Smart glasses with hidden camera and AI foreign language translation: The Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer RW4008 – Image: meta.com
More than just sunglasses: This Ray-Ban has an AI, a camera and a translator on board
“Hey Meta, what am I looking at?”: These features make the new Ray-Ban the smartest glasses on the market
What exactly are these new Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses that everyone is talking about?
The Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer RW4008 is an innovative eyewear technology that combines the classic design of the iconic Wayfarer sunglasses with modern technology. These smart glasses are equipped with hidden cameras, speakers, microphones, and AI features that enable a completely new eyewear experience.
The glasses represent a collaboration between Meta (formerly Facebook) and Ray-Ban and aim to seamlessly integrate technology into everyday life without compromising the stylish appearance of classic designer sunglasses.
Suitable for this
Technical specifications
Dimensions and design
How big and heavy is the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer?
The Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer RW4008 is available in various sizes, with the standard version featuring a lens width of 53 mm, a bridge width of 22 mm, and a temple length of 155 mm. The total weight is approximately 44-50 grams, making it only slightly heavier than a standard pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers.
The glasses are made of high-quality acetate plastic and retain the classic rectangular Wayfarer design, making them visually almost indistinguishable from regular sunglasses. This is a decisive advantage over other smart glasses, which often have a futuristic and eye-catching appearance.
Camera technology
What can the integrated camera record?
The Ray-Ban Meta is equipped with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera discreetly integrated into the right temple. This camera can capture photos at a resolution of 3024 x 4032 pixels in portrait mode, which is significantly better than the 5-megapixel camera of the first generation.
For video recording, the glasses offer a resolution of 1440 x 1920 pixels at 30 fps, also in portrait format. The camera is positioned to capture what the wearer sees, enabling authentic first-person perspectives. Videos can be recorded for up to 60 seconds, which is perfectly adequate for spontaneous moments or short clips.
Audio system
How good is the audio quality of the integrated speakers?
The Ray-Ban Meta features a sophisticated audio system with two custom-built open speakers and a five-microphone digital array. The speakers are designed to deliver rich sound with 50 percent more volume and twice the bass than the previous model.
The open-ear design means the ears remain free, allowing the wearer to still hear ambient noise. This is especially beneficial for safety while walking or cycling. The audio quality is surprisingly good for such a compact system, although it obviously can't compete with high-quality headphones.
The five microphones enable effective noise cancellation and ensure clear voice recording for both phone calls and voice control. The system is capable of reducing wind noise and understanding the wearer's voice even in noisy environments.
Storage and connectivity
How much can the glasses store and how do they connect to other devices?
The Ray-Ban Meta features 32 GB of internal flash memory, a significant improvement over the first generation's 4 GB. This memory is sufficient for over 500 photos and approximately 100 30-second videos.
Connectivity is via Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6, ensuring a stable and fast connection to your smartphone. The glasses are compatible with iOS (version 14.4 and higher) and Android (version 10 and higher) and require the Meta View app to be installed for full functionality.
Battery and charging times
Battery life in practical use
How long does the battery actually last with normal use?
The official battery life is stated as up to 4 hours of active use. In practice, this translates to approximately 4 hours of mixed use with photos, music, and the occasional video clip. With intensive video recording, the runtime drops to approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
A particularly practical feature is that the glasses automatically announce the current battery level when put on, so the wearer always knows how much power is left. When the battery level is low, there are clear warnings so you're not caught off guard.
With occasional use throughout the day, the glasses can last up to 18 hours, making them a practical everyday companion. The actual battery life depends heavily on which functions are used and how frequently.
Charging case and charging
How do I charge the glasses?
The Ray-Ban Meta comes with a sleek charging case that features a built-in lithium-ion battery. This case can fully charge the glasses up to eight times before needing to be recharged.
The case requires approximately 3.5 hours for a full charge or 90 minutes for a 50 percent fast charge via USB-C. The glasses themselves fully charge in the case in approximately 2 hours, with just 20 minutes in the case sufficient for approximately 50 percent charge.
