Meta Announced Ray-Ban Gen 2 Smart Glasses with Longer Battery Life and 3K Video Recording

Meta has unveiled the second generation of its Ray-Ban smart glasses, boasting significant improvements in battery life and video recording capabilities, aligning them more closely with competitors like the Oakley HSTN smart glasses. The new Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses are available for order starting at $379.

Enhanced Battery Performance

The Gen 2 glasses offer up to eight hours of usage on a single charge—double the four hours provided by the previous generation. The accompanying charging case now charges the glasses to 50% in just 20 minutes, slightly faster than the 22-minute charge for the first generation. Additionally, the case extends overall battery life by providing an extra 48 hours, up from 32 hours in the earlier model.

Improved Camera Capabilities

The new glasses can record video at 3K resolution at 30fps, 1440p at 30fps, and 1200p at 60fps, with each clip lasting up to three minutes. Later this fall, Meta plans to introduce features like hyperlapse and slow-motion video recording, expanding the creative possibilities for users.

Future Features and Software Enhancements

Meta is planning to introduce a "conversation focus" feature, which utilizes the glasses' speakers to amplify the voice of the person you're talking to, improving in-person conversations. The company will also expand live translation support to include German and Portuguese.

Initial Impressions and Style Options

During a demo at Meta’s Connect event, the glasses appeared to be a solid upgrade on paper, though they maintain much of the core design of the original Meta Ray-Ban glasses. Existing users of the first-generation model will find the improvements familiar. The Gen 2 glasses will be available in styles such as Wayfarer, Skyler, and Headliner. The first-generation glasses will continue to be sold at a starting price of $299.

---