AI glasses are gradually changing the way we travel: thanks to voice control, built-in translation and navigation, travellers can find their way around a new city without constantly reaching for their smartphone. These devices combine the familiar look of everyday spectacles with cameras, microphones, speakers and a virtual assistant that responds to simple voice commands.
Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta AI glasses look, from the outside, like standard frames in various styles — from classic Wayfarers to sporty Oakley Meta HSTN. They can be fitted with Transitions® lenses, which automatically darken in bright sunlight and become clear again indoors. Both ranges are compatible with prescription lenses and available with sun protection coatings.
The technical capabilities are geared towards real-world use on the move. The glasses are equipped with an ultra‑wide 12 MP camera, support 3K video recording and capture sound through multiple microphones. For privacy, there is a white indicator on the frame that lights up during photo or video recording, while the user hears audio signals at the start and end of capture. Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) and Oakley Meta HSTN models offer additional modes — slow motion, hyperlapse and video stabilisation.
With voice commands such as “Hey Meta”, users can take photos, start and stop recording, and listen to music or podcasts through open speakers built into the temples, without shutting themselves off from surrounding sounds. The glasses allow you to control playback, find out the name of the track or album and connect pre‑created playlists via the mobile app.
A separate feature is live translation mode. In the Meta Ray-Ban Display model, the translation appears on a built‑in 600×600‑pixel display in the user's field of vision, like subtitles. This makes it possible to talk to locals without taking out your phone, as well as quickly translate signs, menus and labels. Before travelling, it is recommended to download language packs so that translation works even without internet access.
The AI assistant can act as a digital guide: answering questions about nearby sights, shops or places to eat, as well as plotting a route. For Meta Ray-Ban Display users, navigation prompts appear directly in the field of view, while voice instructions play through the speakers. This feature is currently in testing and requires a stable internet connection.
Another function is voice reminders. After connecting the glasses to a smartphone via Bluetooth, you can ask the assistant to remember the parking location using GPS, or add reminders for excursions, flights or hotel check‑out to the trip's calendar of events. Synchronisation with a digital calendar makes it possible to receive alerts about planned activities and reminders linked to a specific location.
The manufacturer states that Ray‑Ban Meta (Gen 2) and Oakley Meta HSTN provide up to 8 hours of use on a single charge, with the charging case adding up to 48 hours. Meta Ray-Ban Display is designed for around 6 hours of mixed use, with the case providing a further 24 hours. A short 20‑minute top‑up can restore around half the charge.
The developers position AI glasses as a tool for more free and mindful travel: the devices are intended to help with navigation, communication in other languages, first‑person photo and video capture, and access to reference information — all without constantly being distracted by a smartphone screen.