AI glasses features in the UK: what actually works right now?
AI glasses are often announced with a long list of clever tricks, but the small print matters. Some need a phone, some work only in certain countries and some aren’t available here at all. This is the practical UK version.
Pick the features most important to you
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 add a new camera option, while Ray-Ban Meta Audio keep music, calls and spoken AI without a camera or display. Gen 2 remain here too, so owners and buyers can compare the generations. Even G2 and RayNeo iO take another approach, putting text in the lenses without including a camera.
Start with the jobs you want your glasses to do: take photos, answer questions about what you can see, play music or show information in front of your eyes. Audio-only glasses won’t give you visual AI; camera-free display glasses don’t necessarily have speakers. Meta Ray-Ban Display combine a camera and screen and now have an official UK launch, with a full comparison entry and regional feature notes below.
Compare what’s available
Use the filters to narrow the list. On a phone, each pair appears as its own card so there’s no fiddly sideways table.
Showing all ten pairs.
| Feature | Meta Ray-Ban Display£749 UK listing · check stock | Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3From £409 · UK orders open | Ray-Ban Meta AudioFrom £319 · UK pre-order | Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2From £379 | Meta AdventurerFrom £269 | Oakley Meta HSTNFrom £399 | Oakley Meta VanguardFrom £499 | Even G2From £599 | RayNeo iO£429 launch offer | HTC VIVE EagleFrom £429 · UK launch price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-lens display | Yes600 × 600 colour display in the right lens. | No | No | No | No | No | No | YesGreen, heads-up text display in both lenses. | YesMonochrome green text display in both lenses. | No |
| Photos and video | Yes12MP camera, with an in-lens viewfinder. | Yes12MP camera and up to 3K video. | NoNo camera. | Yes12MP camera and up to 3K video. | Yes12MP ultrawide HDR camera. | Yes12MP camera and up to 3K video. | YesCentred 12MP camera and up to 3K video. | No | No | Yes12MP camera; up to 3K video. |
| Visual AI | YesMeta AI camera assistance; compatible phone, app and connection required. | YesCamera questions through Meta AI; compatible phone, app and internet required. Country and language limits apply. | NoSpoken Meta AI is available; there is no camera to inspect the surroundings. | YesCan answer questions about what the camera sees. | YesMeta AI uses the camera for visual questions. | YesCamera-based Meta AI questions. | YesCamera-based Meta AI questions. | NoNo camera for the AI to inspect. | NoNo camera for the AI to inspect. | YesVIVE AI visual queries; phone, internet and AI plan required. |
| Speakers for calls and music | YesOpen-ear speakers, linked to your phone. | YesTwo open-ear speakers and six microphones; paired phone required. | YesTwo open-ear speakers and six microphones; paired phone required. | YesFor music and phone calls; a paired phone is required. | YesOpen-ear spatial audio; a paired phone is required. | YesFor music and phone calls; a paired phone is required. | YesOpen-ear audio for sport; a paired phone is required. | NoNo built-in speakers for calls or music. | NoFour microphones and a bone-conduction sensor capture speech, but there are no speakers. | YesStereo open-ear speakers and four microphones. |
| Live translation | Listed in the UK FAQFrench, Italian, Spanish and English. Download language packs; translated text appears in the display. | Listed by Ray-Ban UKTranslation is an action-button option. Supported languages and app setup apply; no in-lens text. | Listed by Ray-Ban UKTranslation is listed in Audio action-button guidance. Check supported languages and app setup; no in-lens text. | YesTranslated audio for the wearer; phone app can show text. | YesTranslated audio through the speakers. | YesTranslated audio through the speakers. | YesTranslated audio through the speakers. | YesText appears in the display; the Even app and internet are required. | YesText appears in the display; the RayNeo app and internet are required. | YesAudio translation; Plus covers 12 languages and uses credits. Pro adds more languages. |
