Meta is releasing a new software update for its smart glasses. Version v21 introduces a conversation focus feature in noisy environments and a new Meta AI integration with Spotify that allows users to choose music based on the current view. The update is initially rolling out to participants of the Early Access program.
The end of the year is a moment of intense development for Meta's AI glasses. The company has begun rolling out the v21 update, which caps off an exceptionally active year of development for this category of devices. The new features are designed to make the glasses even more useful in everyday situations — from conversations in crowded places to discovering music in a completely new way.
Conversation Focus — a conversation more important than noise
The previously announced feature Conversation Focus is starting to reach users in the USA and Canada who are participating in the Early Access program on Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta HSTN glasses. The solution has been designed with challenging acoustic conditions in mind — in restaurants, public transport, or during live events. The glasses use open speakers to gently amplify the voice of the person you are talking to while reducing the significance of background sounds.
In practice, this means that the conversation partner sounds a bit louder and clearer, making it easier to focus on the dialogue without completely shutting yourself off from the surroundings. The level of amplification can be adjusted by swiping a finger along the right temple or directly in the device settings.
Meta AI and Spotify — music tailored to what you see
The second major innovation is the first multimodal music experience from Meta AI, created in collaboration with Spotify. This feature allows you to select music based on what you are currently looking at.
Just say: “Hey Meta, play a song to match this view”.
Meta AI combines image recognition with Spotify's personalization algorithms, creating a playlist that is tailored not only to the scene — for example, an album cover or a holiday landscape — but also to the individual preferences of the user. This is an attempt to bring music recommendations from the phone screen directly into the real world.
Availability and Early Access Program
Update v21 is being rolled out gradually. It will first be available to users enrolled in the Early Access program, which you can still join through the waiting list. The Meta AI integration with Spotify is available only in English and in select countries, including the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, India, and the United Arab Emirates.
