Meta has launched a significant update to its Ray-Ban smart glasses, introducing advanced AI features that enhance user experience. The latest firmware update, designated as version 11, includes two key functionalities—Live AI and Live Translation—available exclusively to users enrolled in the Early Access Program in the United States and Canada.
The Live AI feature represents a notable leap in interactive technology, allowing wearers to maintain ongoing conversations with Meta's AI assistant without the need to repeatedly activate it with the prompt "Hey Meta." This innovation not only facilitates natural dialogue but also enables users to ask questions about their surroundings in real time, utilising the glasses' front-facing camera to gather context about their environment. A representative from TechCrunch outlined that this development provides a competitive edge for Meta, especially in light of similar innovations being explored by companies like Google, which is contemplating the release of AR glasses with corresponding capabilities.
Additionally, Live Translation allows for seamless communication between English and three other languages: Spanish, French, and Italian. Users conversing with speakers of these languages will receive real-time translations through the glasses’ open-ear speakers, as well as a visual transcript on their linked smartphones. This feature aims to break down language barriers and enhance user interactions in multilingual settings.
Furthermore, the integration of Shazam into the Ray-Ban Meta's functions enhances the glasses' utility, allowing users to identify songs they hear by simply asking, “Hey Meta, Shazam this song.” However, it is worth noting that these new functionalities, particularly the AI features, are currently in early access and may not perform at full reliability as further developments and improvements are expected.
Meta's decision to roll out the update in a phased manner follows their earlier update in November, which had already introduced certain AI enhancements to users in France, Italy, and Spain. According to data from EssilorLuxottica, Ray-Ban continues to thrive as a popular brand, with the Ray-Ban Meta glasses reportedly being the top-selling glasses in 60% of Ray-Ban stores across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
With this latest rollout, Meta appears to be making substantial strides in the development of AI automation within consumer technology, illustrating a growing trend towards sophisticated, AI-powered tools that aim to enrich personal and professional interactions in everyday life.
Source: Noah Wire Services