Many variations on the concept of smart glasses  followed a lack-luster launch for Google Glass in 2014. Only recently has one, of the numerous attempts at smart glasses actually gained traction, and it’s not a clunky headset with a hefty price tag. This product developed in a partnership combining technology from Meta with classic sunglass designs from Ray-Ban. 

With 2 million already sold, and another 10 million being produced, it’s fair to say these glasses are the popular choice. The price starts at $300, the frames are easy to wear in public, and the technology has benefits to a wide audience, including visually impaired and blind users. 

Meta’s AI powered glasses don’t enhance your vision, but they do read text, identify objects, and describe your surroundings. A compatible smartphone is required. The glasses are activated by voice commands, making the interactions conveniently hands-free. You can take photos or video, listen to music or audiobooks, and send or receive calls.  When all else fails, Meta has also partnered with Be My Eyes to enable a call for help to one of it’s millions of human volunteers. 

Improvements are expected as we await the release of the 3rd generation Meta glasses. The AI should see a significant reduction in the rate of erroneous responses. Information that cannot be trusted is unacceptable, and potentially detrimental to people who are blind. The battery life is fleeting, particularly in AI mode, and it too is expected to get a boost. 

Watch Sam Seavey’s video review of Meta glasses for blind and visually impaired users…