Meta Rolls Out AI Features for Ray-Ban Glasses in Europe

Exciting news for tech enthusiasts in France, Italy, and Spain! After a brief wait, Meta has officially launched new AI features for its Ray-Ban Meta AR glasses. Users in these countries can now access Meta AI, the company’s innovative voice-activated assistant, right from their eyewear. Whether you’re wondering about fun gift ideas for your kids or looking for a quick fact check, just ask away using your voice!

Introducing Meta AI in Multiple Languages

Starting today, residents in France, Italy, and Spain can utilize Meta AI in their native languages: French, Italian, and Spanish. Want to know what makes a great birthday gift for your little ones aged six and eight? Just ask Meta AI, and you’ll get helpful suggestions tailored for you.

“Since our launch in September 2023, we have been hard at work ensuring our Ray-Ban Meta glasses meet the complex regulations here in Europe,” Meta shared in their blog. The company is excited about this rollout and is looking forward to expanding the availability of these features to more European countries soon.

What’s Missing from the Upgrade?

It’s important to note that this update will not include the multimodal features that some users in the U.S., Canada, and Australia enjoy. For instance, Meta AI in those regions can respond to questions about what the glasses’ camera is capturing, like asking, “Tell me more about this landmark.” Meta has promised that they are working diligently to introduce this functionality in other countries in the future.

Compliance Challenges Ahead

Meta’s journey isn’t without its hurdles. The company has expressed concerns regarding the EU’s AI Act, which lays down a regulatory framework for artificial intelligence. They’ve called the law’s implementation "too unpredictable," especially when considering compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)—the EU’s stringent privacy law.

This year, EU regulators requested that Meta pause training on data from European users as they assessed the company’s compliance with GDPR. In an effort to collaborate, Meta agreed to the pause while also signing an open letter advocating for a “modern interpretation” of GDPR, one that wouldn’t stifle innovation.

Earlier this fall, Meta announced it would resume training on user data from the U.K. after incorporating some regulatory feedback. Following that, they were able to roll out select AI capabilities to Ray-Ban Meta glasses across the U.K. and several other countries. However, updates on compliance practices for the rest of Europe remain scarce.

Embracing the Future of AI Wearables

As technology evolves, integrating AI into everyday products like Ray-Ban glasses opens up a world of possibilities. Imagine engaging effortlessly with your surroundings while receiving instant answers from an AI assistant. This can enhance not only day-to-day tasks but also boost how we interact with our environments, whether it’s discovering new places or enjoying a richer cultural experience.

As we look forward to future advancements, it’s thrilling to see how companies like Meta are navigating challenges while also bringing innovation to life.

The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts!