A Train-the-Trainer Guide
This guide equips any individual with a working knowledge of the set up and utilization of AI glasses features that may be helpful for individuals who are blind or have low vision.
Developed in collaboration with the Blinded Veterans Association
Quick start guide
- Power On/Off: Power on/off the glasses using the left temple switch.
- Check Battery: Simply ask, "Hey Meta, what is my battery percentage?" to hear an auditory status report.
- Charging: Place the glasses in the case; listen for the magnetic "click" and ensure the front flap of the case is securely closed.
- Power On/Off: Power on/off the glasses using the left temple switch.
- Check Battery: Simply ask, "Hey Meta, what is my battery percentage?" to hear an auditory status report.
- Charging: Place the glasses in the case; listen for the magnetic "click" and ensure the front flap of the case is securely closed.
The Golden Rule: Always say "Hey Meta" and wait for the chime before stating your command. To skip the voice wake word, you can set the touchpad as a shortcut: go to device settings → customize controls → touchpad → select Meta AI. Then tap and hold the touchpad to activate Meta AI without saying 'Hey Meta.'
- Photos: "Hey Meta, take a photo."
- Video: "Hey Meta, start recording." (Say "Stop" to end.)
- Information: "Hey Meta, read this," or "What is this in my hand?"
- Reminders: "Hey Meta, remind me to turn over the laundry at 3:00pm."
Conversation focus: In loud areas, use the conversation focus setting in your app to amplify the speaker directly in front of you.
The Golden Rule: Always say "Hey Meta" and wait for the chime before stating your command. To skip the voice wake word, you can set the touchpad as a shortcut: go to device settings → customize controls → touchpad → select Meta AI. Then tap and hold the touchpad to activate Meta AI without saying 'Hey Meta.'
- Photos: "Hey Meta, take a photo."
- Video: "Hey Meta, start recording." (Say "Stop" to end.)
- Information: "Hey Meta, read this," or "What is this in my hand?"
- Reminders: "Hey Meta, remind me to turn over the laundry at 3:00pm."
Conversation focus: In loud areas, use the conversation focus setting in your app to amplify the speaker directly in front of you.
- Sensitive Spaces: When entering sensitive spaces, you can opt to power off the glasses using the left temple switch.
- Data Control: Open the Meta AI app, go to Settings > Glasses Privacy, and toggle off voice and transcript storage if you prefer not to save your interactions.
- Data Stewardship: Guide the client through the Meta AI app to manage privacy settings, including decisions regarding whether or not to disable the storage of voice recordings and transcripts.
- Sensitive Spaces: When entering sensitive spaces, you can opt to power off the glasses using the left temple switch.
- Data Control: Open the Meta AI app, go to Settings > Glasses Privacy, and toggle off voice and transcript storage if you prefer not to save your interactions.
- Data Stewardship: Guide the client through the Meta AI app to manage privacy settings, including decisions regarding whether or not to disable the storage of voice recordings and transcripts.
- Monthly Help Desk sessions: Please see the TechSoup website for more information regarding ongoing Help Desk sessions with the Blinded Veterans Association.
- Be My Eyes Integration: Use the command, "Hey Meta, call a volunteer with Be My Eyes," or specify a corporate support desk (e.g., "Call Amtrak on Be My Eyes").
- Troubleshooting: If the glasses freeze, fold the right temple closed and reopen it to force a reboot. If that fails, hold the top capture button for 3 seconds to trigger a manual voice loop override.
- Additional Resources from Blinded Veterans Association: Find additional training resources on the BVA website.
- Monthly Help Desk sessions: Please see the TechSoup website for more information regarding ongoing Help Desk sessions with the Blinded Veterans Association.
- Be My Eyes Integration: Use the command, "Hey Meta, call a volunteer with Be My Eyes," or specify a corporate support desk (e.g., "Call Amtrak on Be My Eyes").
- Troubleshooting: If the glasses freeze, fold the right temple closed and reopen it to force a reboot. If that fails, hold the top capture button for 3 seconds to trigger a manual voice loop override.
- Additional Resources from Blinded Veterans Association: Find additional training resources on the BVA website.
- Power On/Off: Power on/off the glasses using the left temple switch.
- Check Battery: Simply ask, "Hey Meta, what is my battery percentage?" to hear an auditory status report.