An LED on the case indicates the charging status: green means fully charged, yellow indicates charging. This practical indicator helps you always know when the case and glasses are ready for use.
AI features and Meta AI
Voice control
How does the Ray-Ban Meta voice control work?
The glasses are activated with the command "Hey Meta," similar to other voice assistants. Once activated, the user can issue commands directly without waiting for a beep, making operation very natural.
After a response from Meta AI, a beep often sounds to indicate that the system is waiting for input again. This allows for a fluid dialogue without having to repeat "Hey Meta" with each follow-up question. If necessary, the user can interrupt at any time and issue new commands.
Voice control now also works in German, after Meta rolled out a corresponding update in July 2025. This allows German-speaking users to operate the glasses entirely in their native language.
Visual AI analysis
What can Meta AI see and understand?
Meta AI is able to see what the wearer sees and can analyze objects, landmarks, text, and scenes in real time. For example, the AI can recognize products and provide information about them, which is especially helpful when shopping or exploring new places.
A particularly useful feature is the AI's ability to remember things captured by the camera. For example, the glasses can save the airport parking location and remind you of it later. Voice-based reminders are also possible, turning the glasses into an intelligent personal assistant.
The AI can also read text aloud, scan QR codes, or automatically call phone numbers from flyers. These functions make the glasses a versatile tool for everyday use.
Live translation
How the AI simultaneous translator works
How does the live translation feature work in practice?
Live translation is set up in the Meta app, where the user selects the source and target languages. The command "Hey Meta, start translating" activates the feature, and the AI begins translating spoken sentences and outputting them through the speakers.
Translation occurs in near real-time, with the AI recognizing spoken language, translating it, and verbally outputting the result. Additionally, a written transcript of the translation is saved on the connected smartphone, useful for future reference.
The feature currently works with four languages: English, Italian, Spanish, and French. German is available as a target language, but not as a source language for translation. Meta is working on expanding language support, but a concrete timeline for additional languages has not yet been determined.
Suitable for:
Practical application scenarios
In which situations is the translation function particularly useful?
A classic scenario is when you're on vacation abroad and discover an interesting souvenir at a market and want to talk to a seller who only speaks the local language. The glasses can then translate the seller's answers in real time, ensuring the wearer understands everything.
This feature is particularly valuable in lectures or conferences where the speaker uses a different language. The wearer of the glasses can follow the presentation as if it were being delivered in their native language. This application is more discreet than conventional translation devices or smartphone apps.
One limitation, however, is that the translation currently only works in one direction—only the wearer of the glasses hears the translation. For real conversations, the other person would also need to use appropriate technology, or a common language would have to be found.
Technical features
Can live translation also work offline?
Yes, one of the remarkable features of Live Translation is that, once you've downloaded the appropriate language packs, it works even without an internet connection. This makes the feature especially useful when traveling, where a stable internet connection isn't always guaranteed.
On-device processing also means that sensitive conversation content doesn't have to be transmitted via external servers, which is advantageous from a data protection perspective. However, the available language packages and their quality are still limited compared to cloud-based translation services.
Operation and control
Touch control
How do you operate the glasses without speech?
In addition to voice control, the Ray-Ban Meta features a touch panel on the right temple that recognizes various gestures. A quick tap starts the camera recording for photos, while a long press initiates video recording.
The touch controls also enable music playback: A single tap pauses or starts the music, a double tap skips to the next track, and a triple tap goes back to the previous song. The volume can be adjusted by swiping on the touchpad.
For calls, the touchpad can be used to answer, end, or switch between different functions. This haptic control is especially useful in situations where voice commands aren't appropriate.
MetaView App
What role does the smartphone app play?
The Meta View app is the heart of the Ray-Ban Meta Experience and essential for full functionality. All settings are managed via the app, from selecting the language for Meta AI to privacy settings.
The app allows you to transfer photos and videos from the glasses to your smartphone, where you can edit and share them. Live streaming to social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook is also controlled via the app.
