This can't be right?

 

Joan flipped our scheduling calendar to the next week, and...

 Nothing.  Not a single thing scheduled.  Yet.  I don't think I've ever seen this before.  Doctor appointments... feeding the grandcats... music (with 3 different groups)... there's always something.

But, for now: nothing.  What are we going to do with ourselves?  ;-)

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That didn't last long.  Steph saw we didn't have anything on the calendar; I think she felt bad that we have no social life, so she scheduled me to feed the cats this afternoon.  They are going out with friends and she thought it would be later (after a Diamondback's game, and the game wasn't going to take as long as they thought).  So, yeah, I'll be feeding cats later today.

For full disclosure, that's today - Sunday - so it isn't officially something scheduled for "next week."

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Still deciding.

About what?  Thanks for asking.  I'm sitting here with both pair of Meta sunglasses: the Ray-Ban Wayfarers and the Oakley Vanguards.  I need to make a decision, because one of them needs to go back.  They each have their pros and cons.  Similar tech, both powered by Meta AI.  Completely different in style and fit.  The cameras in them are slightly different: same specs for resolution (still and video), same storage (32 gig).  The Oakleys have one extra "action button" that you can assign (slow motion, hyperlapse, etc).  You can see the difference between the field of view of the Wayfarers and the Oakleys...

 

The Wayfarer shot above, the Oakley shot below...
 

 And with my head swung around to the side...

 Wayfarer shot above, Oakley shot below...

 That's a talking Jimmy John's sandwich in Joan's hand.  Nothing to do with the glasses.

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Some cat content...

Little Stella almost asleep sitting up...

 Both kitties by the patio door...

 Neither of which was shot with the sunglasses.  ;-)

 

 

Another Morning, Another Test...

 

After getting the Ray-Ban Wayfarer Meta Gen 2 glasses, I have spent some time researching the genre.  Meta is leading the pack on Smart Glasses right now but it is a rapidly growing and changing market.  I really like the Wayfarers, but they do feel heavy on the bridge of my nose.

Meta also makes glasses in conjunction with Oakley, a brand owned by the same parent company as Ray-Ban.  I looked into different models of Ray-Ban and Oakley.  Oakley is known for more futuristic sunglasses designs.  They have one model called the HSTN that is similar, but more angular, to the Wayfarers.  While out and about the other day, we stopped in Best Buy and I tried on a pair of those.  I also tried on some Oakley Vanguard Meta Glasses - a larger more wrap-around style; it's what I think of when I think of Oakleys.

I order a pair of the Oakley Vanguards after reading a bunch of reviews.  Overnight delivery, they showed up at our house early this morning.  I took the box outside to get the glasses paired up with my phone and the Meta app.  Of course, it needed a firmware update.  Murphy was content to just hang out rather than explore... he's a good boy.

 The first thing you notice about these Oakleys: they are BIG.  When I first saw them, they reminded me of ski goggles.  Yeah, that "Oakley style."  I was never drawn to the Oakleys - I'm more of a Maui Jim kinda guy, having worn those for decades.  But, I digress - back to the Oakleys.

Joan suggested I give them a try on the same route I took yesterday on my ebike.  Good idea!  Before heading out, a photo...

 Not quite as big as ski goggles, but definitely more than typical sunglasses.  On the bright side, the reviews were right: these are comfortable.  At first test, more so than the Wayfarers.  I headed out on the bike.

 

The field of view is wider on this camera, compared to the one on the Wayfarer (122º vs 100º) - you notice it in the photos: you can see the brow on my bike helmet at the top of the photos.  And, on to the video...

 At first blush, I think I like the Oakleys better.  I'll take a day with the two of 'em and get a better feel for it.  Each of these were bought from Amazon; each have a 30 day return.  I will give them both more face time (not to be confused with the video phone feature of FaceTime from Apple) and make a decision.

Also, you might notice that the video above is in its native vertical format (check out the video in yesterday's post to see the difference).  YouTube, other than "Shorts," is horizontal.  We'll see how that aspect of it plays out... my past videos have been horizontal.  Also, the camera in the Oakleys is in the center, just above your nose; the camera in the Wayfarers is on the far left side of the glasses - that makes a difference, too.  And the size: not only are the Oakleys bigger on your face, but they don't fold up as compact as the Wayfarers... the charging case for the Oakleys is about twice the size as the charging case for the Wayfarers.  You are not going to put that in a pocket...

  Size, comfort, function... decisions, decisions.

 

 

Out for a morning ride...

