As Black Friday 2024 approaches, tech enthusiasts have found a remarkable gem in the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, a product that has unexpectedly soared in popularity this year. Priced at just $149 after a clever Amazon deal, these smart glasses have become the must-have item that many are raving about.

This year, Amazon is slashing the price of the Meta Ray-Bans, offering classic black frames at $239—20% off the original retail price of $299. But here’s the kicker: Along with your purchase, you receive a $90 digital credit to apply toward further Black Friday shopping on the platform. If you play your cards right, you could essentially walk away with these stylish smart glasses for a whopping 50% off.

It’s important to note that the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses have been a hot commodity, often sold out during the first half of 2024. With their sleek design mirroring traditional Ray-Bans, they also allow for prescription lens replacements, combining functionality and fashion.

However, keep in mind that Amazon offers eight different styles, with the classic black frames being the best-value option currently. While prices for alternative styles range from $30 to $80 more, there are fantastic alternatives available. For instance, transition lenses, perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, are selling for about $303 after discounts—bringing the equivalent cost down to approximately $213 after factoring in the credit, making it an incredible choice.

Having tested the Meta Ray-Bans earlier this year, I was left pleasantly surprised by their performance. It’s crucial to clarify that these are audio-only augmented reality glasses, meaning they provide audio feedback through concealed speakers in the arms, without any screen overlays. In terms of audio quality, they rival AirPods for phone calls, podcasts, and audiobooks. Music, however, may not offer the bass depth found in premium headphones from leading brands like Bose or Sony.

While they lack noise cancellation capabilities that are staples in high-end earbuds, their overall sound profile is comparable to AirPods Pro in transparency mode, allowing background noise. What sets the Meta Ray-Bans apart, however, is their unique features. With a built-in 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, users can snap photos and record videos quickly—akin to an iPhone 12’s quality—without the hassle of reaching for your phone.

Additionally, the added AI assistant functionality is a game changer. Activated by the phrase "Hey Meta," this feature allows you to conduct basic information searches hands-free—perfect for moments when your phone is stashed away.

In terms of battery life, users can expect around half a day of normal usage. Fortunately, a quick 20-minute charge in the included case provides over 50% battery life. Plus, its standard USB-C charging port is a modern touch. By turning off the ‘Hey Meta’ listening function, users can nearly double battery longevity.

Meta continues to innovate, regularly updating the Ray-Bans to enhance functionality. Recent updates have introduced real-time translation capabilities and visual identification features, improving convenience for travelers and urban explorers alike.

Privacy remains a concern for many, especially when considering Meta’s data practices. The good news is that you don’t need a Facebook account to use the Ray-Bans—just a separate Meta account, offering a layer of separation from your other social media data, thus reassuring those wary of privacy issues.

As Black Friday unfolds, the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses stand out as a revolutionary tech product at an unbeatable price. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your tech game!