Handwriting Makes Messaging on Meta Ray-Ban Glasses a Breeze

A Subtle Method for Messaging

Meta introduced its cutting-edge, display-compatible smart glasses with a revolutionary messaging feature—handwriting—enabling users to compose texts by tracing letters manually. The initial availability is for participants in the early access initiative.

During the CES event, I experienced this functionality firsthand and found it compelling enough to increase my use of the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses. My favorite aspect from last year's review was the neural band's ability to reduce dependence on voice control in public, where I often felt awkward.

Previously, responses on the display glasses primarily relied on spoken input or predetermined templates. Handwriting, however, introduces an option to compose personalized replies with greater subtlety.

While seated and wearing the Meta glasses and neural band, I effortlessly crafted a message by drawing characters directly on the tabletop. Although there was a hiccup—mistaking an uppercase 'I' for an 'H'—the process was surprisingly natural. Quickly composing sentences and even making corrections was easy, with right swipes adding spaces and left swipes removing mistakes.

Enhancing Experience with Teleprompter

Alongside handwriting, Meta unveiled a teleprompter tool that permits text insertion up to 16,000 characters, approximately equivalent to half an hour of spoken material, projected onto the glasses' screen.

Different from traditional teleprompters, Meta’s version doesn't automatically scroll. Instead, text is segmented on separate cards that users navigate manually. Early trials showed an inclination for user control over word display timing.

The rollout for the teleprompter feature is underway, but it's anticipated to gradually become widely accessible.

These developments mark the first significant enhancements for the display glasses since their release, suggesting Meta's commitment to continual improvements, akin to its other smart eyewear. At CES, further plans for the neural band and a delay in the device’s global launch were revealed.