Meta's Smart Glasses Transform into the Ultimate Wearable Tourist Guide

Meta, the tech company behind the popular Quest VR headsets, is making waves with its collaboration with Ray-Ban to create stylish smart glasses. These glasses come packed with unique AI tools and are now getting an upgrade to become the ultimate wearable tourist guide.

Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth recently showcased the new Look and Ask feature on Threads, Meta’s Instagram spinoff. This feature allows the glasses to recognize landmarks and provide interesting facts about them. Bosworth demonstrated the feature using iconic landmarks in San Francisco, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Painted Ladies, and Coit Tower.

To activate the Look and Ask feature, users simply give a command like, “Look and tell me a cool fact about this bridge.” The smart glasses utilize their built-in camera to scan the scene in front of the user and cross-reference the image with information in Meta’s AI knowledge database, which includes access to the Bing search engine. The glasses then respond with the cool fact requested by the user. For example, when Bosworth took a photo of the Golden Gate Bridge, the glasses informed him that it is painted “International Orange” to enhance visibility in foggy conditions.

In addition to the landmark recognition feature, Meta is also introducing new voice commands. Users will be able to share their latest Meta AI interactions on platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger. Furthermore, Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth mentioned that users will have the option to adjust the speed of Meta AI readouts in the voice settings menu, allowing them to be faster or slower.

It is important to note that the landmark recognition feature is still in beta and may not always be completely accurate. Users should take its guidance with a pinch of salt. However, Meta has opened up its waitlist for users to join the beta and experience these experimental features. To join the waitlist, users need to visit the official page, input their glasses’ serial number, and wait for further contact. Unfortunately, this option is currently only available to users based in the United States. Bosworth did mention that Meta is working towards making the feature available to more people in the future, but no specific timeline has been provided.

Stay tuned for updates on when these impressive AI features will be more widely available. Meta’s smart glasses are transforming into the ultimate wearable tourist guide and are set to revolutionize the way we explore and discover new places.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do Meta’s smart glasses recognize landmarks?

Meta’s smart glasses utilize an in-built camera to scan the scene in front of the user. The image captured is cross-referenced with information in Meta’s AI knowledge database, which includes access to the Bing search engine, to identify and provide facts about the recognized landmark.

2. Can I adjust the speed of Meta AI readouts in the smart glasses?

Yes, Meta is introducing new voice commands that will allow users to adjust the speed of Meta AI readouts. Users can customize the voice settings menu to make the readouts faster or slower according to their preferences.

3. Is the landmark recognition feature available to everyone?

The landmark recognition feature is currently in beta and may not always be completely accurate. It is available to users who join Meta’s waitlist. To join the waitlist, users need to visit the official page and input their glasses’ serial number. However, this option is only available for users based in the United States. Meta is working towards making the feature available to more people in the future.

4. What are the unique AI tools in Meta’s smart glasses?

Meta’s smart glasses come equipped with various AI tools, including the Look and Ask feature for landmark recognition. These tools utilize the glasses’ built-in camera to enable visual recognition and provide relevant information from Meta’s AI knowledge database and the Bing search engine.

5. How can I try out the experimental features in Meta’s smart glasses?

Users can join Meta’s waitlist to try out the experimental features in the smart glasses. By visiting the official page and inputting their glasses’ serial number, users can sign up for the waitlist and wait for further contact. Currently, this option is only available to users based in the United States.

Definitions:
1. Meta: The tech company behind the popular Quest VR headsets and smart glasses mentioned in the article.
2. AI (Artificial Intelligence): The intelligence demonstrated by machines or software to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.
3. Landmarks: Prominent or well-known features such as buildings, monuments, or natural sites that are easily recognizable and serve as points of reference.
4. Beta: A stage in software development where the product is released to a limited audience for testing and feedback before its official release.