Your Meta Ray-Bans just got a big update for free – and it feels like science fiction

The universal translator in later Star Trek series always seemed convenient since it was built directly into the communicator. Now, Meta is officially launching a similar convenience through its smart glasses.

Previously limited to early access in certain countries, the live translation on Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses is expanding to all owners. This means you’ll be able to carry on conversations with people in certain languages directly through the glasses. For now, the translation supports English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

How live translation works

Assuming you speak English, here’s how this works.

First, tell Meta to start the live translation. Now, let’s say someone speaks to you in French, Italian, or Spanish. Your Ray-Ban glasses instantly translate and speak their words into English. You then reply to them in English.

Also: Meta’s upcoming $1,000 smart glasses sound like the Ray-Bans successor I’ve been waiting for

If the other person also has Ray-Ban glasses, you can carry on a back-and-forth conversation this way. That scenario may not be likely, though. In that case, they can view your words in their own language through the Meta app on your smartphone and continue the conversation. When done, just tell Meta to stop the live translation.

By downloading the languages ahead of time, you don’t need Wi-Fi access or a cellular connection, so this will work even in dead zones. Beyond conversations, you can listen to movies, shows, lectures, instructions, and more in one of the supported languages and hear the translation through your glasses.

Also: I tested Meta’s transparent Ray-Ban smart glasses, and they’re a near-perfect accessory for me

My wife and I like to travel to other countries outside the US and would certainly take advantage of a live translator both for conversations and other situations. We once went to a Kabuki show in Japan where all the performers naturally spoke Japanese. Having a live translator as we watched the show would have come in handy.

Expanding to more countries

Beyond rolling out live translation, Meta is expanding its Ray-Ban glasses to more countries. Starting soon, the glasses will be available in Mexico, India, and the United Arab Emirates. This could mean the live translator will eventually support additional languages beyond the four current ones.

Also: Why the Even Realities G1 are the smart glasses to beat in 2025 – and I’ve tested several pairs

Next, the Meta AI on the Ray-Ban glasses is extending its reach. Designed to let you carry on an AI-powered conversation, Meta’s smart assistant is making its way to Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Starting next week, all Ray-Ban owners will be able to ask Meta AI questions about things you see through the glasses.

Here’s one example served up by Meta:

Also: Meta’s latest limited edition Ray-Ban smart glasses are here – and they’re fancy

“In the middle of cooking dinner and you don’t have as much butter as you thought? Ask Meta AI to see if there’s a substitute based on what it sees in your pantry or refrigerator. And follow it up by asking which wine in your rack pairs best with the meal. You can speak as you normally would without needing to say ‘Hey, Meta‘ each time, and Meta AI will respond in kind for a smooth, natural experience.”

And there’s more

Currently, you can use Meta’s smart glasses to make calls and send messages through Messenger and WhatsApp. Soon, you’ll be able to do the same with Instagram. Plus, Meta is expanding access to more music services in countries beyond the US and Canada. You’ll be able to request music and ask questions about your favorite tunes across Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Shazam.

Also: These Alexa-enabled smart glasses beat the Meta Ray-Bans in key ways

Finally, your Meta Ray-Bans are coming in more colors and styles for both indoor and outdoor use. The new Skyler Shiny Chalky Gray with Transitions Sapphire lenses uses a cat-eye shape design in a range of colors. You can pick dark lenses for outside, clear ones for inside, or transition lenses to cover both scenarios. You can even add prescription lenses to the glasses.

Also: I took my Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses fly fishing, and they beat GoPro in several surprising ways

Starting at $299, the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses can do lots of smart things, including capturing photos and videos, playing music and podcasts via your phone, and answering your questions courtesy of Meta AI. At Meta’s website, you can use a virtual try-on feature to see how you look sporting the specs. But to experience the full effect, head to your local Ray-Ban, Best Buy, or eyeglass store to try them on yourself.

Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.