Frames of the Future: a Look into the Best Smart Glasses
You might recall a little viral moment for smart glasses last year with TikTokers lip-syncing to Jungkook’s 3D in a mirror while wearing Ray-Ban Meta glasses to film themselves. Well, get ready for more of that with Meta’s new expansion with EssilorLuxottica into Prada and Oakley, as well as Google’s partnerships with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. Until then, here is a list of some smart glasses you should check out.
Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer
The OG pair of smart glasses that had their viral moment last year, the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfare is like a basic phone, but as a pair of glasses. It can take photos and videos, send messages and take phone calls, and play music or podcasts. It can also translate conversations in real time, and has Meta AI through voice control. It’s essentially a digital assistant through your eyes and ears.
Rokid Max 2
Think Apple Vision, but smaller and sleeker. Rokid Max 2 provides a virtual 215-inch screen that can be used to watch movies, do work, or game. It has built-in speakers and microphones and uses AI voice control. The best part is that users can adjust the clarity for their vision. They look a bit more clunky and might not necessarily be something you would wear around all day when you’re not using the virtual screen.
JBL Soundgear Frames
These are essentially sunglasses with built-in speakers. “Why would I opt for this, when all the other smart glasses have speakers, along with their many other fanciful features?” you might ask. Well, owing to the fact that these are made by JBL, the sound quality is top-notch, and has noise cancellation and echo suppression for when you want to shut everyone out. Both these features can be adjusted however to make sure you stay safe on busy roads.
Chamelo Music Shield
Winner of Time Magazine’s Best Invention of 2024 and enjoyed by Shaquille O’Neal himself, Chamelo’s Music Shield is designed specifically for outdoor sports. These sunglasses have adjustable tint and built-in speakers for your run, bike, or hike–whatever it may be. They are perfectly lightweight and sweat-resistant, making them perfect for the hot and humid summer months. Choose from four different frame and lens options to suit your style.
