Ray-Ban Meta Audio review: Great specs. Shame about the price, though

Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses present an intriguing case study in balancing features and pricing. These smart glasses, developed by Meta AI, eschew cameras in favor of audio capabilities only. This decision is aimed at circumventing privacy concerns that have frequently shadowed Meta's wearable ventures. Despite the absence of standout features, these glasses do offer some significant advantages, such as an extensive prescription range (-12 to +6) and impressive battery life, owing to the absence of a camera and other hardware components.

The Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses are available in various styles, including the Clubmaster, which is favored for its aesthetically pleasing design, thin frames, and adjustable nosepads. The Burbank model, while visually acceptable, falls short in terms of comfort and the quality of its nosepads. These glasses come in an array of colors and lens options, including clear, tinted, polarized, Transitions, and prescription lenses.

Control of the glasses is facilitated through a touchpad on the right temple arm and a circular button on the top, with the latter enabling Meta AI activation via voice commands or a designated keyword.

In terms of physical attributes, the glasses are notably lightweight, weighing in at 44g, a stark contrast to the heavier Meta smart glasses equipped with cameras. The case design mirrors that of the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2, which may disappoint some who preferred the foldable case of earlier models. Audio playback quality is commendable, delivering a spatial surround sound experience that enhances multimedia consumption. Noise cancellation is also top-tier, thanks to a sophisticated 6-mic setup.

However, the absence of a more advanced processor, as seen in the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3, means that features such as hearing aid functionality are not available. Given these limitations, the Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses present a compelling proposition for those primarily seeking a hands-free interaction with Meta AI for tasks like listening to music, making calls, or managing smart home devices.

With Meta's track record of regular software updates, the potential for future enhancements remains significant, suggesting that these glasses could evolve into a more comprehensive audio and smart device over time.