As one of the most well-known brands in eyewear, Ray-Ban is building on generational heritage while looking toward the future. The partnership with Meta to bring Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses is just one example of how the company has merged timeless design with cutting-edge technology since its inception in 1937.
With its latest iteration, Ray-Ban Meta has expanded its glasses to include Meta AI with Vision functionality, video calling and more — and added two new styles to the Ray-Ban Meta product line: Skyler and Headliner Low-Bridge.
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Harkening back to its pilot roots, Skyler is a nostalgic homage to the jet-set style during the golden age of aviation of the ‘60s. And Headliner provides a low-bridge fit designed for a wider range of facial features.
Maria Colon, vice president of marketing at Ray-Ban North America, sat down with Fairchild Studio to discuss the latest Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses features, an improved user experience, video calling, a diverse product assortment and more.
Fairchild Studio: What are some new features in the latest iteration of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses?
Maria Colon: Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are getting — and will continue to get — smarter. Beginning in April, we rolled out the Meta AI with Vision functionality to all new and existing Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in the U.S. and Canada. The new Multimodal AI updates help consumers understand the world around them by interpreting what they’re seeing and what they’re asking. Other added features include video calling through Messenger and WhatsApp, streaming with Amazon Music and meditating on the go with Calm.
Users can easily stream Amazon Music from their phones to their smart glasses and can control playback using the touchpad controls on the right temple of the glasses. They can now stream Calm from their phone to their smart glasses.
These experiences were designed to be hands-free, they can activate all these and more simply by saying “Hey Meta, play Calm,” or “Hey Meta, play Amazon Music” or “Hey Meta, volume up.”
Fairchild Studio: What is the new Ray-Ban Meta AI with Vision feature in the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and how does it enhance the user experience compared to previous versions?
M.C.: With this new feature, you aren’t just speaking to your glasses — the glasses can now understand what you’re seeing using the built-in camera. People can ask questions about the world around them and Meta AI will analyze the scene to provide real-time suggestions. Learn the history of a landmark on a walk, translate a sign that’s in a different language or even get fashion tips by showing it an article of clothing and asking what would go well with it — giving you the info you need without having to pull out your phone or stare at a screen.
Fairchild Studio: With the integration of video calling, how do you see these smart glasses transforming everyday communication?
M.C.: There are some moments in life that are just meant to be shared and still be present. Whether you’re watching a legendary set from your favorite musician or mountain biking down an epic trail, now you can share it with friends and family completely hands-free.
It’s also good for the everyday activities you can’t live without—like playing with your beloved pets who require both hands for attention, calling mom for her tips to help you find which pineapple you’re holding is ripe. We’ve made it easy to hop on a video call with loved ones.
Fairchild Studio: How does the expansion in the range of Ray-Ban Meta glasses to include the Skyler and the Headliner Low-Bridge Fit merge modernity with Ray-Ban’s classical aesthetic?
M.C.: The more diverse product assortment gives users an unparalleled blend of modern style paired with functionality. The addition of new frames provides consumers with more choices outside of the classic Ray-Ban models offering a trend-driven, fashion-forward aesthetic.
Drawing inspiration from our ‘60s archive and the golden age of air travel, the new Skyler is inspired by an era of iconic jet-set style. Along with the low-bridge Headliner, both styles allow consumers to find a Ray-Ban Meta pair to suit every face shape and style. We’ve added four new vibrant Transitions® photochromic lens colors, ideal for those seeking dynamic color outdoors and a pop of color indoors.
Fairchild Studio: Why was it important to offer the eyewear with prescription lenses and Transitions technology?
M.C.: Prescription and Transitions® lenses enable consumers to seamlessly integrate smart glasses into their everyday lives. We must have a diverse product assortment to ensure everyone has access to wearable technology. Offering different types of lenses that fit everyone’s vision needs for every occasion, from day to night and work to play, helps enable the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to be worn and woven into everyone’s lives.
Meta and Essilor Luxottica are continuing to redefine the future of smart glasses. Our goal is to harmoniously merge advanced technology with classic Ray-Ban style, wearability and vision solutions that are available with the world’s most iconic eyewear brand. Wearers can have the same prescription or Transitions® lenses that they are familiar with in a more advanced version of their Ray-Ban eyewear.
Fairchild Studio: What is the importance of Ray-Ban to create meaningful experiences such as the one-night-only hands-free concert featuring Offset and Busta Rhymes and how do these types of events speak to Ray-Brand’s current branding and marketing strategies?
M.C.: It is important to continue creating awareness around how Ray-Ban Meta glasses provide value in meaningful experiences, allowing people to stay present in the moment. The next-generation smart glasses give consumers a new way to capture content and experience a concert at the same time — without the need to view through the phone. The value sits within the ability to stay connected while enjoying the current moment, hands-free.
Our current brand marketing strategies focus on reinforcing Ray-Ban’s recognition and identity as a brand positioned with strong ties to authentic, iconic music and art communities. For decades, Ray-Ban has been worn by cultural tastemakers and visionaries. These types of events illustrate the brand’s core values.
“Hands-Free Brooklyn” allowed us to amplify the multi-artist campaign featuring hip-hop legend, Busta Rhymes alongside A-list talent, Offset and Little Simz in conjunction with the concert. The campaign took inspiration from Busta Rhymes’ hit single, “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See,” featuring the talent pounding their hands to the iconic beat from the song.
At the event, guests were encouraged to explore the new Ray-Ban Meta collection through a series of hands-free activities, from engaging with Meta AI to immersive mirror and graffiti installations, prompting guests to capture content without their phones.
Fairchild Studio: How do you see the latest Ray-Ban Meta glasses appealing to consumers with its range of style, functionality and advanced technology?
M.C.: What’s great about our smart glasses is we continue to improve them and add new features over time. The latest updates and styles make the glasses even more social, fun that can naturally fit into your lifestyle. With the introduction of Meta AI with Vision, we are taking a bold leap forward in the world of wearable tech and how it can make consumers’ lives easier, more productive and more creative.
The advancements open up a new world of exciting possibilities for our customers to tap into. The ever-evolving smart glasses collection boasts four frame styles with hundreds of color and style combinations for an unparalleled blend of style, functionality and connectivity to appeal to all demographics.