Meta Unveils Offline Translation for Ray-Ban AI Glasses

Meta, the technology giant, has announced a series of new AI features for its Ray-Ban smart glasses, including a real-time translation function that does not require an internet connection. This update is part of Meta's ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities of its AI-powered eyewear, which has been available since 2023.

The real-time translation feature, which supports English, French, Italian, and Spanish, allows users to download language packs in advance and use the service offline. This is particularly useful for travelers who may not have access to the internet while abroad. The translation process is seamless: users hear the translation of the other person's speech through the glasses, while the other person can view the translation of the user's speech on their phone.

In addition to the translation feature, Meta has expanded the use of its AI to include users in the European Union. These users can now ask the AI questions about what they see and receive real-time answers. This expansion is part of Meta's broader strategy to integrate AI more deeply into its products and services.

Meta has also revealed plans to introduce a feature that allows AI glasses to access instant messaging software. This feature will support Meta's own Instagram for sending private messages, images, and video calls, as well as native SMS and call functions on iPhone or Android devices. The company is also working on integrating the glasses with music subscription services like Apple Music.

Looking ahead, Meta plans to launch a "real-time AI conversation" feature in the United States and Canada. This feature will allow the AI to continuously read the user's environment and engage in more natural conversations, such as recommending recipes based on the contents of the user's refrigerator.

Meta's AI glasses, which are a collaboration between Meta and Ray-Ban, have been on the market since 2023. The current model, released in September 2023, uses Qualcomm's AR chip platform and is equipped with Meta AI. The glasses do not support AR functionality and can only be interacted with via voice commands. Pricing for the glasses ranges from 299 to 379 dollars, depending on the style.

Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, hinted at the possibility of a third-generation product in 2025. He stated that this year is a critical point in determining the development trajectory of the AI glasses category. Many successful consumer electronics products have seen their sales reach 500 million to 1 billion units in their third generation. This year will decide whether Meta can move towards selling billions of AI glasses.

Industry insiders have suggested that the third-generation Meta glasses will feature a "single-piece miniature display screen" and will be significantly more expensive than the current model, with prices starting at around 500 to 600 dollars. This price increase will require the product to offer more compelling performance in areas such as camera parameters and battery life.

Meta's latest updates to its AI glasses demonstrate the company's commitment to innovation and its efforts to stay at the forefront of technology. The real-time translation feature, in particular, is a significant advancement that will make the glasses more useful for travelers and language learners alike. As Meta continues to develop and refine its AI glasses, it is likely that we will see even more exciting features and improvements in the future.