Meta Ray-Ban prescription glasses could finally replace your normal specs

They might be a bit niche, but Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses have their place among the best gadgets. I’m using them to listen to Spotify by the pool on holiday right now, as I type these very words. And for those of you with glasses, the next iteration could see Meta Ray-Ban prescription glasses become a reality.

• Read more: Google’s AI music tool lets you generate three-minute songs

According to a new report from Bloomberg (via Engadget), the next pair of Meta Ray-Ban AI glasses are being designed specifically with prescription glasses wearers in mind. At least, if the latest rumours – and some rather revealing FCC filings – are to be believed.

While you can technically already get prescription lenses for the current Meta Ray-Bans, these new models (reportedly codenamed Scriber and Blazer) are expected to be sold through traditional eyewear channels from the jump. They’ll likely come in both rounded and rectangular styles, catering to those who prefer more traditional spec designs.

Don’t expect any other extras like a full augmented reality experience just yet, though. Despite Zuckerberg’s frequent hints that “most glasses” will eventually be AI glasses, these upcoming models aren’t expected to feature a built-in display. Instead, they’ll likely stick to the camera and audio-led AI features we’ve seen before, albeit in a form factor that’s likely more comfortable for full-time wearers.

The move makes plenty of sense. Zuckerberg has previously noted that billions of people wear glasses or contacts for vision correction, and capturing that market is the quickest way to normalise wearing a computer on your face.

We’re expecting an official announcement as early as next week, though these are tipped to be a refinement of the current tech rather than a new generation overhaul. Either way, it’s set to be unveiled soon, so watch this space.

• Read more: ChatGPT erotic chatbot? OpenAI says no

Esat Dedezade Contributor

About

Esat has been a gadget fan ever since his tiny four-year-old brain was captivated by a sound-activated dancing sunflower. From there it was a natural progression to a Sega Mega Drive, a brief obsession with hedgehogs, and a love for all things tech. After 7 years as a writer and deputy editor for Stuff, Esat ventured out into the corporate world, spending three years as Editor of Microsoft's European News Centre. Now a freelance writer, his appetite for shiny gadgets has no bounds. Oh, and like all good human beings, he's very fond of cats.