Meta has released a new update for its smart glasses that allows users to make calls or send messages without using the voice command “hey Meta.” The feature, called “quick connect,” is part of the company’s latest 19.2 software update and aims to make communication faster and more discreet.
Reducing reliance on voice commands
One of the biggest complaints about Meta’s smart glasses has been the frequent need to use the phrase “hey Meta” to trigger voice commands. While Meta’s AI assistant has become more advanced, many users find speaking aloud to their glasses in public awkward or intrusive.
The new quick-connect feature helps address this issue by introducing a one-touch shortcut for commonly used communication actions. Users can now make a phone call or send a text to a selected contact simply by holding down the touchpad on the right side of the glasses. This eliminates the need to speak the wake phrase, allowing for a smoother and more private experience.
How the new feature works
The Quick Connect shortcut allows users to assign one contact to the gesture, choosing whether they wish to message, text, or call that contact. The Meta AI app also lets users select their preferred platform for communication—be it WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, or their phone’s native calling or messaging app.
Once set up, the same touch-and-hold action can also be used to send photos or videos captured with the glasses immediately after they are taken. The chosen communication app will handle the transfer, making it simple to share moments in real time without reaching for a phone.
The concept of quick connect resembles the “action button” featured on the Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses. However, Meta’s implementation is more focused on personal communication rather than broader customisation.
Future flexibility and third-party integration
At its recent Connect event, Meta also previewed updates for third-party developers, suggesting that more flexibility may be forthcoming. These updates could allow developers to create their own wake words for use with the glasses, offering additional ways to interact with apps and services.
While it may not yet be possible to abandon the “hey Meta” command completely, the latest update represents a significant step toward a more user-friendly experience. For now, Quick Connect provides a practical solution for users seeking a discreet and efficient way to communicate on the go.
