An Early Review of the Improved Smart Glasses

After spending a week with the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses, it’s clear that Meta has made significant improvements over the first generation. The most notable upgrade is the battery life, which now lasts significantly longer, allowing for more extended use without frequent recharging. This improvement is a welcome change for users who previously found the original model’s battery life limiting, especially during longer activities like running or outdoor events.

During testing, the Gen 2s used about 20% of the battery per hour, even with high-volume music streaming, frequent Meta AI commands, and a 3K video recording. A two-hour run left the battery at 60%, while a one-hour run the next day left it at 79%, showing a marked improvement over the Gen 1 model. The battery can be recharged to 50% in just 20 minutes, which is a significant boost for users who need a quick top-off before heading out. However, for all-day use, users may still need to take the glasses off for a short charge, especially if they are using them for extended audio streaming or video recording.

While the Gen 2s offer better battery efficiency and enhanced video resolution, the overall user experience hasn’t changed dramatically. The glasses still suffer from some of the same design issues, such as thick frames and visible camera cutouts, which may not appeal to everyone. However, the improved fit and more comfortable design make them more suitable for daily wear, even if the added weight might be a concern for some users. The Gen 2s are slightly heavier than the Gen 1s, weighing about 2g more, but this trade-off is justified for the improved battery life and comfort during extended use.

Meta has also announced several upcoming features, including slow-motion and hyperlapse videos, integration with fitness apps like Garmin and Strava for real-time workout stats, and new voice command shortcuts like “Photo” without the need to say the Meta AI wake word. These updates suggest that the Gen 2s are just the beginning of what Meta has in store for its smart glasses line. Additionally, Meta has opened up its “Wearable Device Access Toolkit,” allowing developers to integrate Meta AI glasses directly with third-party apps. While the results of this integration may not be visible until 2026 or later, it signals a commitment to expanding the ecosystem around its smart glasses.

Despite these advancements, the Gen 2s are still not without their drawbacks, including audio bleed and the need for higher volume levels to be heard clearly in open spaces. The audio quality, while rich, hasn’t seen a noticeable improvement from the first generation, and users may find it necessary to increase the volume to be heard clearly in noisy environments. This issue is particularly evident in open-space offices, where the audio bleed can be distracting. For users who prefer more targeted sound, like those who use open-ear earbuds such as the Shokz OpenFit 2, the Gen 2s may fall short in terms of audio customization and noise isolation.

For those considering an upgrade, the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2s offer a compelling improvement over the first generation, but they may not be the ideal choice for everyone. The glasses are priced at $379 for the Wayfarer, Headliner, or Skyler styles, with additional costs for features like polarized or Transitions lenses, which can add up to $110 more. The Transitions lenses, in particular, offer versatility for different lighting conditions, making them a good choice for users who want a more adaptable pair of glasses.

The Gen 2s are available in three styles: Wayfarer, Headliner, and Skyler. The Wayfarer, which the reviewer tested, is a classic design with a sleek profile and Transitions lenses that adjust to light conditions. The Headliner and Skyler styles offer alternative aesthetics, though they may not appeal to everyone. The reviewer noted that the Wayfarer design blends in much better than the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses and is more stylish than the Oakley HSTNs, but personal preferences may vary.

Ultimately, the Gen 2s represent a solid step forward for Meta’s smart glasses, but they may not be the final answer for all users looking for the perfect wearable device. The glasses are where most smart glasses newbies or vets should start, offering a balance of functionality, style, and performance that makes them a strong contender in the smart glasses market. As Meta continues to refine its offerings with future updates and features, the Gen 2s may well be the stepping stone to a more refined and capable next-generation product.