In an exciting turn of events, the Meta Ray-Ban Display has sold out in nearly every store that stocked it just two days post-launch. Meta's Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, has confirmed that restocks are on their way, and the company plans to expand the availability by doubling the number of stores offering these innovative smart glasses.
The Meta Ray-Ban Display combines the classic design of regular Ray-Ban glasses with cutting-edge technology. What sets these glasses apart is the inclusion of a small fixed heads-up display (HUD) in the right lens. Users can interact with this interface through finger gestures, made possible by the accompanying Meta Neural Band. This wristband utilizes surface electromyography (sEMG) to detect muscle activation in your wrist, translating movements into commands for the display.
Equipped with impressive specifications, the Meta Ray-Ban Display boasts a monocular HUD featuring a diagonal field of view of approximately 20 degrees. It offers a brightness of up to 5000 nits and a resolution of 600×600, delivering 42 pixels per degree—surpassing even the Apple Vision Pro. Additionally, the display minimizes light leakage to just 2%, ensuring that onlookers won't be able to view your screen.
The capabilities of the Meta Ray-Ban Display are extensive. Users can access:
Meta AI with Visuals: Step-by-step directions for navigation. Messaging & Video Calling: Seamlessly connect via WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram, along with notifications for phone messages. Preview & Zoom: Capture photos and videos with the built-in camera. Pedestrian Navigation: Use a minimap feature available in 28 major cities. Live Captions & Translation: Instant translation for conversations with others. Music Playback: Control playback, including seeking and skipping tracks.Weighing in at 69 grams, the Meta Ray-Ban Display is slightly heavier than the standard 52-gram Ray-Ban Meta glasses and the 45-gram non-smart versions. The design is bulkier, featuring thicker frames and temples, which is a compromise for the added display functionality. Meta claims that users can expect around six hours of battery life under normal usage conditions, though hands-on reviews will be necessary to verify this claim.
In a software update scheduled for December, the Meta Neural Band will introduce a new feature that allows text entry by swiping your index finger on any physical surface. This is a promising addition that could enhance user interaction with the Meta Ray-Ban Display.
Andrew Bosworth shared his enthusiasm on Threads, stating, “Meta Ray-Ban Display is off to a flying start! Almost every store we’ve stocked across the country has sold out, and demos are almost fully booked through November.” He reassured potential customers that restocks are imminent and that waitlists and backorders are available in case stores sell out.
However, the launch has not been without its challenges. Many early adopters have reported difficulties in acquiring the Meta Ray-Ban Display. Priced at $800, these smart glasses, along with the sEMG wristband, are currently only available in select locations across the U.S., including Best Buy, LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, and Ray-Ban stores, as well as the Meta Lab.
While some retailers have permitted walk-in purchases, others have required appointments, which were quickly booked out, with many locations seeing appointments filled until December. Some customers have expressed frustration upon arriving at stores only to find empty shelves or unhelpful staff regarding restock information.
Despite these hurdles, the Meta Ray-Ban Display has garnered significant interest, leading many to describe the situation as a chaotic start, perhaps indicative of a paper launch. As Meta works to address production bottlenecks and meet demand, the excitement surrounding this innovative product continues to grow.
