Facebook announced its first-generation of smart glasses in partnership with Ray-Ban at a cost of $299. This is Facebook’s first product to come out of its multi-year partnership with EssilorLuxottica.
Ray-Ban Stories is a new way to capture photos and video, share your adventures, and listen to music or take phone calls.
These smart glasses enable users share stories and memories with friends and social media followers through pairing with the new Facebook View app. The photos and videos show up in a square format within an app.
Ray-Ban Stories feature dual integrated 5MP cameras with ability to take photos and up to 30-second videos using the capture button or hands-free with Facebook Assistant voice commands “hey Facebook”.
The photo and video quality of the glasses is pretty middling. The twin 5 MP cameras can shoot 2592×1944 pixel photos and 1184×1184 pixel square format videos.
Facebook says a hard-wired captured LED lights up to let people nearby know when you’re taking a photo or video.
The Ray-Ban Stories also features open-ear speakers built-in, a three-microphone audio array and a background noise suppression algorithm to provide an enhanced calling experience.
The company says this product was made with privacy in mind, adding numerous built-in features to provide control and peace of mind to both device owners and bystanders.
Facebook’s glasses are available in three of Ray-Ban’s popular glasses: the Wayfarer, Round and Meteor models. You can also customize the glasses with different colors and different types of lenses, including sun, prescription, polarized, gradient, transition and clear.
The Battery life is solid with a benefit of a charging battery case which is the best place to store them. The case includes a microfiber pouch to protect the lenses.
Facebook says you can get about six hours of straight audio and all-day usage however one of their weaknesses is lack of waterproofing, the product really thrives more indoors.
The Ray-Ban Stories are available at Ray-Ban stores and on Ray-Ban.com in the U.S, U.K, Canada, Ireland, Italy, and Australia. The device will also launch through more retailers like Amazon.
