Meta launches new “prescription optimized” smart glasses.

While Meta has released several versions of its AI glasses over the past few years, today it has Announce Two new styles have been released specifically geared toward those of us with less-than-perfect vision.

The new frames were called Ray-Ban Meta Optics Styles It comes in the shape of a rectangular blazer And a circular copy “duplicator”. Compared to regular Ray-Bans, these also feature hyper-stretch hinges, interchangeable nose pads, and opticians’ adjustable temple tips so users can better customize the fit. While over-extension hinges were introduced with Meta Ray Ban offerThey were absent from Ray-Ban’s regular lineup. The frames will come in a variety of colors, from matte black and translucent to dark olive, ice gray and stone beige. The carrying case also comes in dark brown. The new “prescription enhanced” glasses will be available starting April 14 for $499, and are currently available for pre-order.

According to a Meta press release, these glasses also “support almost all prescriptions.” Previously, Ray-Ban glasses were only able to support prescriptions of ±6 (and only ±2 for display glasses) — not too shabby for smart glasses, but a far cry from “almost all prescriptions.” When asked for further clarification, Meta spokesman Albert Aydin said Edge “The scope of prescriptions for Blayzer and Scriber is not restricted. However, customers will need to check with their retailer about any scope restrictions.” Aydin also explained that the ±6 range still applies if you are ordering directly from Meta. If your prescription is outside of this, you will have to take the frames to an optometrist or LensCrafters type store.

Meta has come under a lot of criticism recently for its smart glasses, especially regarding privacy, a Proposed facial recognition featureAnd how The glasses were being abused by creeps. This release also highlights another hurdle to broader adoption of AI glasses: vision and fit. For many people, smart glasses can’t just be gadgets, they should double as vision-correcting medical devices. Until now, smart glasses makers have struggled to accommodate all vision types and face shapes.

Meta also announced some new software features coming to Ray-Bans. On the software front, Meta will add AI-powered feed recordings later this summer. With the glasses, you’ll be able to use voice prompts, take a photo of your meal, and add those details to your food log in the Meta AI app. She claims that in the future, glasses will be able to do this automatically without prompting. The company is also adding hands-free WhatsApp summaries to its early access program, and says these message summaries will be processed on-device with end-to-end encryption.

Meanwhile, Display users get two new games to play: 2048 and a new platformer called GOAT, both of which are now available and use Neural Band. The Neural Handwriting feature will also be rolled out more widely in the coming weeks and will add iMessage support. Turn-by-turn navigation will also begin supporting every US city in May.