Meta Smart Glasses Receive Hands-Free Navigation and Spatial Audio Update

Meta has released firmware version 128 for its smart glasses, introducing hands-free turn-by-turn walking directions and spatial audio. This update significantly enhances the functionality of the glasses, particularly for users seeking a more integrated, phone-free experience.

The new navigation feature allows users to initiate walking directions directly from their glasses using voice commands. For instance, a user can begin a route by issuing a command to the glasses, such as asking them to navigate to a specific destination like Times Square. This capability marks a notable improvement over previous versions, where launching navigation required interacting with a third-party application via Bluetooth or using a phone's virtual assistant like Siri or Google Assistant.

While Meta’s Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, which include a screen, already offered walking directions in specific cities, version 128 expands this functionality to Meta's non-display smart glasses. The updated walking directions are now available across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, and additional select cities.

In addition to enhanced navigation, the firmware update also introduces spatial audio. This feature leverages AI to transform standard stereo sound into a three-dimensional audio experience. Spatial audio aims to add depth and nuance to existing audio content, creating a more immersive listening environment.

Users can activate spatial audio through the glasses' settings. The option is located under the audio menu, where it can be toggled on. Meta has previously demonstrated strong audio performance in its smart glasses, suggesting a potential for this new spatial audio implementation to deliver a high-quality experience.