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8.3 / 10
SCORE Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 $379 at Meta Pros Double the battery life of previous glasses
Improved video quality
No change to size, can swap lens from older model Cons Higher price
Still no landscape photo or video mode
AI features are still a mixed bag
I stared at a flower outside my hotel near Meta's campus and asked my new Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses to identify the species. I got multiple answers. Each time I asked if Meta was sure about that flower, its response changed. Eventually, the AI embedded in the glasses admitted that, yes, it was being unreliable. On the plus side, at least I don't have to worry as much about battery life now.
Smart glasses are better than they've ever been, thanks to Meta. They're not perfect, not by a long shot, but I don't expect perfection. I just want a pair of smart glasses that'll last most of the day before needing a recharge. At $379, the second-gen Ray-Ban Meta glasses are my go-to choice, and a clear upgrade over the still-available $299 first-gen model. Double the battery life is more than worth it, and it has a massive impact on how functional these glasses feel.
The second-gen (or third-gen, if you count Stories) Meta Ray-Ban glasses get a big battery boost that's changed how I wear them. Scott Stein/CNET
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