Meta has introduced a new feature for its smart glasses that enhances users’ ability to engage in conversations in noisy environments. Known as Conversation Focus, this software-driven tool aims to filter out background noise and amplify the voices of people users are facing, making communication in public spaces more effective.
The Conversation Focus feature is currently available to users participating in the Early Access program for the Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta HSTN smart glasses. According to a support page from Meta, users can activate the feature by simply saying, “Hey Meta, start conversation focus.” Once engaged, the system specifically targets audio signals from individuals in close proximity, enhancing their voices while reducing surrounding sounds. This enhancement works best when the distance between speakers is under 1.8 meters.
Functionality and Limitations
Meta’s new feature operates on two levels: standard and boosted. In boosted mode, users experience sharper voice amplification, which is particularly useful in environments with significant background noise. Users can adjust the amplification by sliding their fingers on the touchpad located on the side arms of the glasses.
Despite its promising capabilities, there are important limitations to be aware of. Meta has indicated that Conversation Focus is not designed to function effectively in “extremely loud environments.” Additionally, if a user activates another feature that requires microphone access, such as communicating with the onboard assistant, the conversation focus will pause.
This rollout of the feature follows a growing trend among personal audio devices, as similar functionality is found in Apple’s AirPods, which offer a feature called Conversation Awareness. The notion of enhancing voice clarity in noisy settings is becoming increasingly prevalent as technology evolves to meet user demands for better communication tools.
As of now, the feature is limited to early access users in the United States and Canada. The first reports of this feature’s availability emerged from UploadVR, highlighting Meta’s ongoing efforts to innovate in the space of augmented reality and audio technology.
As this technology develops, it could serve as a significant advantage for users looking to maintain clear communication in bustling environments. The ongoing improvements in smart glasses firmly position Meta to compete in a rapidly evolving market for wearable technology.
