Talk to an AI Without Touching Your Phone — Meta × Ray-Ban Smart Glasses Now Available in Japan
On May 21, 2026, Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) officially launched in Japan starting at ¥73,700. Just say 'Hey Meta' and the AI responds — point the camera at a foreign-language sign and it translates to Japanese, or capture photos and videos completely hands-free. A new way to interact with AI without ever taking your phone out of your pocket.
Imagine getting answers from an AI simply by talking to your glasses — no phone required. On May 21, 2026, Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) and Oakley Meta, jointly developed by Meta and Ray-Ban, officially launched in Japan.
What Is It?
Ray-Ban Meta is a pair of smart glasses (eyewear with built-in AI and connectivity) featuring Meta's AI assistant. They look almost identical to ordinary sunglasses or eyeglasses. Inside, however, they pack a 12-megapixel camera, five microphones, and open-ear speakers.
Just by wearing these glasses, you can have a conversation with an AI and capture photos and videos completely hands-free — no need to reach for your smartphone.
Ray-Ban Meta is available at Ray-Ban and Oakley retail stores, official online stores, authorized retailers nationwide, and Meta.com.
What Can It Do?
Call Up the AI Instantly with "Hey Meta"
Just say "Hey Meta" and the AI assistant activates. Ask "What's the weather today?" or "How many calories are in this dish?" and get an instant answer — without unlocking your phone and typing a search.
Hands-Free Photo and Video Capture
The 12MP ultra-wide camera shoots up to 3K video at 30fps. With both hands free, you can capture natural, eye-level photos in moments when pulling out a camera would feel awkward or intrusive.
Point the Camera at a Foreign Sign and Hear It in Japanese
A text translation feature is available from day one. Aim the glasses' camera at a sign written in English, French, or another language and the AI reads it aloud in Japanese. No need to open a dictionary app at restaurants or tourist spots.
Music, Calls, and More — All Hands-Free
Open-ear speakers (which don't block your ears) let music play without cutting you off from your surroundings. You won't miss train announcements, and incoming calls can be answered directly through the glasses.
How Can You Actually Use Them?
While Traveling
Abroad, point the glasses at street signs or restaurant menus and the AI explains them in Japanese. Starting in June 2026, Live Translation arrives — real-time conversation translation in 20 languages. Even if your English isn't strong, you can hold a natural back-and-forth conversation with locals.
Text translation is available at launch. Live translation (real-time conversation translation) rolls out from June 2026. If you have travel plans, check the release timing before you go.
In Everyday Life
On your morning commute, even with your hands full, you can ask the AI about your schedule or today's weather. While grocery shopping, look at an ingredient and ask "what recipe would work with this?" and get a suggestion on the spot. LINE integration is also in preparation for Japan, which should make the glasses even more useful day-to-day.
At Work
Review notes or reminders between meetings without touching your phone. On the go, say "Hey Meta, send a message to [contact]" and it's done. The battery lasts up to 8 hours, so it holds through a full day out.
Because a camera is built in, it's important to be mindful of those around you. Avoid using the camera in places where privacy is a concern. An LED indicator on the frame lights up to notify nearby people when recording is active.
How Much Does It Cost?
- ✓12MP Ultra-Wide Camera
- ✓3K/30fps Video
- ✓Hey Meta AI Assistant
- ✓Open-Ear Speakers
- ✓8-Hour Battery
- ✓Prescription Lens Compatible
- ✓Same Features as Ray-Ban Meta
- ✓Ideal for Those Who Need Vision Correction
- ✓Sport-Oriented Design
- ✓Same Features as Ray-Ban Meta
- ✓Perfect for Outdoor & Active Use
- ✓Oakley Flagship Model
- ✓Sport & Fashion Combined
- ✓Top-of-the-Line Specs
Prices vary by model and lens type. They cost more than ordinary glasses or sunglasses, but the price includes an AI assistant, camera, speakers, and microphones all in one device.
Summary
Ray-Ban Meta offers a new way to "wear" AI. Without taking out your smartphone, the AI interprets what's in front of you and responds to your voice. It's genuinely useful for translation while traveling and quick everyday lookups.
That said, camera-equipped glasses do raise real privacy considerations. Be thoughtful about where and when you use the recording features. Once LINE integration arrives in Japan, these glasses should feel even more integrated into daily life. The best first step is to head to a Ray-Ban or Oakley store and try them on.
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