Initially, I was somewhat skeptical about smart glasses. To me, they weren't a necessity—just gadgets of questionable practicality. However, I recently had the opportunity to try out several new-generation models from Meta. This isn't a full review, but rather a brief overview given the limited time available. Nevertheless, it gave me a chance to see firsthand how the technology works and how it might gradually become part of one's daily routine.
Some of you might notice that this isn't the first time I’ve shared initial thoughts on smart glasses. My first experience was trying on Samsung x Google glasses in London during the Galaxy Unpacked event; however, I didn't actually get to test them out back then due to hygiene restrictions.
My experience with Meta this time was different; I was able to not only hold the glasses but also wear and test them myself to see how they function. Meta’s product lineup offers several interesting options. As someone who wears glasses every day, I was particularly excited to try them all out.
Several models have been introduced in Malaysia, including the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3, Ray-Ban Optics Gen 2, and the Oakley collection. However, my experience focused primarily on the Ray-Ban Meta collection—specifically the newest third-generation model. What I can say is that this Ray-Ban collection truly caters to a modern lifestyle. Whether it’s the Meta Gen 3 or the Optics Gen 2, both exude a stylish vibe.
For the Meta Gen 3, three frame styles are available: the Zena (my personal favorite), the Aviator (which, in my opinion, offers a sophisticated look reminiscent of Tony Stark from *Iron Man*), and the more understated Wayfarer. Interestingly, I only recently learned that the Wayfarer model is the one Jennie from Blackpink wore when promoting these glasses.
Beyond style, both models feature a camera, a built-in microphone, and Meta AI support, allowing users to take photos, record videos, and interact with a virtual assistant directly through the glasses. During my trial session, I spent most of my time testing the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 in the "Zena" design.
They were comfortable to wear. The frames are lightweight, stay securely on the nose without slipping, and don't pinch. The "cat-eye" design offers a style that I feel is particularly well-suited for women. I adapted to them quickly—even in a short time—and experienced no discomfort on my nose. Simply put, they are comfortable to wear and don't feel awkward; the styling is just like wearing standard Ray-Bans, only with added technology integrated into the frames.
On the front, there is a small Ray-Ban logo near the lens, flanked by a camera and a sensor positioned on the left and right sides, respectively. While some view the built-in camera on these smart glasses as controversial—with some countries even banning their use in public areas—the reality is that the camera is designed to be discreet, appearing as a seamless part of the frame.
When not in use, the glasses look completely ordinary. However, when the camera is activated, an LED indicator light turns on or flashes continuously to signal that recording is in progress. This light is visible not only to those around the wearer but also to the wearer themselves via their peripheral vision.
At the same time, I understand user concerns regarding privacy. Although the LED light serves as a recording indicator, its small size means that people nearby sometimes fail to notice it. In my view, those who recognize these as smart glasses might be more attuned to the situation, whereas others may be less aware—or completely oblivious. On one hand, the design is indeed simple and minimalist. On the other, public awareness regarding recording is not particularly clear, which could raise concerns about privacy.
Both pairs of glasses can be controlled either via a paired phone or through touch sensors on the frame. All controls rely on the Meta AI app and feature built-in Meta AI integration, so smart functions are ready to use immediately after setup. However, getting used to the touch-sensor controls on the frame does take some time. I personally accidentally triggered the record button a few times while trying to adjust the fit of the glasses. These are the real-world challenges that new users should anticipate.
Some might wonder: if you are wearing a headscarf, do the touch controls on the frame still work? The answer is yes—they remain functional. You simply need to press a bit more firmly with your finger to activate the gestures. It takes a little time to get used to it at first, as you have to locate the precise control point, but once you are accustomed to it, the controls become much easier to use. The addition of the new Action Button offers extra convenience; it can be customized to your preferences and serves as a quick shortcut for your most frequently used features.
During the same session, I also had the chance to test several features of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses. I tried out functions such as taking photos, recording videos, and using real-time translation via voice commands. I also asked simple questions like "Hey Meta, tell me a joke!" and "Hey Meta, what’s for lunch?" Interestingly, the responses were mostly realistic and seemed to grasp the context of the conversation.
To make things even easier, I didn't have to repeat the "Hey Meta" wake word throughout the conversation; I could simply keep talking naturally. One thing I noticed was that even though I was testing them in a crowded area, the built-in microphone performed admirably. It picked up my voice clearly, while the audio responses were crisp and easy to understand.
As for the translation function, the brief experience was quite positive. The system translated other languages into English without any issues. However, the text I used during my test was rather long. When the system translated the entire passage at once, I needed a moment to fully grasp the meaning. I consider this my own oversight for providing such lengthy input; had the commands been more concise, the user experience would likely have been much smoother. Conclusion
After trying them out briefly, I found these smart glasses to be genuinely interesting and capable of becoming part of one's daily routine. However, at this stage, I maintain the view that they are not yet a necessity. It is more accurate to regard them as an accessory gadget that is useful only if it aligns with an individual's lifestyle. While the user experience is compelling, the decision to purchase or integrate them into daily life ultimately depends on individual needs and comfort.
Regarding relevance or timing, it is clear that their arrival was somewhat delayed. Previously, a handful of Malaysian users had to source them from abroad. While the official launch makes them more accessible, the reality is that many have already turned to other alternatives. Furthermore, the price point is quite high. If Samsung were to launch a similar product in the future (perhaps?), there is no doubt that many would switch to that major brand. To make matters worse, the timing is poor, as concerns regarding privacy and cameras have made users increasingly apprehensive.
