I went shopping wearing the AI-powered Meta Ray-Bans — here’s what I love and what annoyed me

I've used Meta AI a lot, but I had no idea how much it could transform a typical Target run and a grocery shopping errand. Using Meta Ray-Ban glasses. I was eager to test their AI functionality in a real-life scenario.

These smart glasses combine iconic style with Meta’s cutting-edge features, including AI technology such as voice-command texting, music streaming, video capture and real-time data. At first glance, they look like any regular pair of glasses or sunglasses. Well, on me they look like an oversized pair of glasses — right now the glasses only come in standard size or large, so if you have a small face like me, it might be a little awkward at first. I opted for the clear version so I could use them indoors.

The glasses quickly proved their worth at my local grocery store. As a parent juggling three kids, I’m constantly managing a mental list of what to buy. With the glasses on, I could easily take hands-free notes via voice commands. I could also get texts from my husband such as, “Don’t forget trash bags,” without ever needing to pull out my phone. The result? My focus stayed on finding everything I needed instead of fumbling with a device.

Using AI, I really liked talking to Meta and getting immediate answers. For example, I asked Meta if freezer Ziplock bags were really necessary or if regular Ziplock bags would suffice. Along those lines, whenever I needed more information about a particular product, I asked Meta and was able to get a response without pulling out my phone. At one point, I found myself looking at an apple/pear hybrid fruit and asked Meta what I was looking at and then how the fruit could be used.

Additionally, because I connected my Meta Ray-Bans to Meta platforms like Messenger and WhatsApp, I was able to make a call, and my husband could see what I was seeing and add his thoughts. It was great to get his opinion without pausing my shopping flow. The video quality is surprisingly clear and it felt natural to chat without holding a phone. Did I get a few strange looks? Yes, a few. Yet, these days with so many individuals chatting while wearing wireless earbuds, it really didn’t feel much different.

Of course, I could have simply made a video and posted it later, because everything from photos and videos to conversations with Meta AI are saved within the app. The hands-free nature of this feature allowed me to engage with my audience while still browsing effortlessly. I’m not typically one for live streaming, but because it was so easy with the Meta Ray-Bans, I might consider it more often.

One unexpected perk of the Meta Ray-Bans was how they made errands more enjoyable. As I strolled through the aisles, I listened to my favorite playlist using the built-in speakers. The sound quality was immersive without being disruptive to others around me. And when I remembered I needed to confirm a schedule with a friend, a quick “Hey Meta, call Sarah” handled the task in seconds.

While the Meta Ray-Ban glasses were impressive overall, there are areas for improvement. Battery life is one concern; after about 2 hours of use, the glasses needed recharging. The battery life is about 4 hours, but with heavy use such as live streaming, listening to music, and several video and image captures, I felt as though the battery faded faster for me.

This might not be ideal for those who plan to use them for extended outings. Additionally, some features, like the voice-to-text functionality, struggled slightly in louder environments, such as the busy Target checkout line. At times, it took several minutes for Meta to acknowledge me.