Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: A Cyclist's Review

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: A Cyclist's Review

Weekend bike rides are my escape. Minimizing gadgets is key to enjoying the ride. The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses simplify my cycling experience by combining sunglasses, headphones, and a camera in one device.

These smart glasses have gained popularity, with millions sold. Many cyclists are using them, as seen on Reddit and YouTube. Meta is even developing next-generation AI smart glasses with Oakley for athletes.

On the Road with Ray-Ban Meta

I now wear my Wayfarer-style Ray-Ban Metas, with transition lenses, more on bike rides than anywhere else. They offer decent sun, dirt, and pollen protection and fit comfortably, though not perfectly, under my helmet.

The built-in camera is a game-changer. Capturing photos and videos is now easy and safe, with a simple button press. While not a replacement for my phone's camera, it allows me to capture more moments.

The open-ear speakers are another highlight. Listening to podcasts and music without blocking ambient noise is excellent. The audio quality is surprisingly good.

I've even used Meta's AI assistant to learn about trees and historical buildings during my rides. These quick queries enhance my experience without the usual phone distractions.

Consolidating multiple devices into one means less charging, less clutter, and less to manage during my rides.

Challenges on the Road

Designed for everyday use, the Ray-Ban Meta isn't ideal for cycling. The glasses tend to slip down my nose during bumpy rides. The thick frames can obstruct my view when leaning forward.

Limited app integration is another drawback. While taking photos and pausing music works well, other functions require using my phone. The Spotify integration, for example, is unreliable.

Improved integrations, especially with cycling apps like Strava or Garmin, would be beneficial.

iPhone compatibility is also limited, likely due to Apple's policies. Texting and navigation through Apple Maps directly from the glasses would be a significant improvement.

Meta AI Needs Improvement

Meta's AI assistant, while a key selling point, falls short compared to competitors like OpenAI, Perplexity, and Google. The robotic voice and unreliable answers are disappointing.

The recently launched live video AI is a work in progress. During testing, it misidentified cars and trees. These inaccuracies raise questions about the feature's current usefulness.

While the concept of AI smart glasses for cycling is appealing, the Ray-Ban Meta needs key upgrades. With improvements to fit, app integration, and AI accuracy, these smart glasses could truly enhance the cycling experience.