These $299 smart glasses outshine Ray-Ban Meta with YouTube livestreams and an app store

 

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have gained worldwide popularity since their launch yet their functionalities remain restricted. The new "Mentra Live" smart glasses deliver similar benefits to Ray-Ban Meta glasses yet they include an application store and enhanced system connectivity which allows streaming of YouTube live broadcasts.

The smart glasses known as Mentra Live operate on their new open-source smart glass operating system called MentraOS. The new glasses which are currently available for purchase at a price of $299 most closely resemble Ray-Ban Meta glasses because they lack a visual display system and instead provide their functions through sound output and their embedded camera which enables users to experience AI technology and capture photos and videos and stream content.

The main attraction of Mentra provides a unique MiniApp Store which represents the first smart glass application store. The apps create new operational capabilities through voice commands and camera access which includes features found in "AI Notes" and "Poker Probability" and additional functions. The app "Mentra Stream" uses the camera to transmit live content to multiple platforms which include YouTube. The system extends its streaming capabilities to all social media platforms because Meta's glasses only allow users to stream content on Instagram and Facebook. Mentra claims its application provides compatibility with all social media platforms which include Twitter/X and Twitch and OnlyFans.

Recently, the glasses were featured in a livestreamed unboxing video on YouTube

Regarding the hardware itself, Mentra Live features a rather standard glasses design reminiscent of the Ray-Ban Meta in their "Wayfarer" style. Their dimensions are 176mm × 68mm × 53.6mm, and the frame includes two physical buttons as well as a touch-sensitive swipe area.

Mentra claims its glasses are lighter at only 43g and provide an extended battery life of 12 hours. The eyewear features a Mediatek MTK8766 processor and comes with a charging case that provides “50+” hours of battery life. The camera features 12MP and includes a privacy LED, recording at a 112-degree field-of-view in landscape (horizontal) mode instead of Meta’s portrait (vertical) mode

Mentra Live smart glasses are now available for purchase, with the next 1,000 orders shipping in March. The glasses include an "Infinity Cable" which enables users to wear the glasses continuously while their power supply remains connected. The product costs $299 which makes it cheaper than Meta's current starting price for Gen 2 Ray-Ban glasses. 

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