Today, Facebook launched its first smart glasses. They were developed in partnership with Ray-Ban. The Ray-Ban Stories start at $299 and are available in 20 styles.
Although smart glasses may suggest augmented reality capabilities for some, Ray-Ban Stories from Facebook are very similar to other connected sunglasses available on the market. They are limited to making calls, taking photos and listening to music.
Ray-Ban Stories come with five 5-megapixel cameras, one on each side. These can be used to record photos or videos for 30 seconds using the button or hands-free with Facebook Assistant.
An LED light is hard-wired and turns on when you take a photo or video. This helps to ensure that other people don't get distracted.
The Ray-Ban Stories' open-ear headphones are great for listening to music and the three microphone array is perfect for calling. The Ray-Ban Stories come with a built-in battery, which can last up to 6 hours, and a portable charging bag, which Facebook claims will give you up to 3 days of uninterrupted glasses use. However, some users have complained that the battery drains quickly when the glasses are not turned off.
Facebook's smart glasses can be used with the Facebook View App, which allows users to share point-of-view stories, photos and other content on social media. The app, according to Facebook, is designed to allow users to easily share content on Facebook and Instagram, WhatsApp Messenger, Messenger, Twitter TikTok, Snapchat, and Twitter.
Today we are excited to launch @ray_ban Story built with @Luxottica: Smart sunglasses that allow you to capture photos and videos, share your adventures and listen to music. // https://t.co/bwwTXaM9WI pic.twitter.com/TnV0Vb60RW Tech@Facebook (@techatfacebook) September 9, 2021
Ray-Ban Stories are available in many iconic Ray-Ban styles, such as Wayfarer. There are also five color options. There are four types of lenses: prescription, clear, transition, sun and transition. The glasses do not have Facebook branding as Ray-Ban's parent company Luxottica has handled the design and distribution. Facebook provides internals.
You can order a set of Ray-Ban Stories for Facebook from the Ray-Ban site starting today. You can also find the Ray-Ban Stories in select retail stores across the United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and the UK.
