With the the advent of smart specs, we have two very exciting options when entering the world of wearable tech. The Even Realities G1 and Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses take very different approaches to integrating technology into eyewear. While the G1 focuses on an augmented reality (AR) experience with a heads-up display (HUD) and AI-powered functionalities, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses prioritise audio, hands-free communication, and camera features.

Feature	Even Realities G1	Ray-Ban Meta
Display	Yes (Micro-LED HUD with waveguide lenses)	No display
Camera	No camera	Yes (12 MP camera, 1080p video recording)
Audio	No built-in Speakers	Yes (open-ear speakers & microphone)
AI Assist	Yes (text-based AI for notes, translation, nav)	Yes (Meta AI for voice commands)
Navigation	Yes (turn-by-turn directions in HUD)	No built-in navigation
Battery	1.5 days per charge, with additional 2.5 recharges from case	4-6 hours per charge with additional 72 hours from case
Design	Lightweight magnesium alloy frame, titanium support	Classic Ray-Ban styles (Wayfarer, Headliner)
Sun / UV	Includes sun clip-on accessory	Transition photochromic lenses available
Price	Prices from £679*	Prices from £299*

^* Prescription and non-prescription options available

🔍 Display and Visual Experience

• Even Realities G1:
• Features a waveguide-based HUD, which projects digital information in the user’s field of vision.
• The display can be set approximately two-five meters away, so notifications, translations, and navigation data are readable without obstructing natural vision.
• Text size and positioning are adjustable for comfort.
• Ideal for users who need hands-free access to real-time information, such as travelers, professionals, or tech enthusiasts.

• Ray-Ban Meta:
• No built-in display—these glasses focus on audio and camera-based interactivity.
• Users hear notifications and interact via voice, rather than seeing information on a screen.
• Best for those who prefer voice-based AI assistants over AR overlays.

📸 Camera & Media Capabilities

• Even Realities G1:
• No camera, since it focuses on AR text-based enhancements rather than photography or video.

• Ray-Ban Meta:
• Equipped with a 12 MP ultra-wide camera, capable of:
• 1080p video recording (up to 60 seconds).
• Live streaming to Facebook & Instagram.
• Taking photos hands-free using voice commands like “Hey Meta, take a photo.”
• Five-microphone array enhances audio pickup for calls, voice commands, and video recordings.
• Open-ear speakers allow users to hear without blocking ambient noise, ideal for music and calls.

🗺 Navigation and AI Assistance

• Even Realities G1:
• Provides turn-by-turn navigation via HUD, displaying directions, street names, and distance.
• Real-time language translation appears directly in the user’s view (supports 13 languages).
• AI-powered features include:
• QuickNotes (voice-to-text note-taking).
• Teleprompt mode (displays speech prompts for presentations).
• Smart notifications (text messages, reminders, and alerts).

• Ray-Ban Meta:
• No built-in navigation or translation.
• Powered by Meta AI, which enables voice-based interactions:
• Set reminders, play music, ask questions, or control smart home devices.
• Can summarise incoming messages and provide verbal notifications.
• The AI does not display information visually, making it better suited for audio-based interactions.

🔋 Battery Life and Charging

• Even Realities G1:
• Battery lasts up to 1.5 days per charge.
• Comes with a 2,000mAh charging case, which recharges the glasses 2.5 times before needing to be plugged in.
• Modular design allows for battery replacement to extend the device’s lifespan.

• Ray-Ban Meta:
• Battery lasts ~4-6 hours depending on use (video recording drains battery faster).
• Charging case provides additional battery life but does not extend it as much as the G1’s case.
• Users typically need to charge the glasses daily for consistent use.

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NB Both the Even Realities G1 and Ray-Ban Meta frames are designed to seamlessly integrate smart technology with everyday functionality. Even if the battery is used and smart features are unavailable, these frames continue to perform as regular glasses, whether fitted with prescription lenses or not. This makes them an excellent choice as your main pair of glasses or a stylish and innovative spare pair.

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⚙️ Build Quality & Comfort

• Even Realities G1:
• Frame made from lightweight magnesium alloy with sandstone coating for durability.
• Temples crafted from hypoallergenic titanium alloy & silicone, ensuring a comfortable fit.
• Prescription and non-prescription lens options available, and opticians can replace lenses if needed.
• Clip-on sunglasses accessory available.

• Ray-Ban Meta:
• Maintains the iconic Ray-Ban design, available in popular styles like Wayfarer & Headliner.
• Lightweight acetate frame, but slightly heavier than traditional sunglasses due to embedded electronics.
• Prescription lens options available.
• Prioritises fashion and familiarity over futuristic design.

💡 User Experience

Even Realities G1: Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• ✔ HUD provides real-time digital overlays (auto-prompt, navigation, translation, notifications).
• ✔ Hands-free AI assistance (note-taking, presentations, smart notifications).
• ✔ Extended battery life with charging case.
• ✔ Prescription lens available.
• ✔️ Software still improving, open source so anything possible, many apps and functions still in development.

❌ Cons:

• ✘ No camera or audio features, so no music.
• ✘ Higher price point as includes more technology.
• ✘ Care needed when placing in case, if contact not secure won’t charge.

Ray-Ban Meta: Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• ✔ Looks and feels like normal Ray-Bans—great for everyday wear. Solid and robust feel, seamless connection to charging case.
• ✔ Camera for photos, videos, and live streaming, alternative option to devices like GoPro.
• ✔ Built-in speakers for music, audio, calls & notifications, no more need for headphones or earbuds.
• ✔ Meta AI assistant enables voice commands.
• ✔️ Software still improving, language translation functions due imminently.

❌ Cons:

• ✘ No display or AR features—purely an audio & camera experience.
• ✘ Battery life is slightly shorter (~4-6 hours), requiring more frequent charging.
• ✘ Limited frame adjustment possible, frames can’t be heated or bent due to technology inside. Professional fitting by an optician recommended.

🧐 Final Verdict: Which One Is Right for You?

🔹 Choose the Even Realities G1 if:

• You need a smart HUD for real-time information (e.g., translation, navigation, notifications).
• You want a true AR experience integrated into glasses.
• Battery life and modular design are important to you.

🔹 Choose the Ray-Ban Meta if:

• You want a stylish, discreet smart glasses option that looks like regular sunglasses.
• You prioritise camera and audio over a display.
• You want a voice-controlled AI assistant (Meta AI) for daily tasks.

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Even Realities G1 Smart Glasses and Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses cater to different needs and audiences.

Even Realities G1: a device with advanced AR capabilities, professional applications, and immersive digital overlays. Ray-Ban Meta: a stylish, everyday wearable that focuses on capturing photos/videos, listening to audio, and staying connected without the complexity of AR. Both represent exciting steps forward in wearable technology, but your choice will depend on whether you prioritise augmented reality or stylish, functional simplicity.

Both Even Realities G1 and Ray-Ban Meta are available from Jack Brown Eyecare located in Elder Street in Edinburgh city centre.

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For information relating to other smart eyewear options like Ray-Ban Meta please see here.

For information relating to other smart eyewear options like Even Realities G1 please see here.

If you would like any more information or wish to book in for a demonstration of either of these products with one of our opticians please complete the form below.

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Article written by Andrew Connell, IP Optometrist | Shareholder

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