hardware, and circuitry on full display.
