If you’re a proud owner of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses but live in a country where Meta AI hasn’t officially rolled out yet, you might be feeling a bit left out. Don’t worry! There’s a way to potentially access this cutting-edge feature using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process using NordVPN, a popular and reliable VPN service.
Understanding Meta AI
Before we dive into the VPN method, let’s quickly recap what Meta AI offers:
- Ask general questions and receive audio responses
- Take images and ask questions about their contents
- Use voice commands like “Hey Meta, look and…” to interact with your surroundings
- Get information on various topics, from cooking advice to translations
Meta AI is designed to help you stay informed and get things done hands-free while you’re on the go. It’s a powerful tool that can enhance your Ray-Ban Meta experience significantly.
Why Use a VPN?
A VPN can be your digital passport to accessing geo-restricted features. Here’s why it might work:
- It masks your actual location
- It makes your device appear as if it’s in a supported country
- It can bypass regional restrictions set by Meta
Step-by-Step Guide to Using NordVPN
1. Sign Up for NordVPN
- Visit the NordVPN website (Link)
- Choose a subscription plan that suits your needs
- Create an account and complete the payment process
2. Install NordVPN on Your Smartphone
Remember, your Ray-Ban Meta glasses pair with your smartphone, so that’s where NordVPN needs to be installed.
- Go to your device’s app store (Google Play Store for Android or App Store for iOS)
- Search for “NordVPN” and download the official app
- Open the app and sign in with your NordVPN account
3. Connect to a Server in a Supported Country
- Open the NordVPN app
- Tap on the map or the “Quick Connect” button
- Select a server in the United States (where Meta AI is available)
- Wait for the connection to establish (you’ll see a “Protected” message)
4. Update and Restart Your Ray-Ban Meta App
- Download the Meta View app from your app store (or delete and redownload if you already have the app)
- Open the app while still connected to NordVPN
- Note… You might need to wait a few minutes before the AI feature becomes visible (even if it say’s it s not available in your region yet)
5. Restart Your Glasses
- Turn off your Ray-Ban Meta glasses
- Wait for about 30 seconds
- Turn them back on
6. Test Meta AI
Try using a Meta AI command, such as “Hey Meta, what’s the weather like today?” If successful, you should receive an audio response through your glasses.
Troubleshooting with NordVPN
If you’re having trouble accessing Meta AI even with NordVPN:
- Try different US servers: NordVPN has numerous servers in the US. If one doesn’t work, try another.
- Use NordVPN’s obfuscated servers: These are designed to bypass stricter restrictions. In the NordVPN app, go to Settings > VPN protocol > Choose OpenVPN (TCP) > Enable Obfuscated servers.
- Clear your Ray-Ban Meta app cache: Go to your phone’s Settings > Apps > Ray-Ban Meta > Storage > Clear Cache.
- Contact NordVPN support: They offer 24/7 customer support that can help with connection issues.
- Factory reset the Ray Ban Meta glasses (not as bad as it sounds)
Important Considerations
While using a VPN can potentially unlock Meta AI, there are some crucial points to keep in mind:
- Terms of Service: This method might violate Meta’s terms of service. Proceed at your own discretion.
- Performance Issues: Using a VPN might affect the speed and responsiveness of Meta AI.
- Privacy Implications: Remember that Meta processes data from your interactions with AI on its servers. This includes voice recordings, transcripts, images, and related data.
- Data Storage: Meta stores and uses this data to improve its products and train AI models. You can view and manage this data in the Meta View app.
- NordVPN’s Privacy Policy: While NordVPN is known for its strong privacy practices, including a strict no-logs policy, always review their current privacy policy to understand how your data is handled.
- Language Support: Meta AI might not support your local language if it’s not officially available in your region.
- Updates: You might miss out on automatic updates or new features by accessing the service unofficially.
Ethical Considerations
While it’s exciting to access cutting-edge features, it’s worth considering the ethical implications. By circumventing regional restrictions, we’re operating in a grey area. It’s a personal decision whether the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Looking Ahead
Meta is likely working on expanding Meta AI’s availability. Patience might be the best approach, as official support will ensure the best experience and continued updates. In the meantime, you can:
- Reach out to Meta’s support to express interest in Meta AI for your region
- Keep your glasses updated for when the feature becomes available
- Explore other features of your Ray-Ban Meta glasses that are currently available
Final thoughts
Using NordVPN to access Meta AI on your Ray-Ban Meta glasses can be an effective workaround, but it comes with risks and considerations. Always prioritise your privacy and security, and be aware of the terms of service you’re agreeing to.
