A personal perspective on how far wearable technology has come
For many years, I used an old Jordy device I had bought secondhand. It wasn’t perfect—clunky, heavy, and prone to falling apart—but it gave me something priceless: the ability to enjoy live performances. I held onto it until it literally couldn’t be wired back together anymore. That experience made me realize just how valuable wearable vision tools can be, even when they’re less than convenient.
From bulky headgear to sleek smart glasses—assistive technology has come a long way
This research was done initially because I am interested in purchasing smart glasses myself, and what I have found is that the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses seem to be the most popular—especially with the upgrades they have recently made.
👓 What Are AI Smart Glasses?
If you’ve been hearing terms like AI glasses, media glasses, or smart glasses and wondering if they’re all the same thing—the answer is “yes and no.”
- Meta Smart Glasses (Ray-Ban/Meta partnership): These look like a regular pair of glasses but include a built-in camera, microphone, small speakers, and AI software that connects to your phone. You can snap a picture of what’s in front of you, ask a question, and get a spoken response.
- AI Smart Glasses: A broader category covering Meta’s glasses plus other brands that use artificial intelligence to describe your surroundings, read text, recognize faces, or help with navigation.
- Media Glasses: Often used when people rely on them mainly for photos, video clips, or music. Not all media glasses have strong accessibility features.
The difference from earlier devices, like Jordy, is huge. Where older wearable technology magnified what was in front of you, today’s smart glasses actually interpret what they see and provide real-time spoken feedback. That leap—from magnifying to understanding—makes them one of the most exciting assistive technologies to watch.
💡 What AI Smart Glasses Can Do
The most compelling feature of today’s AI smart glasses is how they integrate vision assistance into everyday situations. Real-world examples people have shared include:
Using voice commands, Meta AI Smart Glasses can read text aloud—like menus in a café—making daily tasks easier for people with vision loss.
Menus and dining out: Snap a photo of a menu and ask, “What kind of sandwiches do they have?” The AI can even filter by request, such as “low calorie” or “chicken options.”
Shopping help: Identifying items on shelves, comparing labels, or confirming product details without fumbling with a handheld magnifier.
Clothing and color identification: Asking, “What color is this shirt?” to avoid mismatched outfits.
Navigation: Reading signs, describing what’s in front of you, or helping you find your way out of a building. Some users have even paired the glasses with Be My Eyes for live volunteer or professional help.
Communication and entertainment: Making and receiving calls, listening to music, taking notes, snapping photos, or recording short videos hands-free.
They’re not just magnifiers or readers—they’re multi-purpose tools blending accessibility with convenience.
💬 Reactions From Real Users
What stands out most is the emotional response many people have had.
- Some reported being moved to tears when they realized how much independence the glasses gave them.
- Vision support groups have noted strong reactions, particularly from older adults with macular degeneration who may not be comfortable with complex technology but found these glasses approachable.
- Others remain skeptical. A few felt the setup was complicated or questioned whether the glasses were reliable enough for safety.
This range of feedback is important—it reminds us that while many find them life-changing, they’re not one-size-fits-all.
Many users describe AI smart glasses as surprisingly natural—stylish enough for daily wear while offering life-changing functionality.
👎 The Challenges
Like any tool, AI smart glasses have limitations:
Battery life: Current models may not last a full day, requiring mid-day recharging.
Weather concerns: They’re not waterproof, so rain can be an obstacle.
Comfort and style: While lighter than older devices, some still find them bulky or wish for wraparound frames.
Reliability: AI descriptions aren’t always perfect, and glitches happen. For someone fully blind, the glasses may feel less useful without pairing them with live assistance.
Learning curve: Success often depends on comfort with technology, apps, and AI prompts.
Weighing the pros and cons: AI smart glasses hold promise, but like any tool, they come with challenges.
These aren’t dealbreakers for everyone, but they’re worth weighing before investing.
💰 Comparing Costs
One of the most surprising aspects is the price point.
- Traditional head-worn devices marketed specifically to people with vision loss often cost several thousand dollars.
- AI smart glasses like the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are in the $300–$500 range.
For many, that makes them far more approachable. LensCrafters and Ray-Ban both offer prescription lens options, which is another plus for people who still use corrective lenses.
🔮 The Future of AI Smart Glasses
The technology is evolving quickly, and we’re just scratching the surface. Already in beta are:
- Language translation: Imagine traveling and asking, “What does this sign say?” and hearing the answer in English.
- More natural descriptions: Improvements in AI prompting mean descriptions are becoming more accurate and useful.
- Design options: Requests for wraparound frames or different styles may lead to broader choices in the near future.
As these glasses improve, they may become as common as smartphones—tools that help us all, but especially empower those of us with low vision.
Looking toward the future: smart glasses may open new ways of seeing the world.
📝 A Note on Other Brands
While I’ve focused here on Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses because they’re currently the most widely available, they’re not the only option out there. Other companies are actively developing or updating their own versions of AI smart glasses. I plan to review these as more information becomes available—so this is just the beginning of the conversation.
💭 Why This Matters to Me
Having lived through earlier devices, I can’t help but feel a sense of amazement at how far we’ve come. I once relied on a patched-together Jordy just to see a play. Now, I can imagine walking into a restaurant, asking my glasses what’s on the menu, and choosing a meal with confidence.
AI smart glasses aren’t perfect, and they may not work for everyone. But they represent something many of us have been waiting for: a tool that blends into daily life while giving back a measure of independence.
📣 Want to Learn More?
For a detailed review, you might want to check out First Aid for the Blind’s article on Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.
And if you’ve tried them—or any other smart glasses—I’d love to hear your experience. Are they a game-changer for you, or do you find yourself waiting for the next update?