| Directions in the lens | London and ManchesterPedestrian navigation confirmed for these cities. Precise location must be always on. Wider UK coverage is not confirmed. | NoNo display. | NoNo display. | No | NoPedestrian navigation has been announced, but not as an in-lens view. | No | No | YesPhone and internet required. Maps can keep loading with the phone locked if the app has Always location access. | NoNo current navigation feature is listed. | NoNo display. Phone-assistant navigation is a separate audio function. |
| Prescription lenses | Yes−4.00 to +4.00 total power through participating certified retailers; confirm suitability. | YesRx support depends on frame, lenses and prescription. Confirm the selected combination. | YesBoth styles support Rx lenses. Confirm the exact prescription and lens combination. | YesAvailability depends on frame, lens and prescription. | YesMeta lists a broad prescription range; confirm the chosen frame. | YesSelected prescription options are sold directly. | NoThe shield-style sport lens isn’t sold as a prescription option. | YesPrescription lenses cost extra; confirm the lens options and total with Even or a partner optician. | YesAvailable through RayNeo’s UK prescription-lens service. | Check fittingHTC describes optical-partner fitting; a UK fitting route and total price are not confirmed here. |
| Sport integrations | None verified for the UKDo not assume US/Canada cycling and transport announcements apply here. | None listedNo dedicated sport integration verified for Gen 3. | None listedNo dedicated sport integration verified for Audio. | No | No | No | YesGarmin and Strava can provide real-time metrics and capture overlays. | NoThe optional Even R1 ring adds health data, but it isn’t a dedicated sport integration. | No | NoNo dedicated sport integration listed. |
| Quoted battery | Up to 6 hoursMixed use; up to 30 hours total with the case. Manufacturer figures. | Up to 9 hoursMixed use; case adds up to 50 hours. Manufacturer figures. | Up to 12 hoursMixed use; case adds up to 48 hours. Manufacturer figures. | Up to 8 hoursCase adds up to 48 hours. | Over 8 hoursCase adds up to 40 hours. | Up to 8 hoursCase adds up to 48 hours. | Up to 9 hoursCase adds up to 36 hours. | Up to 2 daysCase provides about seven full recharges. | Up to 2 daysUp to 18 hours recording or 6.2 hours translation. | Up to 4.5 hoursContinuous music; over 3 hours of calls. Not a mixed-use figure. |
Meta Ray-Ban Display
£749 UK listing · stock varies · checked 28 September 2026
- In-lens display
- Yes600 × 600 colour display in the right lens.
- Photos and video
- Yes12MP camera, with an in-lens viewfinder.
- Visual AI
- YesMeta AI camera assistance; compatible phone, app and connection required.
- Speakers for calls and music
- YesOpen-ear speakers, linked to your phone.
- Live translation
- Listed in the UK FAQFrench, Italian, Spanish and English. Download language packs; translated text appears in the display.
- Directions in the lens
- London and ManchesterPedestrian navigation confirmed for these cities. Precise location must be always on. Wider UK coverage is not confirmed.
- Prescription lenses
- Yes−4.00 to +4.00 total power through participating certified retailers; confirm suitability.
- Sport integrations
- None verified for the UKDo not assume US/Canada cycling and transport announcements apply here.
- Quoted battery
- Up to 6 hoursMixed use; up to 30 hours total with the case. Manufacturer figures.
Neural Band included. Vision Express’s checked Transitions listing still said “Coming Soon”; confirm stock and your prescription before ordering.
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3
From £409 · UK orders open · checked 24 September 2026
- In-lens display
- No
- Photos and video
- Yes12MP camera and up to 3K video.
- Visual AI
- YesCamera questions through Meta AI; compatible phone, app and internet required. Country and language limits apply.
- Speakers for calls and music
- YesTwo open-ear speakers and six microphones; paired phone required.
- Live translation
- Listed by Ray-Ban UKTranslation is an action-button option. Supported languages and app setup apply; no in-lens text.
- Directions in the lens
- NoNo display.
- Prescription lenses
- YesRx support depends on frame, lenses and prescription. Confirm the selected combination.
- Sport integrations
- None listedNo dedicated sport integration verified for Gen 3.
- Quoted battery
- Up to 9 hoursMixed use; case adds up to 50 hours. Manufacturer figures.
Wayfarer, Zena and Aviator styles. £409 checked on Matte Black/Grey Wayfarer, size 50–22. We have not tested Gen 3.
Ray-Ban Meta Audio
From £319 · UK pre-order · checked 24 September 2026
- In-lens display
- No
- Photos and video
- NoNo camera.