- Charging: Place the glasses in the case; listen for the magnetic "click" and ensure the front flap of the case is securely closed.
- Power On/Off: Power on/off the glasses using the left temple switch.
- Check Battery: Simply ask, "Hey Meta, what is my battery percentage?" to hear an auditory status report.
- Charging: Place the glasses in the case; listen for the magnetic "click" and ensure the front flap of the case is securely closed.
The Golden Rule: Always say "Hey Meta" and wait for the chime before stating your command. To skip the voice wake word, you can set the touchpad as a shortcut: go to device settings → customize controls → touchpad → select Meta AI. Then tap and hold the touchpad to activate Meta AI without saying 'Hey Meta.'
- Photos: "Hey Meta, take a photo."
- Video: "Hey Meta, start recording." (Say "Stop" to end.)
- Information: "Hey Meta, read this," or "What is this in my hand?"
- Reminders: "Hey Meta, remind me to turn over the laundry at 3:00pm."
Conversation focus: In loud areas, use the conversation focus setting in your app to amplify the speaker directly in front of you.
The Golden Rule: Always say "Hey Meta" and wait for the chime before stating your command. To skip the voice wake word, you can set the touchpad as a shortcut: go to device settings → customize controls → touchpad → select Meta AI. Then tap and hold the touchpad to activate Meta AI without saying 'Hey Meta.'
- Photos: "Hey Meta, take a photo."
- Video: "Hey Meta, start recording." (Say "Stop" to end.)
- Information: "Hey Meta, read this," or "What is this in my hand?"
- Reminders: "Hey Meta, remind me to turn over the laundry at 3:00pm."
Conversation focus: In loud areas, use the conversation focus setting in your app to amplify the speaker directly in front of you.
- Sensitive Spaces: When entering sensitive spaces, you can opt to power off the glasses using the left temple switch.
- Data Control: Open the Meta AI app, go to Settings > Glasses Privacy, and toggle off voice and transcript storage if you prefer not to save your interactions.
- Data Stewardship: Guide the client through the Meta AI app to manage privacy settings, including decisions regarding whether or not to disable the storage of voice recordings and transcripts.
- Sensitive Spaces: When entering sensitive spaces, you can opt to power off the glasses using the left temple switch.
- Data Control: Open the Meta AI app, go to Settings > Glasses Privacy, and toggle off voice and transcript storage if you prefer not to save your interactions.
- Data Stewardship: Guide the client through the Meta AI app to manage privacy settings, including decisions regarding whether or not to disable the storage of voice recordings and transcripts.
- Monthly Help Desk sessions: Please see the TechSoup website for more information regarding ongoing Help Desk sessions with the Blinded Veterans Association.
- Be My Eyes Integration: Use the command, "Hey Meta, call a volunteer with Be My Eyes," or specify a corporate support desk (e.g., "Call Amtrak on Be My Eyes").
- Troubleshooting: If the glasses freeze, fold the right temple closed and reopen it to force a reboot. If that fails, hold the top capture button for 3 seconds to trigger a manual voice loop override.
- Additional Resources from Blinded Veterans Association: Find additional training resources on the BVA website.
- Monthly Help Desk sessions: Please see the TechSoup website for more information regarding ongoing Help Desk sessions with the Blinded Veterans Association.
- Be My Eyes Integration: Use the command, "Hey Meta, call a volunteer with Be My Eyes," or specify a corporate support desk (e.g., "Call Amtrak on Be My Eyes").
- Troubleshooting: If the glasses freeze, fold the right temple closed and reopen it to force a reboot. If that fails, hold the top capture button for 3 seconds to trigger a manual voice loop override.
- Additional Resources from Blinded Veterans Association: Find additional training resources on the BVA website.
What you'll learn
This training is built for hands-on learning. Here's what each module covers.
Getting started: Setup and physical layout
Voice commands and everyday use
Apps, integrations and getting help
Troubleshooting and adjustments
Skills assessment
Getting started: Setup and physical layout
Trainers will demonstrate proficiency in delivering instruction for individuals across the full spectrum of technological ability, from no-tech to advanced users. Instructors must teach clients to map the device's physical layout before activating any software features.
Companion app setup
- Preparation: Before beginning, ensure the client's smartphone has sufficient battery and that they are connected to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular network.
