Facebook announces its Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses
At a time when stories mark our lives on social networks, Facebook intends to stand out with its new wearable: Ray-Ban Stories. Designed in partnership with US eyewear Ray-Ban and lens maker Essilor Luxottica, these connected glasses had long been heralded by the web giant, no doubt eager to compete with Snapchat Spectacles at the time.
If many expected a portable augmented reality device, their expectations will undoubtedly have to be lowered. Facebook had already half-admitted that its goal with Ray-Ban Stories was not really to bring Internet users into the age of AR, but rather to provide them with the means to capture all the highlights of their lives from their own point of view. view. view. To achieve this, Mark Zuckerberg’s platform has also put all the odds on his side, by integrating a dual photo sensor into his Stories capable of taking photos at 5 Mpx, but also videos of up to 30 seconds. The device can be activated through the record button located on the support or through voice commands from the Facebook assistant.
Designed for Facebook and Instagram, but not only
During its official presentation, Mark Zuckerberg’s firm obviously wanted to play the all-in-one card. If Facebook’s connected glasses will obviously be optimized to create content on the various social networks of the Zuckerberg empire, GAFAM has also confirmed that they would be compatible with the competition, and in particular with TikTok, Snapchat or even Twitter. A way for Facebook not to lock your Stories in its own ecosystem.
Imagined as a multi-use connected device, the glasses’ built-in speakers will also allow you to make audio and video calls. However, it is not known if it will be possible to listen to music, like the Bose Frames released in 2019. The brand finally promises three days of autonomy thanks to a charging case.
What about privacy?
Unsurprisingly, Facebook continued its presentation around privacy. In addition to promising the total absence of advertising, the company reassured its users about the thorny issue of confidentiality. Thus, a switch will physically block the cameras, thus avoiding disappointment. It will also not be possible to capture images without the knowledge of the interlocutor, an LED light on the mount serves as an indicator light in case of recording.
Facebook Smart Glasses Prices and availability
Announced yesterday, Ray-Ban Facebook Stories glasses will start at $299 and will be available in over 20 different color combinations. It will also be possible to customize the wearable with transparent, solar, transition and even corrective lenses. Unsurprisingly, the United States will be the first to benefit, followed by Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy and the United Kingdom. In Spain, no information has yet been provided.
