Meta has introduced an innovative feature for its smart glasses, which aims to improve communication in noisy environments. The new function, known as Conversation Focus, is now available to select users enrolled in the Early Access program. This software enhancement allows users to filter out surrounding noise and concentrate on the voices of individuals directly in front of them.
The challenge for users of Meta’s smart glasses, particularly those marketed in collaboration with Ray-Ban, has been the difficulty in holding conversations in chaotic public spaces. Unlike traditional earbuds, such as the popular AirPods, the audio hardware in these smart glasses has not been optimized for such scenarios. With the rollout of Conversation Focus, Meta aims to address these limitations.
How Conversation Focus Works
According to Meta, Conversation Focus operates by amplifying specific audio signals while minimizing background noise. Users can activate this feature simply by saying, “Hey Meta, start conversation focus.” The company reports that this functionality works best when the distance between two people is less than 1.8 meters. Once engaged, the voices of individuals directly in front of the user will be enhanced, making dialogue in noisy settings more manageable.
Conversation Focus features two modes: standard and boosted. The boosted mode provides sharper voice amplification, making it particularly effective in loud environments. Users can also modify the level of amplification by sliding their fingers on the touchpad located on the glasses’ side arms.
While this feature shows promise, it does have limitations. Meta cautions that Conversation Focus is not intended for use in “extremely loud environments.” Additionally, activating other features that require microphone access, such as interacting with the onboard assistant, will temporarily pause the Conversation Focus function.
Availability and Comparison to Competitors
Currently, Conversation Focus is available for the Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta HSTN smart glasses in the United States and Canada, but only for users participating in the Early Access program. The feature was initially highlighted by UploadVR and has drawn comparisons to a similar function called Conversation Awareness offered by AirPods.
As Meta continues to enhance its smart glasses technology, the introduction of Conversation Focus marks a significant step towards making this innovative device more user-friendly in everyday situations. By addressing one of the key challenges faced by users, Meta aims to solidify its position in the competitive landscape of wearable technology.