Additionally, the app provides detailed information about battery level and memory usage, and enables software updates for the glasses. Without the app, many of the advanced features remain inaccessible, making it an essential part of the system.
A new dimension of digital transformation with 'Managed AI' (Artificial Intelligence) - Platform & B2B Solution | Xpert Consulting
A new dimension of digital transformation with 'Managed AI' (Artificial Intelligence) – Platform & B2B Solution | Xpert Consulting - Image: Xpert.Digital
Here you will learn how your company can implement customized AI solutions quickly, securely, and without high entry barriers.
A Managed AI Platform is your all-round, worry-free package for artificial intelligence. Instead of dealing with complex technology, expensive infrastructure, and lengthy development processes, you receive a turnkey solution tailored to your needs from a specialized partner – often within a few days.
The key benefits at a glance:
⚡ Fast implementation: From idea to operational application in days, not months. We deliver practical solutions that create immediate value.
🔒 Maximum data security: Your sensitive data remains with you. We guarantee secure and compliant processing without sharing data with third parties.
💸 No financial risk: You only pay for results. High upfront investments in hardware, software, or personnel are completely eliminated.
🎯 Focus on your core business: Concentrate on what you do best. We handle the entire technical implementation, operation, and maintenance of your AI solution.
📈 Future-proof & Scalable: Your AI grows with you. We ensure ongoing optimization and scalability, and flexibly adapt the models to new requirements.
More about it here:
Practical test Wayfarer: Battery, camera and everyday usability checked
Data protection and privacy
LED warning system
How do other people know when they are being filmed?
The Ray-Ban Meta features a white LED light on the front of the frame that illuminates when taking photos. When taking photos, the LED flashes briefly, while when recording video, the light remains lit continuously.
This LED has been significantly enlarged compared to the first generation and is now hard to miss. Additionally, the wearer of the glasses also receives a small light signal on the inner right edge of the glasses to confirm that a recording is in progress.
Despite these improvements, concerns remain about whether a small LED is sufficient to adequately inform others about recordings. In private or intimate situations, the signal could easily be overlooked or perceived as insufficient.
Data processing and storage
What happens to the recorded data?
According to the manufacturer, photos and videos are initially synchronized only between the glasses and the Meta View app and can be stored locally on the smartphone. Transfer to Meta servers only occurs if cloud processing functions are explicitly enabled.
However, privacy regulations have recently changed: When using Meta AI with the "Hey Meta" command, the camera is automatically activated, and these interactions are saved by default. Audio data from Meta AI interactions is also used to improve AI models.
Users can disable this data collection, but doing so significantly impairs hands-free functionality. A Meta account is required for use, meaning certain personal data will inevitably be shared with Meta.
Suitable for:
Concerns from data protection experts
What risks do experts see with smart glasses?
Privacy experts warn about the unobtrusive surveillance capabilities of smart glasses. A particularly worrying example was provided by Harvard students with their "I-XRAY" project, in which they used Ray-Ban Meta glasses to automatically identify people and extract personal information such as names, addresses, and even social security numbers.
The project demonstrated how smart glasses can be linked to publicly available facial recognition services and databases to create comprehensive profiles of random passersby within seconds. The students emphasize that anyone with basic programming skills could develop similar systems.
What's particularly problematic is that the people affected have no way of knowing that they are not only being filmed, but also analyzed and identified. This represents a new dimension of surveillance that goes far beyond conventional camera recordings.
Price structure and availability
Current prices in Germany
How much does the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer cost in Germany?
The entry-level price for the Ray-Ban Meta starts at around €329 for the Skyler model and €349 for the Wayfarer and Headliner versions. Depending on the features, lens type, and size, the price can rise to over €400.
Retailers like Idealo offer the glasses starting at €328.95, with various color combinations and lens options influencing the price. Transitions lenses, which automatically adjust to changing light conditions, cost extra.
There are regular special offers with prices reduced by 10-20 percent. These limited-time offers are often available in the Ray-Ban online store or at authorized retailers.
