Ray-Ban Smart Glasses Get Major Updates: Gesture Messaging & Developer Access
Meta has announced a series of updates for its Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, including the general availability of a feature that allows users to compose messages using hand gestures. The company has also opened a developer preview for third-party applications.
Gesture-Based Messaging and Messaging Updates
The glasses now allow users to compose messages through hand gestures using a neural wristband.
The feature was previously available in early access for WhatsApp and Messenger. It is now available to all users across WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, and native Android and iOS messaging applications.
Additional messaging-related updates include live captions for voice messages received via WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram DM.
Display Recording and Navigation
The glasses now feature display recording, which captures video combining the lens display, the real-world view, and ambient audio.
Walking directions are now available for the entire United States, as well as major international cities including London, Paris, and Rome.
Third-Party Developer Access
Meta has opened a developer preview for the Ray-Ban Display glasses, allowing developers to build and deploy third-party applications. The company is providing two build paths: one for mobile apps and one for web apps.
In a promotional video, Meta demonstrated a sample application that identifies flights based on the user's field of view. The company stated that access to the developer preview will roll out over the coming weeks.
Industry Context
This development coincides with the upcoming launch of Android XR's first hardware.
That hardware is Samsung's audio-only "Galaxy Glasses." Display-equipped glasses in the Android XR ecosystem are expected at a later date. Android XR allows Android applications to extend to these new device form factors.