Curious about the hype surrounding smart glasses but don’t want to drop a grand for a pair? One online resource specializing in wearables compares two recent releases that won’t cost you over $500.
Back in the day, you’d be chastised for standing too close to the TV. Now, techies are paying a premium to get high-definition video streamed a few centimeters from their eyeballs. Times have indeed changed!
Seriously though, if you’re in the market for a new set of smart glasses, you’re spoiled for choice.
Precisionopticspro.com, an online resource on everything smart glasses, breaks down the two most popular options for anyone who doesn’t have $3,500 to spend on an Apple Vision Pro.
Kidding. Read on and find out why you don't need that overpriced piece of tech at all with choices as good as these within reach.
The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses sport the iconic look of the Ray-Ban brand but differ in the amount of high technology they can carry in such a small package. "They’re built to be as comfortable as traditional sunglasses, with the added weight from the tech being well-distributed for all-day wear," Precisionopticspro.com said.
The latest edition of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses offers many noticeable improvements over the first generation, which hit the market back in 2022. For one, the camera has been upgraded from 5MP to 12MP and is now capable of recording 1080p videos for up to 60 seconds. Sound is also improved with louder speakers, better bass, reduced audio leakage, and a five-mic setup for clearer recordings.
Because it's part of the Ray-Ban family, you get access to hundreds of frames and lenses, including the latest Skyler and Headliner lines.
"Most importantly, these glasses have an approachable form factor that doesn’t scream 'tech gadget' at first glance. They’re designed to fit into your lifestyle with ease," Precisionopticspro.com said.
Another name that often comes up when discussing smart glasses is the Viture One XR Glasses. But while the Ray-Ban Meta has features more targeted towards content creation, the Viture One XR caters more towards content consumers with an immersive, portable display suited for entertainment and gaming.
The Viture One XR is capable of providing wearers with a clear display, thanks to its 120-inch micro-OLED screen with a resolution of 1920×1080 per eye. Users can also expect crisp sound quality courtesy of the built-in HARMAN AudioEFX, which is proving to be the audio tech of choice for small devices.
As a portable display, the Viture One XR Glasses connect with a wide array of entertainment devices, including native support for all major game consoles and portable devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.
As for looks, the Viture One XR Glasses are not as sleek as the Ray-Ban Metas but still won't attract that much attention. "Their design is sleek and unassuming, with tech components integrated so subtly that they’re nearly invisible to the casual observer," Precisionopticspro.com said.
Both glasses retail under $500, with the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses having a slightly lower price tag.
If you're looking to give smart glasses a try without breaking the proverbial bank, either one is worth a look.
This content is provided in partnership with Precisionopticspro.com and is intended for informational purposes only. The views, opinions, and advice expressed in this article are solely those of Precisionopticspro.com and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any other individual, organization, or entity.