- App Installation: Assist the client in navigating to the official app store for their mobile device to download the "Meta AI" app.
- Account Sign-In: Open the app and guide the client through the sign-in process, using their existing Meta Account or creating a new one as prompted.
- Device Pairing:
- Ensure the glasses are powered on by checking the left temple switch.
- Follow the on-screen audio prompts within the app to initiate the Bluetooth pairing process.
- Instruct the client to confirm the pairing request on their smartphone screen when it appears.
- Permission Authorization: Guide the client through the system prompts to authorize necessary permissions, specifically:
- Bluetooth: Required to maintain the connection between the phone and glasses.
- Location: Necessary for certain features, such as navigation.
- Microphone and Camera: Essential for enabling voice commands and media capture.
- Notifications: Recommended to ensure the client receives system updates and alerts.
- Final Verification: Confirm that the app displays a "Connected" status for the glasses. You may also verify the connection by asking the client to test a simple voice command, such as, "Hey Meta, what is the weather today?" to ensure the audio-feedback loop is active.
Physical frame layout
Use highly structured, absolute orientation terms. Ask for permission to guide a client's hands as useful during instruction. Direct the client to hold the glasses by the temples (arms) with the lenses facing completely away from their body. Instruct them to perform the following tactile sweeps:
- The Left Temple (Power Switch): Instruct the client to pinch the left arm close to the front lens hinge and locate a small, raised, sliding switch on the inside surface. Dictate the action: "Sliding it forward toward the lens turns the glasses on. Sliding it back toward your ear turns them off."
- The Right Temple (Control Hub): Inform the client that all interactive operational controls are consolidated on the right arm.
- The Touchpad: Direct them to place a finger flat on the outer lateral side of the right arm. Instruct them to slide their finger back and forth to locate a long, smooth, slightly recessed or uniquely textured track.
- The capture button: Instruct them to move their finger to the top edge of that same right arm, close to the hinge. They will locate a small, distinct, raised tactile button.
- The Power/Action Button: Direct them to move their finger down to the outer lateral side of the right arm near the hinge to locate a separate small, raised button.
Tactile charging case mechanics
- Case Orientation: Guide them to feel the front flap secured by a magnetic clasp. Have them open and close it to recognize the distinct tactile magnetic pull that ensures the case is shut.
- Docking Mechanics: Guide the client to open the case and slide the glasses inside, placing the lenses face down into the two distinct internal grooves. When placed correctly, the temples of the glasses will be facing the back of the case, and the lenses will be facing the client. Instruct them to listen carefully: the glasses will magnetically drop and snap down with a sharp physical click. This click serves as the primary tactile confirmation that the charging pins are aligned.
- Interface Ports: Direct them to flip the case over to locate the recessed, oval USB-C port on the flat bottom surface. On the rear exterior near the bottom, guide them to press the flush, circular status button.
Acoustic environment verification
Instruct the client to put the glasses on and listen for system sounds:
- Power On: An automatic ascending acoustic chime plays when the frame sensors touch the face.
- Photo Capture: A crisp camera-shutter sound confirms a static capture.
- Video Recording: A distinct chime sounds at the beginning of a recording, and a separate trailing chime sounds when recording stops.
- Incoming Communication: A combined frame vibration and audible ringtone signals an incoming call.
Battery management
Instruct the client to check battery status anytime by asking, "Hey Meta, what is my battery percentage?". Teach them to listen for the vocalized percentage, ensuring they can manage device longevity independently without a smartphone screen.
Voice commands and everyday use
Trainers will master the delivery of Voice User Interface (VUI) syntax, audio pacing, and spatial camera-aiming protocols.
Virtual wake word pacing and audio-loop diagnostics
- The Mandatory Wake Word: The baseline phrase is "Hey Meta," which must precede every initial voice command.
- Silent shortcuts: To create a shortcut to not say "Hey Meta", go to device settings → customize controls → touchpad → select Meta AI.
- The VUI Feedback Loop: Instruct the client to say the wake word, completely stop speaking, and explicitly listen for the acoustic confirmation chime (the system's "green light") before stating their command.
- Virtual Diagnostic Blueprint: If a client reports a command failed, listen for the following:
- Symptom: The client speaks seamlessly without a break ("Hey Meta, what is this").
