October 08, 2024

Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Reach Version 9.0, Introduce Voice Messaging Feature

Ray-Ban Meta glasses have just received a significant software update, hitting Version 9.0 - the latest in a series of frequent updates for the tech-forward eyewear, which is still less than a year old. This update arrives only a month after Version 8.0, continuing the trend of regular, and sometimes large, version number increases for relatively small tweaks and new features.

While updates often come with the usual "bug fixes and performance enhancements," Version 9.0 also introduces three noteworthy new features.

The most significant addition is the ability to record and send voice messages directly from the glasses. Users can now create voice memos up to one minute long and send them via WhatsApp or Messenger, Meta's two major messaging platforms. It's as simple as saying, "Hey, Meta, send a message," to get the ball rolling. Additionally, users can also play voice messages they've received through the glasses by saying, "Hey, Meta, play message," after getting a notification of a new message. This hands-free messaging feature enhances the convenience and utility of the smart glasses, blending communication seamlessly into everyday life.

Another useful update in Version 9.0 is the ability to set timers without using your hands. You can now instruct your glasses to set a timer, and when the timer is up, you'll be notified through the glasses themselves. This may seem like a simple feature, but it adds a level of practicality for users who are engaged in tasks where they can't easily use their hands, such as cooking or exercising.

The third update involves Meta AI, which now allows users to share responses from the AI to Facebook or Instagram Stories or with contacts. This feature works entirely through voice commands, so you can ask Meta AI to share responses without needing to switch to the Meta View app. If you're interacting with Meta AI, simply saying "Hey, Meta, share that," will post the response to social media or send it to a contact. This kind of integration is still in its early stages, but it highlights how Meta is continuing to blend AI and social media functionality into its wearable tech.

While these updates are practical, they don't quite match the excitement of the innovations showcased by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg during the Meta Connect event in late September. That event teased even bigger developments for the future, leaving users with the sense that more significant updates are still on the horizon.

With Ray-Ban Meta glasses regularly receiving these updates, it's clear that Meta is committed to refining and expanding the functionality of its smart eyewear. Although Version 9.0 doesn't revolutionize the glasses, it provides useful features that improve the overall experience. And with the promise of even more major updates down the road, these glasses are likely to continue evolving as a key part of Meta's ecosystem.