I recently got my hands on Meta’s new Ray-Ban Display glasses and a Neural wristband. Just like any new gadget, my first days were a mix of awe and confusion. Priced at $799, these glasses pull you into a sci-fi world where technology feels both exciting and puzzling.
When I unboxed the glasses at home after seeing a demo at Meta Connect, I was eager to try out their features. The glasses are hard to find, but they promise a glimpse into the future of wearable technology.
The Neural Wristband
The real game-changer here is the Neural wristband. It uses gentle electrical signals to pick up on muscle movements in your wrist. With a simple motion, you can summon a screen to interact with. Initially, I thought remembering the gestures would be tough. However, after just one day, I felt at ease moving from taps to swipes. Still, it wasn’t perfect. Sometimes, I found myself wishing I could just look at something and select it without all the gestures.
Design and Comfort
I would describe the glasses as stylish and well-made. They have a chunky look that I personally like, featuring shiny black frames and comfy nose pads. However, my family isn’t as impressed. My kid finds them unappealing, and so does my wife. But design preferences are subjective!
Display Quality
The heads-up display is small but clear. Thanks to transition lenses, I could see it well indoors and outdoors. However, at certain angles, the display can seem a bit ghostly, and I did notice some reflections occasionally.
Real-World Testing
Using the glasses in everyday situations felt surreal. For example, while walking in the park, I looked at some geese, and the live camera function allowed me to zoom in easily. At a bookstore, I tapped to get quick summaries of various books. While humorous, this feature sometimes felt unnecessary when I could easily pick up the book myself.
One thing that surprised me was the glasses’ driving mode. Although it has a feature to limit distractions, it wasn’t activated by default. This raises concerns about safety.
Limitations and Battery Life
The glasses, however, come with their own set of limitations. You can’t stream movies or check social media directly, which is disappointing for something marketed as an all-in-one device. Instead, I found myself frequently reaching for my phone.
Battery life is another sticking point. Meta claims the glasses can last up to six hours, but I found mine only lasted around three to four. The Neural Band does better with a full day of use, but keeping track of multiple devices’ charging felt overwhelming.
In summary, these glasses provide an interesting glimpse into wearable technology, but they have room for improvement. They feel like a step towards a tech-savvy future but aren’t quite there yet. For now, I’m continuing my testing and will share more insights in a full review.
For anyone interested in the latest in wearable tech, you can check out detailed insights from sources like CNET, which covers broader technological trends and reviews.