- Trainer Correction: "I notice you are skipping the chime. Let's do it together. Say 'Hey Meta', pause until you hear the water-drop sound, and only then ask your question."
- Continuous Conversation Flow: Explain to the client that once the initial AI interaction loop is active, they do not need to repeat "Hey Meta" for immediate follow-up questions (asked within a few seconds). They can talk to Meta AI naturally regarding the object they are evaluating.
- Acoustic Compensation: To hear other people more easily in crowded environments, instruct clients to turn on conversation focus via the app settings or by saying “Hey Meta, turn on conversation focus”.
Physical and voice control systems
To ensure the client understands both operational tracks hands-free, use the following interactive verbal checklists.
- Capture Photo
- Voice Command Syntax: "Hey Meta, take a photo."
- Physical Shortcut Interaction: press the top capture button once.
- Verification Method for Trainer: listen for the camera-shutter.
- Start Video
- Voice Command Syntax: "Hey Meta, start recording."
- Physical Shortcut Interaction: press and hold the top capture button.
- Verification Method for Trainer: listen for the start chime.
- Stop Video
- Voice Command Syntax: "Hey Meta, stop recording."
- Physical Shortcut Interaction: press the top capture button again.
- Verification Method for Trainer: listen for the distinct trailing termination chime.
- Volume Adjustment
- Voice Command Syntax: "Hey Meta, increase volume."
- Physical Shortcut Interaction: swipe forward or backward on the right touchpad.
- Verification Method for Trainer: instruct the client to verbally confirm the level change.
- Audio Play / Pause
- Voice Command Syntax: "Hey Meta, pause." / "play"
- Physical Shortcut Interaction: tap once directly on the lateral right touchpad.
- Verification Method for Trainer: observe the audio state switch.
- Distance Units
- Voice Command Syntax: "Hey Meta, use feet instead of meters."
- Physical Shortcut Interaction: N/A (system configuration).
- Verification Method for Trainer: ask the client to prompt a spatial check to verify unit changes. Please note: this feature should act as a complement to existing accessibility tools, such as a cane or service dog, not a replacement for them.
Spatial camera aiming and head-pointing protocols
- The Nose-Pointing Rule: Verbally instruct the client: "Imagine a laser pointer is attached directly to the tip of your nose. Wherever your nose points, the camera points."
- Object Placement Orientation: Train the client to hold objects roughly 8 to 12 inches directly out from their chin and slightly to the left (where the primary camera is located), ensuring the item is squarely in the camera's field of view.
- Virtual Validation of Computer Vision: Run through these core operational commands sequentially. Have the client speak the command, and ask them to read the assistant's response out loud if you cannot hear it:
- Text Extraction: "Hey Meta, read this." (Use a piece of mail or a food package label.)
- Object Analysis: "Hey Meta, what is this in my hand?"
- Color Identification: "Hey Meta, what color is this jacket?"
- Surrounding Scene Assessment: "Hey Meta, look and tell me what you see."
- Currency Identification: "Hey Meta, what is the value of the bill I'm holding?"
- QR Code Processing: "Hey Meta, scan this QR code." (Verify via the shared smartphone screen that the URL link successfully opens.)
- Utility Info: "Hey Meta, what's the time?" or "what's the weather?"
- Navigation: "Hey Meta, what's the fastest way to get to [Location]?" (Verify that the map or directional metadata pushes seamlessly to their smartphone's native navigation app.)
Privacy and safety protocols
- Contextual Awareness: Instruct clients to power off the device via the left temple switch when entering sensitive environments.
- Bystander Transparency: Explain the “capture LED” function. Teach the client that the white LED indicates recording and that they should demonstrate this light to others to build trust and social transparency.
- Data Stewardship: See Module 1 for this step.
- Operating Safely: Remind the client to maintain spatial awareness when using the features.
Apps, integrations and getting help
Trainers will learn to configure third-party integration platforms (WhatsApp, Be My Eyes, etc) and direct advanced visual streaming workflows.
