Technology keeps weaving deeper into our daily lives. After the VR wave, AI has become the new hype. But is it really a revolution — or just another bubble?
Personally, the recent waves of “tech hype” have felt more like noise. ICOs, metaverses, VR headsets — I barely tried any of them. Google Glass remained an odd experiment that never went mainstream, Meta’s metaverse never gained critical mass, and Apple Vision Pro landed with a reaction closer to “interesting, but not for everyday use.”
The reviews I heard confirmed it: these devices were more toys than tools, rarely something people wanted to use multiple times a week.
Enter Ray-Ban Meta
Scrolling through Instagram, I started noticing ads for Ray-Ban Meta. They looked just like regular sunglasses — but with cameras, speakers, and AI built-in.
In May 2025, my good friend turned 40. I decided to buy him a pair as a gift. But while shopping, I began wanting one for myself.
In-store, I realized they really do look like classic Ray-Bans. And the price? Around €320. Standard Ray-Bans go for ~€150. So for an extra €150 you get cameras, speakers, and AI integration. That feels like a good deal.
A few months later I also realized: AI should be closer to me. But honestly, the real reason was simpler: I ride my bike a lot π΄βοΈ. I love capturing moments on the move. Pulling out an iPhone is risky, an Insta360 costs €500+ and requires mounts and setup. Glasses, on the other hand, are always with me.
So I bought Ray-Ban Meta. Because I need prescription lenses, I had to spend a few hundred more — including Transitions that darken outdoors and stay clear indoors. But the experience has been worth it.
Camera
I got exactly what I wanted. Of course, my iPhone or a GoPro shoots better. But is that really the right comparison for €300 glasses?
Now I take quick POV photos and videos in everyday situations by just pressing a small button on the frame. And that’s super convenient.
Audio
The second pleasant surprise — speakers built into the frame.
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For music: they’re “okay.” Beats or AirPods sound better, but these are no worse than average wireless earbuds.
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For podcasts: perfect.
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For safety: unlike full headphones, these don’t block ambient sound — you can still hear traffic while walking or biking.
AI
Here’s where things get interesting. Honestly, I don’t use all the AI features daily.
But some use cases really impressed me:
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Walking down the street, I spotted graffiti, snapped it, and asked Meta AI what it meant. It explained it was a fan mural of a football club.
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Translating signs and billboards works, though language pairs are still limited. I tested Spanish → English; it works, but you have to explain to your conversation partner that “my glasses are translating.”
So for now it’s more like “once a week,” but the potential is huge.
Conclusion
Ray-Ban Meta is probably the best gadget I’ve bought recently — one I actually use every day.
It’s the kind of product I expected from Apple: familiar, wearable, and seamlessly blending tech into life.
But instead, Meta made it happen.