There’s something about thousands of people cry-shouting Taylor Swift lyrics in a stadium that feels electrifying. Going to a concert like this should, in theory, be an unforgettable experience. More often than not, however, you are left with hazy memories and fleeting visions in your mind. According to psychology professor Ewan McNay, this forgetfulness happens because of the overstimulation of a concert or festival combined with the highly emotional state you are likely in. Even if you’re happy and excited, the body sees this as a stress state and wipes the slate clean. As such, it’s no wonder why society has naturally leaned into the art of recording their concert experiences.
A music event without a sea of phones facing the stage is a rarity these days, but what if the era of digital bricks in the air is also over? With the advent of smart glasses, there may be a hands-free future for recording these high-octane video souvenirs.
What are smart glasses?
Smart glasses refer to eyewear built with tech that offers various extra capabilities. Rudimentary versions have been introduced into the market before, with discontinued releases like Google Glass introducing the potential of augmented reality. This trend has been furthered by the Apple Vision Pro, though its bulk and build suggest a closer similarity to VR headsets.
The more accurate representation of the technology comes down to a pair of seemingly regular frames with integrated functionality that the user can use to interact with the world around them. Ray-Ban’s smart glasses have led the foray into this tech in partnership with Meta. On the surface, these are regular sunglasses that help you see the world clearly, as you can apply prescription lenses.
What makes the glasses “smart” are its ultra-wide 12-megapixel camera with a five-mic system, touchpad and voice-activated controls, Meta AI connectivity, and livestream capability to Facebook and Instagram. Since its launch, its various iterations have been backed by major festivals like Coachella and artists like Chloe Bailey, Malumah, and Coi Leray, to name a few.
This technology has comfortably found its way to the music scene because of a running desire for the ability to share or record the experience while being able to live in the moment.
A vision of tomorrow’s festivals
The camera and recording quality of smart glasses have already improved significantly in just a few years. This is the primary catalyst for its role as the evolution of concertgoers trying to keep their memories of the event. Although the camera is not yet on par with the crisp and impressive zoom of Samsung’s S23 Ultra, it is already hitting a quality good enough for a live stream in the middle of a busy crowd.
The Ray-Ban smart glasses can capture the moment around you — albeit not from the cheaper seats. While there is no zoom, this feature is still an exciting prospect for future iterations. For now, its strength lies in how it seamlessly integrates itself into your natural activities. You can enjoy your favorite artist using commands the AI assistant can pick up. There’s no need to swap out apps manually and tinker with a handheld device.
Another promising use for smart glasses is theft prevention. Gen Z Outdoor’s investigation into festival theft revealed that $741,546,928 worth of valuables are stolen yearly at festivals. More specifically, around three in 100 attendees get their phones stolen. It’s easier to secure your phone when you have a more convenient way to capture your memories. While smart glasses might seem like a target of interest, it’s just discreet enough because they match the style of other Ray-Ban glasses. A potential thief wouldn’t take much interest in your shades in the middle of the noise and lights of a festival.
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