App provisioning via mobile screen share
- Meta AI app → Eyeglasses Icon (Bottom Right)
- Settings Gear Icon (Top Right)
- Communication (Messenger / WhatsApp) or Accessibility (Be My Eyes)
- Select Provider (Be My Eyes / Messenger / WhatsApp)
- Tap "Connect" and Authorize Permissions
- Virtual Verification: Watch to ensure that account authorization tokens pass correctly and that the native screen reader reads aloud the "Successfully Connected" notification status.
- For other third-party apps like Oorion, or Aira. User needs to download the app. Go into third-party app settings to find AI glasses. Go through the connection flows, which includes selecting “always allow” for camera access.
Live visual assistance platforms (Be My Eyes Directory)
- Standard Call Activation: Instruct the client to use the voice interface to bridge a call: "Hey Meta, call a volunteer with Be My Eyes." Or "Hey Meta, Be My Eyes."
- Sighted Service Support Directory: Teach the client how to bypass general volunteers and target specialized corporate support desks. Have them practice commands such as:
- "Hey Meta, call Amtrak on Be My Eyes."
- "Hey Meta, call Hilton with Be My Eyes."
- Virtual Coaching Checkpoint: Instruct the client to practice head-pointing adjustments during a mock run, explaining how to slowly sweep their head left-to-right to give the remote agent a comprehensive description of their physical environment.
Hands-free communication and validation loops
- The messaging flow on WhatsApp:
- Client states: "Hey Meta, send a message to [Contact Name] on WhatsApp."
- Trainer listens to verify that the glasses read back the correct contact name prompt.
- Client speaks the message text.
- Trainer verifies that the client listens to the system read-back completely without speaking over the audio.
- Client speaks the strict closing validation command: "Yes", "No", or "Cancel".
- Audio messaging pacing on WhatsApp: Instruct the client to say, "Hey Meta, send a voice message to [Contact Name] on WhatsApp." Coach them to remain completely silent immediately after finishing their dictation: "Remember, the system looks for several continuous seconds of complete silence to end recording before prompting you to say 'Yes' to send."
Interactive video view sharing and camera toggling
- The Sharing Sequence: During a live video call on Messenger or WhatsApp initiated via the glasses, instruct the client to perform a physical double-press on the top capture button.
- Virtual Observation: If the client is calling you directly on WhatsApp to test this, verify that their video feed transitions smoothly from their smartphone's stationary front camera to a live, first-person point-of-view tracking shot originating from the glasses frames.
- Hands-Free Screen Locking: Instruct the client to hit the physical power button on their smartphone to lock the screen. Verify that the video streaming feed from the glasses continues uninterrupted while the phone remains closed and put away.
Troubleshooting and adjustments
Trainers will learn how to diagnose software freezes, guide clients through hardware-level factory resets without sight, monitor training audio output, and direct physical fit adjustments.
Virtual troubleshooting protocols
When a client encounters a system freeze, use this progressive diagnostic checklist:
- Remove the glasses and put them back on: Instruct the client to remove the glasses, fold both temple arms completely closed, wait three seconds, unfold them, and put them back on. This cycles the internal frame proximity sensors and forces an automatic system reboot.
- Close the Meta AI app, and re-open the app.
- Power cycle the glasses: If the glasses fail to respond to the voice wake word, tell the client to slide the power button on the inside left arm of the glasses backward to turn the glasses off.
- For additional troubleshooting, use the Meta support assistant.
Blind-accessible hardware reset (verbal scaffolding)
If the device becomes completely unresponsive and app connectivity is lost, the trainer must guide the client through a hardware button override. Because this process relies on timed button holds and a visual orange LED light, you must coach the client through these precise tactile movements:
- Instruct the client to keep the glasses turned on.
- Tell them to take the glasses off and fold the right temple arm completely closed while keeping the left arm open.
- Instruct them to find the top capture button with their index finger.
- Have them press the capture button rapidly 5 times in a row, and tell them to hold the button down firmly on the 5th press.
- Trainer Visual Check: Look closely at the client's glasses. The small LED indicator on the inside of the frame will turn a solid orange color.
- Tell the client: "The light is solid orange. Now, let go of the button and immediately press and hold it down again."
- Keep them holding until you see the LED begin to flash orange. Tell them to release the button.
- Inform the client that the reset is running while the light flashes orange and white. Once the LED flashes green and turns completely off, tell them the factory reset is complete.
- Instruct the client to open their phone's Bluetooth menu via their screen reader and select Forget Device to clear out the old connection profile.