- Visual AI
- NoSpoken Meta AI is available; there is no camera to inspect the surroundings.
- Speakers for calls and music
- YesTwo open-ear speakers and six microphones; paired phone required.
- Live translation
- Listed by Ray-Ban UKTranslation is listed in Audio action-button guidance. Check supported languages and app setup; no in-lens text.
- Directions in the lens
- NoNo display.
- Prescription lenses
- YesBoth styles support Rx lenses. Confirm the exact prescription and lens combination.
- Sport integrations
- None listedNo dedicated sport integration verified for Audio.
- Quoted battery
- Up to 12 hoursMixed use; case adds up to 48 hours. Manufacturer figures.
Selected UK orders showed estimated delivery 20 October. iOS minimum differs between product specifications (17) and the general FAQ (14.4); check an older iPhone before ordering.
HTC VIVE Eagle
From £429 · UK launch price
- Camera
- 12MP photos and up to 3K video.
- Visual AI
- VIVE AI camera questions; phone, internet and plan required.
- Audio
- Open-ear speakers for music and calls.
- Display / directions
- No in-lens display or maps.
- Translation
- Spoken translation. Plus: 12 languages, using a shared 100-credit monthly allowance. Pro supports more languages.
- Prescription
- Confirm a UK fitting partner and lens price before buying.
- Sport integrations
- No dedicated sport integration listed.
- Battery claim
- Up to 4.5 hours of continuous music; over 3 hours of calls.
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2
From £379
- What it does best
- Camera, open-ear audio and visual AI in familiar frames.
- Display
- No
- Translation
- Audio for the wearer; phone text for the other person.
- Prescription
- Yes, on supported combinations.
- Battery claim
- Up to 8 hours.
Meta Adventurer
From £269
- What it does best
- Most of Meta’s established camera-and-audio platform at the lowest starting price here.
- Display
- No
- Translation
- Audio through the speakers.
- Prescription
- Yes, within the stated range.
- Battery claim
- Over 8 hours.
Oakley Meta HSTN
From £399
- What it does best
- Meta’s camera, audio and AI features in a more active-looking frame.
- Display
- No
- Translation
- Audio through the speakers.
- Prescription
- Yes, on selected lenses.
- Battery claim
- Up to 8 hours.
Oakley Meta Vanguard
From £499
- What it does best
- Sport, with a centred camera, IP67 protection and Garmin or Strava links.
- Display
- No
- Translation
- Audio through the speakers.
- Prescription
- Not offered.
- Battery claim
- Up to 9 hours.
Even G2
From £599
- What it does best
- Private text, directions, translated speech and presentation notes in the lenses.
- Camera
- No
- Translation
- Text in the display; phone and internet required.
- Prescription
- Yes; prescription lenses cost extra.
- Battery claim
- Up to 2 days.
- Navigation
- Maps can keep loading with the phone locked if the app has Always location access. Phone and internet required.
RayNeo iO
£429 launch offer
- What it does best
- Camera-free captions, translation, meeting notes and AI answers in a lightweight display frame.
- Camera
- No
- Translation
- Text in the display; phone app and internet required.
- Prescription
- Yes, through RayNeo’s UK service.
- Battery claim
- Up to 2 days.
Display checked 28 September 2026: Vision Express listed the large Transitions model at £749, with “Coming Soon” shown. Official UK launch does not guarantee immediate stock at every retailer. Gen 3 and Audio prices and UK order state checked 24 September 2026. Gen 3: £409 Matte Black/Grey Wayfarer, size 50–22, with orders open. Audio: £319 Clubmaster G15 Green or clear-lens Burbank, with pre-orders and a 20 October delivery estimate on checked variants. Other seven model prices retain their 23 September check: HTC £429 is an announced UK launch price, and RayNeo £429 is a launch offer (regular price £469). Lens choices, stock and delivery estimates vary. Battery figures are manufacturer claims under different conditions, not comparable AIWearHQ test results.
Who each pair suits
A quick guide to the kind of buyer each pair is likely to suit.