Availability and distribution channels
Where can you buy the Ray-Ban Meta?
The glasses are available in Germany through various channels, including authorized optician shops, online retailers such as Mister Spex, Edel-Optics, and official Ray-Ban stores.
Many opticians offer the option of fitting glasses with corrective lenses, making them usable even for people with poor eyesight. However, prescription fitting is often only available in-store and not online.
Availability of individual models and colors may vary due to this relatively new and popular product. Some retailers offer pre-orders or notifications when available.
Competition and alternatives
Other smart glasses on the market
What alternatives are there to the Ray-Ban Meta?
The smart glasses market is developing rapidly, and various manufacturers are now offering interesting alternatives. The Solos AirGo V smart glasses rely on an open AI architecture and allow users to choose between various AI frameworks such as ChatGPT-4, Claude, or Google Gemini.
The Rokid Glasses, developed in collaboration with Bolon, even offer augmented reality features with a display directly in the lens. This displays translations and other information directly in the field of vision, representing a significant improvement over the purely audio-based Ray-Ban Meta.
Loomos is developing a model similar to the Ray-Ban Meta, but with a 16-megapixel camera and 4K video recording, it's said to be technically superior. Battery life is also said to be significantly better, with a 450 mAh battery and an optional power bank.
Audio-focused smart glasses
Are there smart glasses that primarily focus on audio?
Yes, various manufacturers offer smart glasses that are primarily designed as audio wearables. Anker's Soundcore Frames, for example, feature four speakers and offer 5.5 hours of listening time with interchangeable front frames for different situations.
The HUAWEI Eyewear 2 offers up to 11 hours of continuous music playback and features sophisticated technology to reduce noise emissions into the environment. These glasses do not have cameras and focus entirely on the audio experience.
Razer also offers a gaming-focused alternative with the Anzu Smart Glasses, featuring blue light filters and polarized lenses. These models are often cheaper than camera-based smart glasses, but offer fewer features.
Practical applications
Everyday usage scenarios
How does the Ray-Ban Meta fit into everyday use?
In the summer, when you're already wearing sunglasses, the Ray-Ban Meta becomes an unobtrusive tech companion. Listening to music while walking, taking spontaneous photos of special moments, or making hands-free phone calls while shopping are just a few of the practical uses.
The glasses are especially valuable for people who are on the go and need to keep their hands free. Cyclists can take calls without stopping, hikers can photograph landscapes without taking off their backpacks, and parents can capture moments with their children while they play.
Voice control makes the glasses particularly useful in situations where a smartphone isn't readily accessible, such as while cooking, gardening, or exercising. AI features can help with shopping by recognizing products and providing information about them.
Professional applications
Can smart glasses also be used professionally?
Absolutely, various professional scenarios lend themselves to smart glasses. Journalists can discreetly record interviews, real estate agents can present properties from their perspective, and tradespeople can document their work hands-free.
In education, smart glasses enable new forms of distance learning or the documentation of experiments and demonstrations. Medical professionals could record and transmit training sessions or complicated procedures from their perspective.
However, strict data protection and compliance rules must be observed when using the device for professional purposes, especially in sensitive areas such as healthcare or when working with confidential information.
Ray-Ban AR Generation: Better battery life, translations, and object recognition
Planned further developments
What does Meta plan for the future of smart glasses?
Meta has already announced several enhancements that will be available in the coming months. These include an improved live view feature, which will allow Meta AI to better understand what the user is currently viewing and respond accordingly, contextually.
Instagram integration will be expanded so that messages and photos can be sent and received directly through the glasses. Audio and video calls will also be possible, turning the glasses into a fully-fledged communication device.
Music access will be expanded, with direct integration of Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and other streaming services. Users will be able to search for and play songs, artists, or albums using voice commands.
Technological developments
What technological advances can be expected?
The next generation of smart glasses is expected to feature true augmented reality displays that project information directly into the field of vision. Meta is already working on an AR version of Ray-Ban Glasses, expected in the second half of 2025.