Remote ergonomic fitting and audio mirroring
- Visual Fit Evaluation: Have the client turn so you can check how the frames fit:
- Stability Anchoring: If the frames slip forward, instruct them to install silicone ear hooks onto the ends of the temple tips to anchor the glasses securely behind their ears.
Comprehensive virtual exit examination
Section I: Multiple choice and short answer diagnostic questions.
If the glasses become unresponsive and the app connectivity is lost, what is the correct tactile sequence to begin a hardware-button factory reset?
A. Hold the capture button for 10 seconds
B. Close both temple arms, wait for 5 seconds, and open
C. Close the right temple arm, press the top capture button 5 times, and hold on the 5th press
D. Double-tap the touchpad while in the charging case
Correct answer: C. A hardware reset is a critical troubleshooting step that bypasses the software connection. By folding the right temple arm (the control hub), the device initiates a specific state, and the sequence of 5 rapid presses followed by a firm hold on the capture button forces the system into the factory reset mode, indicated by a solid orange LED light. Sighted assistance may be required.
Describe the exact physical configuration, arm positions, and button cadence required to execute a hardware-button factory reset on the AI glasses without relying on an active mobile app connection.
Correct answer: Turn the glasses on and close the right temple arm completely. Press the top capture button 5 times quickly until the LED turns solid orange. Then immediately press and hold the capture button again until the LED flashes orange. Wait for the LED to cycle through white and green and turn off. Unpair the device from the phone's Bluetooth settings.
When using a third-party remote assistance app like Be My Eyes during a call, what physical gesture allows a client to toggle the live video stream between their smartphone's camera and the glasses' lens?
A. Single-tapping the lateral side touchpad
B. Double-tapping the top capture recording button
C. Sliding the left temple power switch back and forth
D. Pressing and holding the capture button for three seconds
Correct answer: B. Double-tapping the capture button toggles the active video view between the phone and the glasses during a live video call. This shortcut is designed for fluid interaction during live assistance calls. By performing a double-press on the capture button, the system intelligently switches the video input feed, allowing the remote sighted volunteer to switch from seeing the client's face (via the phone camera) to the client's point-of-view (via the glasses' lens).
A client reports that their glasses are not charging when placed inside the case. Which tactile indicators should the trainer instruct the client to verify to confirm proper placement?
Correct answer: The client must check for the tactile magnetic pull of the front flap as it closes. When placing the glasses in the case, they must feel the temples magnetically click into position in the internal grooves.
Where should a client navigate in the Meta AI app to ensure data stewardship and prevent the storage of voice interactions?
A. Device Settings > Audio Output
B. Glasses Privacy > Toggle off voice and transcript storage
C. Connectivity > Forget Device
D. Accessibility > conversation focus
Correct answer: B. Glasses Privacy > Toggle off voice and transcript storage if you want. Data stewardship empowers the client to manage their privacy independently. Navigating to the "Glasses Privacy" section within the Meta AI app provides the user with direct control to disable the saving of voice recordings and transcripts, ensuring that their personal interactions are not archived by the platform.
What is the standard protocol for maintaining privacy when a client enters a sensitive environment?
A. Mute the microphone via the app
B. Simply stop speaking to Meta AI
C. Power off the glasses using the physical switch on the left arm
D. Place the glasses in the charging case without closing the lid
Correct answer: C. In high-privacy environments like medical offices or private meetings, the most reliable and foolproof method to ensure no data is captured is a physical disconnection. Sliding the power switch on the left temple to the "off" position physically disables all microphone and camera functionality, providing the user and those around them with complete assurance of privacy.
If a user encounters an issue or a bug with their glasses, and has confirmed that it's a bug, what should they do next?
A. Power off the device by sliding the left temple switch back, wait 3 seconds, and then power it back on to force a system reboot
B. Submit a support ticket through the Meta AI app or official support channels
C. Post about the issue on social media
D. Send glasses back to the manufacturer immediately for a refund
Correct answer: B. Submit a support ticket through the Meta AI app or official support channels so the issue can be properly logged and triaged.
Key instructional reminders
Remind clients that these tools are for accessibility support, not a replacement for mobility tools like a white cane.
These glasses do not replace optical magnification tools; they supplement them via AI scene description.