Meta Unveils EMG Handwriting for Ray-Ban Display

Meta has introduced new capabilities for Ray-Ban Display users, focusing on text input and note management. Announced during CES, the updates include an EMG handwriting feature and a teleprompter tool.

The EMG handwriting feature allows users to text without a phone or keyboard by using the Meta Neural Band. It detects physical writing motions on any surface. This feature is currently available as an early access option within WhatsApp and Messenger.

Additionally, the new teleprompter feature lets users copy notes from their phones to text cards visible through the glasses. The neural band facilitates navigation between these cards. These developments represent a significant step in integrating wearable technology with daily communication tasks.

Meta is enhancing the text input capabilities of the Ray-Ban Display with a new EMG handwriting feature. This technology allows users to send messages directly from their glasses without needing to reach for a phone or a physical keyboard. Instead, the system relies entirely on the Meta Neural Band to interpret signals.

The process involves the user physically writing with their hand on any available surface. The neural band detects these movements and translates them into text. This method offers a discreet and potentially faster way to compose messages while on the move. It bridges the gap between physical gestures and digital communication.

Currently, this functionality is being rolled out as an early access feature. It is specifically available within two major messaging platforms: WhatsApp and Messenger. This limited rollout suggests that Meta is gathering user feedback before a broader public release.

In addition to the handwriting feature, Meta is introducing a teleprompter feature to the Ray-Ban Display. This tool is designed to assist users who need to reference notes or scripts while maintaining eye contact and engagement with their surroundings. It effectively turns the smart glasses into a personal display system.

Users can copy notes directly from their smartphones into customizable text cards. These cards then become visible on the display of the Ray-Ban glasses. This allows for seamless reading of prompts without looking down at a secondary device.

Navigation through these text cards is managed via the Meta Neural Band. The band allows the user to scroll through the notes, providing a hands-free experience. This feature is currently beginning its rollout phase.

The Meta Neural Band serves as the central control hub for these new features. It utilizes electromyography (EMG) technology to detect electrical signals generated by muscle movements in the hand and wrist. This allows for precise control over the Ray-Ban Display interface.

For the handwriting feature, the band interprets the complex movements associated with writing on a surface. For the teleprompter, it detects simple gestures used to navigate through text cards. This dual functionality highlights the versatility of the neural band as an input device.

By relying on the neural band, Meta ensures that the user experience remains consistent across both new features. It eliminates the need for voice commands or touch controls on the glasses themselves, streamlining the interaction process.

The announcements were made during CES, a major technology trade show where companies showcase their latest innovations. This venue highlights Meta's commitment to advancing wearable technology and competing in the smart glasses market.

The EMG handwriting feature is currently in early access on WhatsApp and Messenger. The teleprompter feature is beginning its rollout. These staggered releases indicate a phased approach to deployment, likely to ensure stability and user adoption.

These updates position the Ray-Ban Display as a more functional tool for communication and productivity. By removing the reliance on phones for texting and note-reading, Meta is pushing the boundaries of what smart glasses can achieve in everyday scenarios.