Meta has announced a limited-time discount of 20% on its Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1) smart glasses, reducing the price from $300 to $240 until December 1, 2023. This promotion aims to attract customers ahead of the Black Friday shopping rush, making these smart glasses more accessible to a broader audience.
Released in 2023, the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1) smart glasses integrate features such as video and photo capture, an onboard AI assistant, and the ability to play music and take calls. The recent introduction of the second generation, priced starting at $380, has drawn attention for its enhancements, including improved battery life, higher-quality video capture, and superior audio capabilities.
Details of the Promotion
The current 20% discount applies to all lens and style combinations of the Gen 1 smart glasses. Customers can purchase these glasses directly from Meta’s website, which offers expedited shipping, as well as through partner retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Ray-Ban stores, and Target in the United States. This offer is also available in several regions, with local pricing options in Europe, Australia, Canada, India, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, and the UK.
In addition to the discount on the Gen 1 smart glasses, Meta is providing a 20% discount on prescription lenses for both the Gen 1 and Gen 2 models, as well as for Oakley Meta HSTN glasses. This offer is exclusively available through Meta and will also end on December 1, 2023.
Specifications Comparison: Gen 1 vs. Gen 2
For those considering the differences between the two generations, the specifications reveal notable upgrades in the Gen 2 model:
– **Camera:** Both generations feature a 12 MP ultra-wide camera, but the Gen 2 has an improved sensor.
– **Video Resolution:** The Gen 1 captures video at 1,440 × 1,920 @ 30 fps, while the Gen 2 can record up to 3K @ 30 fps, including livestreaming capabilities.
– **Battery Life:** The Gen 1 offers approximately 4 hours of use, whereas the Gen 2 boasts up to 8 hours. The carrying case for the Gen 1 provides around 32 hours of extra charge, compared to 48 hours for the Gen 2.
– **Audio:** The Gen 1 features open-ear speakers, while the Gen 2 includes enhanced speakers with improved volume and bass.
While Meta’s discounts are significant, some analysts suggest that the price drop may be a strategic move to clear out inventory of the Gen 1 model before further promoting the Gen 2 version.
Potential buyers should consider that while the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses offer unique features, such as integrated AI, they may not match the video quality of high-end smartphones or the audio performance of dedicated wireless earbuds. Therefore, they might appeal more as an innovative gadget or gift rather than as essential tech.
As the holiday shopping season approaches, this promotion encourages early adopters to explore the capabilities of smart eyewear while also keeping an eye on the evolving technology landscape.
