Three mobile carriers simultaneously begin sales of the world's No. 1 AI glasses, "Ray-Ban Meta," featuring various benefits

*This content was translated by AI.

Mobile carriers SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus have all started selling Meta's artificial intelligence (AI) glasses, "Ray-Ban Meta (Gen2)," on the 22nd.

Developed jointly by Meta and global eyewear company EssilorLuxottica, the product features a form similar to regular eyeglasses, combining voice AI with cameras, speakers, and microphones. The strategy aims to secure a foothold in next-generation personal devices known as AI glasses while bundling high-priced plans with new devices to boost average revenue per user (ARPU).

Ray-Ban Meta users can say "Hey Meta" to ask questions, search for information, or receive recommendations. With a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, they can capture photos and 3K Ultra HD videos. Through open-ear speakers and five microphones, users can enjoy music, make calls, and use real-time translation.

The device offers up to eight hours of usage on a single charge, extending to a maximum of 48 hours when including the charging case. The base retail price is 690,000 won, while some polarized lens models are priced at 740,000 won.

The reason mobile carriers launched sales on the same day appears to be their assessment that AI glasses are a strong candidate for "post-smartphones." Unlike smartphones, which require users to take them out and look at screens, these glasses can directly connect users' gaze and voice to AI. Increased usage of network-based features such as photo and video uploads, real-time search, and translation is expected to drive data consumption growth.

SK Telecom will sell six Wearable models at T-Direct Shops and six stores in Seoul and Gyeonggi regions. Subscribers to Best 109, Best Pro, or Best Max plans who opt for smart device installment discounts can receive monthly discounts ranging from 12,000 won to 24,000 won over either 24 or 36 months.

More notable than terminal sales is the potential for integration with proprietary AI services. SK Telecom is exploring various avenues to develop specialized services that combine its proprietary AI service, Aha, with the glasses' voice and camera-based interfaces.

Expanding Aha's touchpoints from smartphone apps to eyewear would allow users to call upon AI without screen manipulation during daily life, work, or travel. SK Telecom views the launch of Ray-Ban Meta as a starting point for expanding customer experiences beyond AI smartphones to various AI devices.

KT has begun sales through its corporate direct online mall, KT Direct Shop, and will expand distribution to general dealers nationwide starting on the 3rd of next month. KT Membership customers receive a 10% discount. A variety of lens options are available, including transparent, green, polarized, and photochromic lenses.

Selecting the "Yogo69 Plan Device Type B" at KT Direct Shop allows usage at approximately 16,000 won per month based on a 24-month installment plan. At general dealers, purchases can be made for around 7,000 won per month under the "Choice Double Device" plan with up to 36 months of installments.

Experience zones will also operate at 11 stores nationwide, including Gwanghwamun and Gangnam. Since AI glasses are not yet familiar to the general public, the strategy aims to lower purchase barriers by allowing customers to try on the devices and experience their camera, audio, and translation functions firsthand.

LG Uplus has launched both basic and polarized lens models, applying the "Mania Device" benefit based on a 36-month installment plan. For standard plan tiers, subscribers can use the basic model with up to approximately 51% discount, resulting in about 9,357 won per month. High-priced plan subscribers receive up to approximately 80% discount, enabling usage for around 3,857 won per month.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.