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I bought these glasses for the camera. I stayed for everything else

Writer: Carlos
Carlos
Jul 28
3 min read

Ray-Ban Meta glasses shown with a phone and charging case, representing camera, audio, prescription glasses, and everyday smart glasses use
I bought my Ray-Ban Meta glasses mostly because I wanted to use the camera

That was the main feature that caught my attention. Being able to quickly take photos and videos from my point of view sounded useful, especially for dog training, family moments, walks, outings, and random things that happen too quickly to pull out my phone.


I honestly thought the camera would be the main reason I used them. It turns out, it is not..


I have two pairs now: the sunglasses and the prescription glasses. The sunglasses were actually a mistake when I ordered online, but I’m glad it happened because now I have them for sunny months. The prescription pair came later from LensCrafters, and because they were prescription glasses, I was able to use part of my work insurance coverage toward them.


Those are the ones I use the most.


The camera is still very cool, but I use it more as a quick-capture tool than a perfect-shot tool. Since there is no live preview, I don’t use it when I need the photo or video to be perfectly framed. I use it when the moment is quick and I might miss it if I reach for my phone.


The real surprise has been the audio

I use the glasses constantly for music, podcasts, videos, and even TV audio through the Roku app on my phone. I can connect the TV audio to my glasses and control the volume from my phone or directly from the glasses, which is weirdly convenient.


I also like that nothing is sitting inside my ears. I can still hear what is happening around me, and if I’m listening to something around other people, it doesn’t make me look as unavailable as earbuds do.


The sound quality is great for casual listening. I still prefer earbuds when I’m working out because they feel more immersive, and the glasses are not meant to block outside noise. But for daily use, they are way more useful than I expected.


Calls can be a little hit or miss. I usually hear the other person clearly, but sometimes they do not hear me as well on their end. I’m not sure if that is Bluetooth, the mic, or the environment, but it is the one audio-related thing that can feel a bit wonky.


Comfort-wise, they are good, but they are still heavier than regular glasses

A work day is about long enough for me. If I know I’m not going to use the camera, audio, or smart features, I’ll switch back to my regular prescription glasses to give my face a break, especially around my nose.


Battery life depends on usage, but if I’m mostly using them for audio, I expect about half a day. That is honestly enough for me because by then I’m usually ready to switch glasses anyway. The charging case is convenient enough if I’m going to be out for a long time, but I don’t always bring it unless I know I’ll need it.


The AI features are probably the part I use the least. Almost never, honestly. Sometimes the glasses even respond like they need to be connected to Bluetooth when they already are, so that side of the experience has not become part of my routine.


As for recording, I don’t treat them like a secret camera. Most people do not seem bothered because phones already record photos and videos everywhere, but I still communicate it when I’m using them, especially around family, clients, or work situations.


Overall, I bought these glasses for the camera, but I stayed for everything else.

The camera is useful for quick moments. The audio is what made them part of my daily life. And the prescription lenses are what made them feel like something I naturally reach for instead of another gadget I have to remember to bring.


I would recommend them most to someone who already wears glasses and is not too worried about them being heavier than normal.


I probably would not recommend them as strongly for daily use to someone who does not need prescription glasses at all. At that point, they become something extra you have to choose to wear.


For me, they worked because they fit into a habit I already had.


I’m definitely looking forward to a lighter, more refined version one day, but I’m genuinely surprised by how much I get out of these glasses now.

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