 

On the ebike (Lectra XP4 750), not the motorcycle or scooter.  It's been a while since I've ridden the ebike.  I wanted to try a test with the Wayfarer Meta glasses, leaving the video in the native vertical format that the camera in those glasses shoots...

 That image is a still taken with the camera.  And, here is the video...

 On iMovie, a vertical video comes in with black on either side so it becomes a horizontal video.  The video is 3k; no post production work done to the video other than adding a couple titles, some transitions, and some background music.  Easy and fast; less than a half hour into that 9 minute video.

I appreciate the hands-free aspect of taking video with the glasses.  To the point where I have decided to try the Oakley version of the smart glasses... I will only keep one or the other, but the Oakley Vanguard Meta glasses have some differences.  I'll revisit that when the glasses get here tomorrow. 

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Joan was feeling Babo's pizza for lunch.  We had another errand to run on the way, so it was a good outing.  As usual, the pizza was outstanding.  The cannoli for desert is a nice way to finish off the meal.  And, leftovers to enjoy it all another time.

The Interstate was slow moving on the way home according to Maps; Joan suggested we take surface streets to see how everything along the way has changed.  Here's the big change (from my perspective)...

 The very first Buc-ee's in Arizona is scheduled to open in about a month.  I am hoping that will drive fuel prices down locally.  Either way, we will probably let the "newness" die down before we give it a try.  We do know what we're missing, having been a big fan of Buc-ee's for years when we lived in Texas. 

 

Another Test...

 

A test of the Ray-Ban Wayfarer Meta Gen 2 glasses, this time while driving.  On my way to Mark's yesterday to make some music with the guys, I shot some video with the new glasses.  Not necessarily for public consumption, but I wanted to see how the on-board mics would handle the audio and how the 3k vertical video would hold up when cropped to horizontal.

No other post production video work done other than adding a few titles and transitions - no adjustments for exposure, contrast, and color.  Other than a lot of jerky head movements (I keep my head on a swivel when driving in this Phoenix traffic), the video is decent.  I can see where this new addition will fit in with my other cameras... and I will be sure to use it when I don't need to make all those head movements... you can't trust just your mirrors, even with all the safety stuff on the vehicles that beeps at you when it thinks you are getting too close to other traffic (or it is getting too close to you).

Let's cut to the video...

 Here's what the format would look like without the crop...

 And, with the crop...

 The issue for me comes in using a video production software (iMovie) that doesn't have a set up that works with vertical video.  It takes that vertical clip and puts it in the middle of a black horizontal frame.

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Yeah, who cares about that test video - where's the cat content?  Easy, big fella - here ya go...

 Murphy and Stella sharing a bar stool in front of the patio door.  Not an easy shot to get because I can't get further to the side because of furniture in the way.  And, I am shooting into the sun in the east from this angle.  Technical stuff aside, two cats sharing a space - one big furry boy and one short hair little girl.  Together.  Oh, they still have their rowdy moments, but I appreciate these sweet, sharing times.

Joan sent me this photo as a test from her new iPhone...

 That is a definite improvement from her previous phone/camera.  It has taken a while to convince her that an upgrade was necessary.  Not too many of those coal-fired iPhones out there anymore.  ;-)

 

Where does the time go?

 

Tick, tick, tick.  I missed making a post yesterday.  We were busy, but nothing scheduled.  Just getting stuff done.  Joan got a new iPad set up - even though you do a transfer of data from the old one to the new one, it takes time to go through all the apps to make sure you have passwords (if necessary) set up.  We made a run to a FedEx outlet to send the old iPad in for the trade-in.

We did other running while out: stock up on cat food, have lunch.  And through it all, getting used to my Wayfarer Meta glasses.

 Nothing earth-shattering here: Joan checking on her list at PetSmart.  For me, the opportunity to see how the built-in camera does on indoor lighting.

I have music at Mark's today with the "big group."  I missed it last time, so it has been a month since getting to see all the guys.  I'm looking forward to it.  Not excited about the drive there and back in the traffic, but the music with friends is always a good time.

This is different from playing with the Hip Replacements - those are rehearsals to get any particular song down tight.  I go with an acoustic tone for my guitar so it fits the blend.  With the MIM guys, I can lean more towards the electric side; I appreciate the variety.

 

Another Test...

 

I didn't study!

That's OK - you aren't being graded.  This is a test of the camera in the Wayfarer Meta glasses.  First of all, from the driver's perspective in the car...