Meta Ray-Ban Display
A camera, open-ear audio and a colour screen in one pair. UK pedestrian navigation is confirmed for London and Manchester. The £749 listing includes Neural Band; check retailer stock.
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3
The new camera model adds six microphones, an advertised nine-hour battery and Aviator and Zena styles alongside Wayfarer. We have not tested them yet, so this is launch information rather than a recommendation to replace Gen 2.
Ray-Ban Meta Audio
For music, calls and spoken Meta AI in Clubmaster or Burbank frames, with no camera or display. Up to 12 hours of mixed use is claimed. UK pre-orders start at £319; camera-based assistance is unavailable.
HTC VIVE Eagle
A camera-and-audio alternative to Meta, with a choice of AI models through VIVE. Eligible purchases include two years of VIVE AI Plus; translation and summaries share a monthly credit allowance. Check that allowance against how often you’ll use them.
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2
The camera glasses we have reviewed hands-on, with photos, open-ear audio and visual AI in familiar frames. Gen 3 are now the newer model; Gen 2 remain a useful comparison for existing owners and anyone considering an older pair.
Meta Adventurer
The value option. They give up the Ray-Ban badge, but keep the camera, audio and most of the everyday Meta experience for less.
Oakley Meta HSTN
A lifestyle frame with an Oakley slant. The technology is familiar, so the choice mainly comes down to fit, lenses and appearance.
Oakley Meta Vanguard
The specialist sports pair. Their tougher build, centred camera and fitness links make sense when training is the reason for buying.
Even G2
The display choice. They put private directions and text in the lenses, while the lack of a camera could make it more widely acceptable in workplaces where recording glasses aren’t welcome.
RayNeo iO
The lower-cost display option. They add captions, translation, meeting notes and several AI assistants for £429, although the software and comfort still need independent testing.
Why we specifically check UK features
AI glasses features often launch country by country. A product being easy to import doesn’t mean its software, support or headline features will work properly in the UK.
Meta Ray-Ban Display: the UK limits
Meta announced official UK online ordering and London retail sales on 23 September. Display should no longer be treated as a US-only import. They combine a camera, speakers, an in-lens screen and Neural Band control.
London and Manchester are explicitly listed for pedestrian navigation in Ray-Ban’s Display FAQ. The app needs precise location access set to always on. That is confirmation for those named cities, not a promise of nationwide coverage. Ray-Ban now supplies UK setup instructions.
The newest software announcements still have regional limits. Meta says cycling and public-transport directions start in the US and Canada later in September; Hologram starts in US Early Access later in autumn. Those announcements do not confirm either feature for the UK. Our UK Display guide was updated on 27 September with the £749 UK listing, stock caveats and the current feature evidence.
Translation, navigation and AI usually rely on a paired phone, an app, an internet connection or all three. For Audio, the product specification says iOS 17 or Android 10, while the general FAQ still says iOS 14.4; confirm an older iPhone before buying. Country and language restrictions remain relevant even when the hardware is sold here.
Updated 24 September 2026: Gen 3 and Audio added from UK product listings and official support information; Display UK availability corrected. The other seven models retain their 23 September checks. This is a comparison of published specifications and support information, not hands-on testing of every feature.
- HTC VIVE Eagle UK specifications
- VIVE AI UK plans and allowances
- HTC VIVE Eagle UK features
- HTC launch announcement and UK price
- Meta Adventurer UK price: clear lenses
- Ray-Ban UK model listings and prices
- Even G2 navigation and locked-phone requirements
- Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 features and UK pricing
- Meta Glasses launch and supported countries
- Meta Ray-Ban Display updates and regional rollout
- Oakley Meta HSTN UK product page
- Oakley Meta Vanguard UK product page
- Even G2 features
- Even Realities UK store
- RayNeo iO features and UK pricing
- RayNeo iO support
- Meta live-translation support
- Even G2 translation details
- Meta: Gen 3 and Audio launch specifications
- Ray-Ban UK: Audio and Gen 3 support and battery ratings
- Gen 3 Wayfarer: checked £409 UK configuration
- Audio Burbank: checked £319 UK preorder
Display added and checked 28 September 2026. Gen 3 and Audio checks: 24 September; other models: 23 September. Prices and software availability can change. If you spot a regional change, please let us know.