AI capabilities are continually improving, with better object recognition, expanded translation capabilities, and more intelligent contextual understanding. The integration of various AI platforms could give users more choice in their preferred assistant.
Battery life and component miniaturization will also continue to improve. Future models could last all day without charging while offering even more features.
Social effects
How could smart glasses change our society?
Smart glasses have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with information and our environment. The constant availability of AI assistants and translation features could reduce language barriers and democratize access to information.
At the same time, they raise important questions about privacy and surveillance. The younger generation is already showing resistance to this unobtrusive recording technology and demanding stricter privacy regulations.
Technology could also create new forms of social interaction where digital and physical worlds merge seamlessly. This could offer both opportunities for improved learning and work and risks to genuine human connection and attention.
Stylish Ray‑Ban Meta Wayfarer: Everyday smart glasses with compromises on battery life and data protection
Strengths of the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer
What are the biggest advantages of these smart glasses?
The Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer is particularly impressive due to its understated design, which sets it apart from futuristic-looking competitors. The integration of cutting-edge technology into a classic eyewear design is remarkably successful.
The audio quality is surprisingly good for such a compact system, and the open-ear technology allows you to listen to music while still being aware of your surroundings. The 12-megapixel camera quality is sufficient for spontaneous photos and short videos, especially for social media.
The AI features with German language support make the glasses a practical everyday companion. Live translation, although still limited, shows the potential for future applications. The practical charging case with multiple charges makes the glasses suitable for travel.
Weaknesses and limitations
What are the limits of the current Ray-Ban Meta?
The 4-hour battery life is relatively short for intensive use and requires regular charging. The video quality, although HD, isn't comparable to modern smartphones, and the 60-second limit limits longer recordings.
Live translation only works in one direction and currently supports only four languages, with German not available as a source language. The heavy reliance on meta services and the requirement for a meta account can be problematic for privacy-conscious users.
The privacy concerns are justified, as the small LED may not be sufficient to adequately inform others about recordings. The risk of misuse for unnoticed surveillance remains.
Overall rating
Is it worth buying a Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer?
For technology-savvy users who are already entrenched in the Meta ecosystem and value stylish design, the Ray-Ban Meta offers a compelling all-round package. It's especially suitable for people who are on the go and need to keep their hands free.
The glasses are less suitable for users who primarily want to take high-quality photos and videos, as conventional smartphones are superior in this regard. They are also not the right choice for people with strong privacy concerns or an aversion to metadata services.
The price of over €300 is relatively high for a gadget with limited functionality, but appropriate for the combination of designer sunglasses and cutting-edge technology. The Ray-Ban Meta represents an important step toward everyday smart glasses, even if it doesn't yet fulfill all the technology's promises.
In conclusion, the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer RW4008 is an impressive demonstration of how far smart glasses have come. It offers a glimpse into a future where technology is seamlessly integrated into our everyday lives, but also raises important questions about privacy, data protection, and societal impact. For early adopters and technology enthusiasts, it's already a fascinating gadget, while more conservative users may want to wait for the next generation, which could offer even more sophisticated features and better privacy solutions.
We are there for you - advice - planning - implementation - project management
☑️ SME support in strategy, consulting, planning and implementation
☑️ Creation or realignment of the AI strategy
☑️ Pioneer Business Development
Konrad Wolfenstein
I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.
You can contact me by filling out the contact form below or simply call me on +49 89 89 674 804 (Munich) .
I'm looking forward to our joint project.
Write to me
Xpert.Digital - Konrad Wolfenstein
Xpert.Digital is a hub for industry with a focus on digitalization, mechanical engineering, logistics/intralogistics and photovoltaics.
With our 360° business development solution, we support well-known companies from new business to after sales.
Market intelligence, smarketing, marketing automation, content development, PR, mail campaigns, personalized social media and lead nurturing are part of our digital tools.
You can find out more at: www.xpert.digital - www.xpert.solar - www.xpert.plus
Keep in touch
