Ever since I saw movies like Iron Man and Blade Runner, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of smart glasses. A pair of glasses that can show you information, let you take calls, and capture photos—all without reaching for your phone? It sounded like sci-fi becoming reality. When smart glasses started to hit the market, I couldn’t resist giving them a shot.
I decided to spend a week using smart glasses as a potential replacement for my smartphone. Could they really free me from constantly pulling out my phone, or were they just another overhyped gadget? Here’s what I discovered during my week-long experiment and whether I think smart glasses are ready to replace your phone.
The Smart Glasses I Tested
For this experiment, I used the Ray-Ban Stories, a collaboration between Ray-Ban and Meta (formerly Facebook). These smart glasses come equipped with:
- Built-in Cameras: For capturing photos and 30-second videos.
- Audio Speakers: For listening to music, podcasts, or taking calls.
- Voice Commands: Hands-free control using the “Hey, Facebook” wake word.
- Touch Controls: Adjust volume, take photos, and play or pause audio with a tap on the frames.
They look like a regular pair of stylish Ray-Bans, which was a big plus. I didn’t want to look like a walking tech experiment.
Day 1: The Learning Curve
The first day with my smart glasses felt exciting and awkward. I set up the glasses using the companion app on my phone, syncing them to my contacts and music library. The controls were simple enough—tap the side to take a picture, swipe to adjust the volume, and say “Hey, Facebook” to issue voice commands.
My first attempt at taking a photo was a bit clumsy. I kept wondering if people thought I was just staring into space. But when I saw the photo on my phone later, I was impressed by the quality. The 5-megapixel camera captured a clear, natural-looking shot of my morning coffee and the bustling street outside my favorite café.
Day 2: Hands-Free Music and Calls
One of the biggest selling points of smart glasses is the ability to listen to music and take calls hands-free. The speakers are built into the arms of the glasses, directing sound toward your ears without needing earbuds.
I played my usual work playlist during a walk, and the sound quality was surprisingly good. It wasn’t as immersive as my AirPods Pro, but it was clear enough to enjoy music while staying aware of my surroundings.
When a call came in, I answered with a quick tap on the frame. The built-in microphones picked up my voice clearly, and I could hear the caller well. It felt like something out of a spy movie. However, in louder environments, like a busy street, I struggled to hear clearly without cranking the volume up.
Takeaway: Great for casual listening and calls, but not ideal for noisy settings.
Day 3: Voice Commands—Convenient but Limited
By Day 3, I was getting used to the idea of issuing voice commands. Saying “Hey, Facebook, take a photo” felt more natural, and I loved not having to dig into my pocket to snap a quick shot.
However, the voice commands were limited. I couldn’t send texts or control non-Facebook apps with my voice, which made the experience feel incomplete. If I needed to reply to a message or check my calendar, I still had to pull out my phone.
Takeaway: Voice commands are convenient, but the functionality needs to expand to make smart glasses a true phone replacement.
Day 4: Battery Life Woes
One of the biggest downsides I encountered was battery life. The smart glasses lasted about 5-6 hours with moderate use—taking a few photos, listening to music, and making a couple of calls. By mid-afternoon, they needed a recharge, which was a hassle.
The glasses came with a sleek charging case, but having to stop and charge them reminded me that they couldn’t keep up with a full day’s worth of activity.
Takeaway: The short battery life is a dealbreaker if you’re trying to rely solely on smart glasses.
Day 5: Privacy Concerns and Social Reactions
By Day 5, I noticed a few people giving me side-eye when I wore the glasses, especially when the small recording light turned on. While the glasses are designed to notify others when you’re taking a photo or video, it still made some people uneasy.
I also became more aware of privacy concerns. What if someone didn’t want to be recorded? How could I ensure I was respecting people’s boundaries? These questions weighed on me more than I expected.
Takeaway: Smart glasses come with privacy challenges. They’re fun for personal use, but they can make others uncomfortable.
Day 6: Navigation and Productivity—A Glimpse of the Future
One feature I loved was using the glasses for navigation while walking around the city. Instead of staring at my phone, I could listen to turn-by-turn directions while keeping my eyes on my surroundings. It felt like the future—getting information seamlessly while staying engaged with the real world.
However, for productivity tasks like reading emails, replying to texts, or scheduling appointments, the glasses fell short. They couldn’t replace my phone for anything that required a screen or detailed interaction.
Takeaway: Great for simple tasks like navigation, but not ready for full productivity.
Day 7: The Verdict—Cool Supplement, Not a Replacement
After a week of using smart glasses, here’s my honest take: They’re a cool supplement to your smartphone, but they’re not ready to replace it. The convenience of hands-free photos, calls, and music is fantastic, but the limitations in battery life, voice commands, and privacy concerns hold them back.
I loved the feeling of being able to access information and capture moments without pulling out my phone, but there were too many situations where I still needed my phone.
Final Thoughts: Who Are Smart Glasses For?
Smart glasses are great for:
- Content Creators: Capture moments hands-free without bulky equipment.
- Fitness Enthusiasts: Listen to music or take calls while staying aware of your surroundings.
- Tech Enthusiasts: If you love trying the latest gadgets, smart glasses are a fun addition.
But if you’re looking for a true phone replacement, smart glasses aren’t there yet. They’re a glimpse into an exciting future, but for now, they’re best as a companion device to your smartphone.
