My Take on Oakley Metas, the NFB Convention, and Accessibility Fails

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about the new Oakley Meta smartglasses and why, despite the hype, I’m holding off for now. The camera’s not centered like I’d hoped, and they still only shoot vertical video—great if you’re all-in on Instagram, not so much for YouTube. The recording time is a win, though: 30 minutes vs. just three on the Ray-Bans. But if the Oakleys don’t wrap around like my standard pair (which helps with glare), I’m probably not interested—unless they start shooting horizontal video. I also dive into my trip to New Orleans for the NFB national convention. Let’s just say the travel there started with a missing wallet and at the convention, almost everything that could go wrong, did—from tech issues to accessibility frustrations to a basement flood back home. There’s also a PSA for allies: if you’re helping someone blind or low vision, ask before jumping in. Don’t assume. And don’t hand my boarding pass to someone else. Finally, we're selling raffle tickets to fund the NFB of PA scholarship program. $5 could win you up to $100—and helps students who need it. Email me if you're interested: [email protected]. Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/288 Links Mentioned Product links are affiliate links so that I may earn a commission. Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, Wayfarer: https://amzn.to/42EU0Sy White Canes Connect one of the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcasts: https://traffic.libsyn.com/whitecanes... And another Top 100 Best lists for White Canes Connect: https://www.millionpodcasts.com/visua... Federation Focus on the NFB of PA YouTube channel:    / @nfbofpa   I edit the show with Descript and love it!: https://www.iCantCU.com/descript/ Be My Eyes app (free): https://www.bemyeyes.com/  Seeing AI app (free): https://www.seeingai.com/  Index of That Real Blind Tech Show episodes: https://www.icantcu.com/trbts/  Watch iCantCU episodes on YouTube:    / @icantcu   Support iCantCU When shopping at Amazon, I would appreciate it if you clicked on this link to make your purchases: https://www.iCantCU.com/amazon. I participate in the Amazon Associate Program and earn commissions on qualifying purchases. The best part is, you don't pay extra for doing this! White Canes Connect Podcast Episode 140 In Episode 140 of White Canes Connect, contributor Simon Bonenfant speaks with Zachary Ledford, Second Vice President of the National Association of Blind Students (NABS) and chair of the 2024 Mid-Atlantic Student Seminar. The conversation highlights the seminar’s theme—“Charting the Course: Finding Your Fit as a Student”—and explores how blind students can build confidence, navigate college life, and connect meaningfully with peers. WhiteCanesConnect.com is now live! Listen to episodes there or in many podcast directories. Find this episode at: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/1AzK... YouTube    • Charting Your Course, Finding Your Fit at ...   White Canes Connect Websitehttps://www.whitecanesconnect.com/140/ My Podcast Gear Here is all my gear and links to it on Amazon. I participate in the Amazon Associates Program and earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Zoom Podtrak P4: https://amzn.to/33Ymjkt Zoom ZDM Mic & Headphone Pack: https://amzn.to/33vLn2s Zoom H1n Recorder: https://amzn.to/3zBxJ9O  Gator Frameworks Desk Mounted Boom Arm: https://amzn.to/3AjJuBK Shure SM58 S Mic: https://amzn.to/3JOzofg  Sony ZV-E10 camera : https://amzn.to/4fFBSxM  GoPro Hero 11 Black: https://amzn.to/3SKI7WX Rode Video Micro (used on GoPro): https://amzn.to/4kVMJWI Sennheiser Headset (1st 162 episodes): https://amzn.to/3fM0Hu0  Follow iCantCU on your favorite podcast directory! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nck2D5... Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/iCantCU-Po... IHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-ic... YouTube:    / davidbenj    Reach out on social media Twitter:   / davidbenj   Instagram:   / davidbenj   Facebook:   / davidbenj   LinkedIn:   / davidbenj   Are You or Do You Know A Blind Boss? If you or someone you know is crushing it in their field and is also blind, I want to hear from you! Call me at (646) 926-6350 and leave a message. Tell me who the Blind Boss is and why I need to have them on an upcoming episode. You can also email the show at [email protected].