Assistive technology usually comes with a hefty price tag because it's not made for the mass market, so a device that is aimed at the mass market AND makes the world more accessible can be manna from heaven.
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are one of those rare beasts – a mainstream device that can assist blind and partially sighted people.
These smart glasses connect to your smartphone and give hands-free access to built-in AI that can make the world around you more accessible and boost your independence.
Here are six reasons why they might work for you:
1. Read packaging, letters and instructions
You can use the built-in microphones to ask the smart glasses to read details on groceries, letters, instructions, TV listings, recipes, and more. The camera in the frame scans the item and reads it to you via the open-ear speakers in the arms of the glasses.
Because the smart glasses are voice-activated you can leave your smartphone safely in your pocket and use your hands to find the right jar or tin, or to keep cooking without having to wash and dry your hands for every step in the recipe.
And you can maintain your privacy when listening to your letters. Unless the volume is turned up high in a quiet space, only you can hear what is being read aloud.
2. Make getting about easier
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses can read street signs, timetables, and – if you are positioned correctly – departure boards, but they can also describe what the camera sees, helping you to find a particular shop, for example.
While they don't provide a live commentary the way a human guide can – and do not replace a mobility cane or guide dog – they can tell you if you're facing your favourite café, tell you if there's a doorway in front of you, describe what's on the supermarket shelf in front of you, or describe the scene in front of you.
3. Get more information
You can use the smart glasses to ask Meta AI questions about what the camera can see. When reading a menu, for example, you can ask what the vegetarian options are, or how much a particular dish costs, instead of listening to the entire menu. You can ask for an expiry date on food, or for it to summarise the text of a letter.
You can also ask more general questions, such as "What time is it?", "What's the weather today?", or "What's the capital of Lithuania?"
4. Make hands-free video and phone calls
Leave your phone in your pocket and ask the smart glasses to call friends, family and colleagues. The glasses have five built-in microphones for both voice control and making calls, and you can adjust the volume of the open-ear speakers in the arms using a touchpad on the right arm of the glasses. The touchpad also allows you to answer incoming calls easily.
5. Get extra help from humans
You can use the video call function to get additional help with what's in front of you from a family member, support person, or service like Be My Eyes, in addition to using Meta AI to describe what the camera is seeing.
There is a capture button near the hinge of the right arm that is used to start or stop video recording, or to take a photo. The smart glasses have a small capture light to let people know when the camera is being used to take a photo or record video. (There are places where using these features is not allowed, for example, swimming pools, changing rooms etc.)
6. Send and receive hands-free messages
Use just voice control – for example, say "Hey, Meta, send a message to Zoe saying I'm running ten minutes late" – or use the touchpad to activate the glasses and then speak: "WhatsApp Zack asking if he wants anything from the supermarket".
You can also ask the smart glasses to read your last message and to reply to a message.
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and RNIB
You can visit our Product and Advice Centres to try the smart glasses and see if they're right for you. You can make an appointment to visit our Edinburgh and Belfast centres yourself or call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 who can make an appointment for you. This is one of the easiest ways to find out if the glasses fit your face – the Ray-Ban Metas have limited adjustment options, and poor fit will affect how well they perform as well as your comfort. If the demonstration model suits your needs, you can order a pair in-store to be delivered to you.
If you're interested in buying the smart glasses with prescription lenses fitted, or would like to try them before you buy, our Low Vision Centre in London may be able to help. This is by appointment only, please call 0207 391 2241 or email low.vision@nhs.net for more information.
When you buy a pair of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses from the RNIB Shop, you also get free set-up assistance and unlimited UK-based help and support from Synapptic for the first year.
And if you have already bought a pair of glasses and would like training to get the most out of them, you can buy a one-year support package which provides unlimited UK-based help and support from Synapptic for 12 months.
