****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
How well do I love these? This is the second pair of Ray Ban Meta Sunglasses that I've purchased within a month, and I'm not sure I'll stop at two. These sunglasses are beautiful, well constructed, super comfortable, and intuitive to use.I listen to audiobooks daily. I've done this for many years and have learned what type of buds/headsets works or doesn't for me. When I'm dog walking, shopping, or doing yard work, I'm always wearing a pair of ear buds or wireless headphones. When I'm outside I'm also wearing sunglasses, year round. 'Ambient' listening mode has never really worked for me. Especially when I'm outside, it seems I always have to remove my device from my ears to hear others. When my hands are full (yard tools or dog leashes/poop bags) this is a hassle.With built in speakers, the RBM sunglasses have eliminated the problems I have with ear buds/headsets. When a person approaches me I can hear them walk up and I can hear them when they talk. If I want to pause my audiobook all I need to do is tap the arm of the sunglasses. No more fumbling to pull something out of my ear, or worry than an ear pod might get lost from a pocket. Most importantly, I can hear street traffic while I'm listening and walking. And the sound is wonderful!The question I've been most asked about these sunglasses is, "Can other people hear what your listening to?" (One would think the worry of being photographed or filmed without your knowledge would be the top question. However, some of us, occasionally, listen to things we'd rather not shock others with.) I've shown them that even with the sunglasses at the highest volume a person has to get very close, like within 6-8" from your head, to hear sound and yet they may not be able to make out what's being said. (I've only used them at highest volume to show others the volume, I've not needed them 'loud' for my use.) Sidenote, when using the picture/video capture a light appears in one of the 'dots' on the frame so that those in front of you have an indication that 'something' is going on with the sunglasses.I've used the camera for both pictures and video, the sunglasses are designed so that the capture of either is very easy. Items captured must be uploaded from the glasses to your phone using the Meta app, it takes just a few seconds. Both look quite good considering they were taken by a pair of sunglasses. I'm not a content creator but I can see where these would be a handy tool for those who are. (I believe the software allows for direct upload to some platforms.) I use mine to capture moments on walks or projects in various stages around the yard. I've used them on calls and the person on the other end remark they can hear me clearly and much better than on my other devices, this has been when I'm outside where the environment offers up sounds such as wind, traffic, birds, barking dogs, kids at play, and so on.The initial setup to sync with cell phone is super easy and offers a short interactive demonstration on the various items the sunglasses are capable of performing. Since I'm an "Alexa" person, learning to say "Meta" has been a bit of a learning curve, but I believe Alexa is now available to use with the Ray Ban Metas, or soon will be, or you can set your phone to listen for Alexa. (I haven't dived into the hows of these yet.)My first pair of Ray Ban Metas were the Shiny Black with green frames, perfect for bright days. I ordered this pair for the lighter lenses so that I could wear them while shopping and on cloudy days. The Shiny Chalky Gray color is a color I've not seen in sunglasses, it's a great color.The only 'problem' I've encountered with these sunglasses is taking them off. I don't want to take them off!! Throughout my house I have speakers and devices that I can use to stream my audiobooks/music. These sunglasses are so comfortable, easy to use, and sound so great they've quickly become my favorite listening device. (Which is why I feel I 'need' another pair with clear lenses just for the house.) You're also able to have prescription lenses placed inside the frame. I wear contacts but occasionally opt for glasses, which gives me another reason to 'need' another pair. Or two? I'm retired, but if these had been on the market when I was working I would definitely had a pair that stayed on my desk just for work, they'd be perfect for an office environment. Both in looks and functionality.Overall, I'm beyond pleased with the Ray Ban Meta Sunglasses. My previously prefered sunglasses were near the price range of the Ray Ban Metas. I can't see ever go back to that brand as the Ray Ban Meta delivers everything I want in a pair of sunglasses and then go beyond that with their sound, their style, their comfort of wear, their picture/video capture, and their making/taking calls abilities.
