Ray-Ban Meta: High-Tech Meets High-Fashion

Eyewear doesn’t get more iconic than Ray-Ban. The brand’s sunglasses have been making wearers look effortlessly sleek since their debut in 1937. From wayfarers to aviators, they epitomise laid-back but unmistakable style.

Now, with nearly nine decades under its belt, the eyewear powerhouse has entered a new chapter. Ray-Ban Meta smart sunglasses maintain their classic vibe while delivering a big dose of cutting-edge technology.

Fashion meets function

It’s fair to say the journey of smart eyewear has been choppy.

Early attempts sacrificed any kind of style for technology, resulting in clunky designs that looked far more “Inspector Gadget” than surfing celeb “Kelly Slater” (crowned World Surf League champion a record 11 times for those who don’t geek out on surfing).

Do you remember Google Glass? The technology was impressive, but not something people might choose to wear daily.

Ray-Ban Meta changes this narrative completely. These smart sunglasses keep that polished, timeless aesthetic the brand is famous for while packing impressive technology into their frames. They are available in signature styles, so if you’re a fan of iconic looks, you’ll definitely love the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer, as well as fresh designs like the Headliner. At first glance, they appear to be standard Ray-Bans – until you see what they can do.

Beyond vision: the tech behind the frames

Let’s dive into what makes Ray-Ban Meta truly “smart”.

Sound without earbuds: The Beach Boys in their heyday would have loved these shades – one of the most impressive features is the open-ear audio system. Tiny speakers built into the frames direct sound toward your ears without covering them, creating a personal audio bubble while still allowing you to hear your surroundings. Good vibrations!

The sound quality is wonderfully rich without being audible to those nearby. Whether you’re listening to podcasts during your morning jog or taking calls while shopping, you won’t bother those around you.

And the open-ear design means you remain aware of traffic and conversations, a significant safety advantage over traditional headphones.

Hands-free snaps

Have you ever fumbled for your phone to capture your child doing something cute or the cat performing a crazy stunt, only to be a split second too late? Yep, us too.

Ray-Ban Meta eliminates this problem with a discreetly placed 12MP camera that takes photos and videos from your perspective with a simple tap or voice command. The quality rivals most smartphone cameras, especially in good lighting conditions. A small LED indicator illuminates when recording, so others know when the camera is active.

This feature means you can instantly share what you’re seeing with friends via live streaming to social platforms without touching your phone.

Your sunnies as a personal assistant

Ray-Ban smart glasses also have built-in microphones that can connect to Siri or Google Assistant. You can ask for directions, check the weather, send messages, or control your smart home devices – all by speaking to your sunglasses!

From searching for a recipe while cooking to getting turn-by-turn directions while cycling or walking, the hands-free functionality takes the headache out of mundane tasks where you’d typically hunt for your phone and pause what you’re doing to look up information.

“Hey, Ray-Bans, how much coriander should I put in this curry?”

Seamless connectivity

Via Bluetooth, Ray-Ban Meta pairs effortlessly with smartphones, giving you access to an ecosystem of connected features. The Ray-Ban Meta app acts as a control centre, allowing you to customise settings, manage photos and videos and install updates.

The connection range extends to about 10 metres from your phone, so you’ll remain connected if your phone is nearby. Battery life has been impressively optimised – you’ll get about 6 hours of active use before needing to return the glasses to their charging case.

They’re still great sunglasses

Unlike earlier iterations of smart eyewear, Ray-Ban hasn’t compromised on the primary function of sunglasses. When it comes to protection, they’re up there with the best. They provide 100% UV protection, with options for prescription lenses for those who need them.

The frames come in multiple colour combinations and are surprisingly lightweight at just 49 grams. Memory foam nose pads and balanced weight distribution mean you’ll hardly notice you’re wearing them. From the beach to the office, they’re comfortable enough for all-day wear.

From a style perspective, they’re undeniably Ray-Ban. They come in a range of styles and colours, from classic black, timeless Ray-Ban Wayfarers to tortoise-shell Headliners that offer a fresh, rounded look that suits most face shapes.

The technology is so well integrated that, unless someone notices the slightly thicker temples or the subtle camera lens close up, they’d never know these aren’t standard Ray-Bans.

For every lifestyle

These high-tech shades are the ideal companions for varied lifestyles.

Commuters can transform travel time with podcasts and easy hands-free calls while still being aware of their surroundings. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy music and track performance metrics without fiddling with multiple devices. Travellers can instantly capture memories and navigate unfamiliar places with their phones tucked safely away. Busy professionals can stay connected and get tasks done while moving between meetings.

The future of eyewear is yours

Are you ready to experience the revolution in fashion tech? Visit Optikal Opticians in Potters Bar, Finchley and Temple Fortune to experience the Ray-Ban Meta collection and let our experts help find your tech and style match to step into the future of eyewear.