Meta Introduces Hands-Free Video Calling on WhatsApp and Messenger for Smart Glasses

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has unveiled a new feature for its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses that enables hands-free video calling on WhatsApp and Messenger. The update allows users to make video calls directly through the glasses, providing a more immersive and convenient experience.

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, developed in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, now support multimodal AI capabilities. Users can interact with the AI assistant using voice commands and the camera, enabling real-time translation, visual assistance, and hands-free music control through Apple Music integration. The glasses also offer a 12MP ultra-wide camera for capturing photos and videos.

With the introduction of hands-free video calling, users can share their real-time views during calls, enhancing the sense of presence and connection. "We're excited to bring video calling to Ray-Ban Meta, allowing users to share their experiences and connect with others in a more immersive way," said a Meta spokesperson.

Why this matters: The integration of hands-free video calling on popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger with smart glasses technology constitutes a notable advance towards more seamless and accessible communication. As wearable devices persist in their development, this progress illustrates the possibilities for heightened connectivity and user experiences in the future.

Meta has also expanded the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses collection with new frame options, including the vintage-inspired Skyler frames and a low-bridge variant of the Headliner frames. The glasses are available in over 100 style combinations through the Ray-Ban Remix platform and are compatible with prescription lenses.

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are currently available for purchase in 15 countries, with a retail price of $299. While not officially released in India, the glasses come with a charging case and offer up to 4 hours of continuous use on a single charge. Meta plans to continue refining the AI-powered features based on user feedback and ongoing innovation.

Key Takeaways

• Meta unveils hands-free video calling on WhatsApp and Messenger for Ray-Ban smart glasses.
• Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses now support multimodal AI capabilities like voice commands and visual assistance.
• Hands-free video calling allows users to share real-time views, enhancing presence and connection.
• New frame options, including Skyler and low-bridge Headliner, available through Ray-Ban Remix platform.
• Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses retail for $299 and are currently available in 15 countries.