Meta’s Smart Glasses Will Break Down Language Barriers In More Markets

Meta is putting out some fresh updates today for its Ray-Ban smart glasses that include actual feature updates such as live translation in more markets, as well as some new styles to add that fresh new look to your face. If you weren’t keen on the styles that were already available, then maybe Meta’s new offerings will catch your eye. More importantly, the new features are going to make the smart glasses quite a bit more useful.

When it comes to the new styles, Meta is announcing three new style combinations that might suit your fancy. This includes the Skyler Shiny Chalky Gray with Clear to Sapphire Transitions lenses, Skyler Shiny Black with G15 Green lenses, and Skyler Shiny Black with Clear lenses. Prices vary on these new design combos, so keep that in mind. Both the new Skyler Shiny Black options will be $299, while the Skyler Shiny Chalky Gray with Clear to Sapphire transitions lenses are $379.

When Meta launched live translation for its smart glasses, initially, it was only available for a few select markets in an early access state. Now, Meta says it’s ready for prime time, and that means it’s also ready for more users. To that end, Meta is “rolling the feature out broadly” to all of its markets. In other words, if you can buy Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses where you live, then this feature should be available for you.

That being said, Meta doesn’t mention any exact timing on the availability, just that it’s rolling out everywhere now. That likely means you should have access to the feature sometime today, but also likely not any later than the end of this week. Additionally, the feature now supports multiple languages, including English, French, Italian, and Spanish. You won’t need a Wi-Fi connection to use it, either. However, to access it without Wi-Fi connectivity, you’ll need to download the language pack before using it. What’s more, is that you can hear the live translation through the speakers on the glasses, so you can talk more naturally, like you were having a conversation and actually speaking the language.

Instagram direct messaging is now available, too

If the new styles and wider rollout of live translation weren’t enough, Meta is doing even more to make these glasses useful. If you commonly send direct messages through Instagram, you’ll now be able to use the glasses to send those messages.

It’s worth noting that this applies to more than just a message with text. It also includes the capability to send images and videos, as well as make audio and video calls. All hands-free, all by speaking to the glasses. Talk about simplification. Music app access is being expanded as well. With access to apps like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Shazam rolling out to more countries outside the US and Canada.

Meta is throwing even more AI capabilities, too. Access to Meta AI on the glasses is coming to more countries, and this includes a feature where you can ask Meta about stuff you see while you’re wearing the glasses. It’ll be able to analyze what you’re looking at and then give you information about that item or place. This is rolling out to the US and Canada to start, but will continue to all supported countries in the EU soon afterward. Meta is also expanding access to the smart glasses in a few new regions soon, including Mexico, India, and the UAE. Meta is also reportedly working on a pair of smart glasses that come with a display, however, these are just rumors for now.