 From mid steering wheel to above the visor... wider than I expected.  I'm looking forward to trying it in the van: a taller windshield and a higher seating position.

We did our planned shopping, then a stop for lunch.  Do you recognize the place?

 If you said, "Five Guys," you get 5 bonus points.

If you asked, "What's the point of those glasses?" that's a fair question.  They serve several functions: first of all, they are a nice pair of sunglasses; they have a built-in still and video camera; built-in speakers that direct the sound right into your ears - for listening to music, podcasts, sending and receiving phone calls (microphones built-in); getting messages; using the Meta artificial intelligence.  You can push a physical button on the right bow to take photos or videos, or you can say, "Hey, Meta - take a photo," and it will do it hands-free.  With the blue tooth audio, it can replace Airpods - or, at least, supplement using them, since you don't have to carry an extra device with you.

Plus, I enjoy working with these tech items.  At this point, I can't say how much or often I will use all these features, but... they are there.

I took a video while driving...

Yes, I check my mirrors frequently - especially when there are big trucks weaving over the white lines.

Could this be used instead of a dash cam?  No; there is a 3 minute limit for videos.  This has been designed to be used for Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook: short content to match the short attention span of the average viewer.  I'll have to use it for a while to figure out my best usage.

But, it all seems to be working. 

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Other things the glasses can be used for: language translation - let the Meta AI know you want Spanish to English translation (16 different language translators available), and as you're being spoken to, the glasses will tell you what is being spoken in English.  You can set a timer: tell the Meta AI to remind you to feed the cats at 5:00... and it will remind you.  Not that I would ever forget to feed Murphy and Stella.

After getting them fed at 5:00, I take Murphy outside... as long as it isn't too hot.  89º for a high today, so we were good to go.  When he and I come inside, there is generally a Churu treat for both of them.  I left my glasses on when coming in and got this photo hands-free of the fur babies getting their treat...

 Pretty sweet with them nose to nose enjoying a treat, huh?

I also did a test of that video I shot in the car, cropped to horizontal...

 Seems like that will be adequate.  Certainly not the same as 4k, but when viewing this footage on a phone or iPad, it should allow me to use it with other camera video.

 

A Beautiful Morning...

 

If you said, "The Rascals, 1968, from the album Time Peace: The Rascal's Greatest Hits," you get 20 bonus points.

If you said, "The desert this morning," you are are absolutely right, but no bonus points.  It was in the mid-70s when I took Murphy out shortly after 7:00.  He stalked a couple hummingbirds, but they were too fast for him.  He spent some time checking out a quail on the wall...

 From the Wayfarer Meta glasses camera, so: wide angle.  You might have to zoom in to see the quail.

Joan made us a nice bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns breakfast.  Then, I started packing up gear for the gig today...

 Seems like more gear than usual: both Bose PAs, an acoustic amp, two guitars, a pedalboard, a backpack with cords, mics, and stuff, a mic stand, and a speaker stand.  Looks like two trips with the wagon.  We'll be using my Bose PA gear today; more set up for me, but a smaller space than the last gig.

Time to clean up and take on the day. 

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Joan and I got to the restaurant just before 2:00; the other guys showed up about the same time.  Haul in gear and get set up.  On the bright side, we found a really close parking space where we could back up to the walkway.

Set up took just over a half hour.  Time to check the PA, get guitars tuned, and run a very short sound check.  That gave us about 10 minutes to get off our feet before we started.

The room where we were playing was full - good crowd; family, friends, and fans.  I assume the restaurant owner was happy with the crowd and food/drink orders.  Joan, Steph, and Dan were there - first time Steph and Dan have seen me play with a band in a long time.

We started right on time.  Joan and Steph took some photos...

 The crowd was receptive; seemed to be having as much fun as we were.  We did two sets; 3:00 to 5:00; started on time, ran a couple minutes long.

Then, the tear down.  That takes just as long as the set up, but you're tired.  It's part of the job.  On the even brighter side, Joan ordered me a lasagna to go.  I came to their table during our break, and the food looked great!  I don't like to eat right before playing, especially anything cheesy.  So, it was especially nice to have that to-go order.

The restaurant is nice.  Pricey.  My pay wouldn't cover the meals at our table.  

Once home, Joan and Dan helped me get gear carried in.  I put stuff mostly away; put things on the chargers that needed charging, then got kitties fed while Joan heated up my lasagna.  Yep, mighty tasty.

I'll be heading out to the hot tub after I take some ibuprofen.  A good gig.  Still, a lot of work for this old guy.