As ambitious as they may seem, Ray-Ban Stories are also yet another example of how Facebook seemingly can’t help but imitate Snapchat, which has been dabbling in smart glasses since 2016. Even their name hearkens back to the social story format that Snap kicked off and was later copied by Facebook, Instagram and pretty much every other social media outfit. But at this point, I don’t think Facebook cares if everyone calls them copycats if it ultimately leads to more engagement. And, well, we know how much Mark Zuckerberg wants to transform it into a “metaverse company.” As with any new device, we have a big responsibility to help people feel comfortable and provide peace of mind, and that goes not only for device owners but the people around them, too.
Despite creating various unique collections over the years, the Ray-Ban Aviator and Wayfarer are the two most sought-after models by far. Popularized by pilots in the 1930s, the Aviator collection soon became associated with the classic American style. The Aviator clubmaster design has gone virtually unchanged since its debut. The collection is still recognized by its signature lens bridge. As for content moderation, Facebook spokespeople say that the same rules apply for the glasses as they do for any other content creation tool.
The smart glasses come with a portable charging case that repower the glasses up to three times. The charging case itself can be charged with the included USB-C cable. As an authorized retailer of Ray-Ban eyewear, FramesDirect sells only guaranteed authentic Ray-Ban frames. Add your prescription and ray ban caravan choose your preferred lens features for a classic style that’s built for you. Choose colorful, polarized lenses with a gradient tint—prescription sunglasses have never looked so good. Protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays with crystalline vision in classy cat-eye frames or throwback Clubmasters.
It’s not clear whether such a product will find a large market, given that the photos taken on smartphones are far superior and many phone users already have earbuds. They are also much pricier than regular Ray-Ban Wayfarers, which typically cost $100 to $200. Zuckerberg has said he thinks virtual and augmented reality-powered devices are the next major platform for human communication, after mobile phones, eventually replacing some in-person interactions. There’s also a touch area on the right side of the glasses for controlling music, a voice assistant and calls. A user can swipe left or right to adjust volume, tap to play, pause and skip music, or double tap to answer and end phone calls.
The Ray-Ban Stories are a fine first attempt at smart glasses by Facebook. It’s great that the company teamed up with a brand people will actually want to wear. The glasses were first reported by CNBC in 2019, but Facebook is hardly the first company to roll out a pair of smart glasses. Social-media rival Snap launched its first Spectacles devices in 2016, and the ill-fated Google Glass devices clubmaster launched way back in 2013. An iconic leader in sunglasses and prescription eyewear for generations, Ray-Ban remains a top brand in the eyewear industry with authentic styles like the Aviator and Wayfarer. With an 80-year history in American pop culture, public figures and celebrities have worn the world-famous Ray-Ban shades as a symbol of self-expression and an effortlessly cool look.
They charge when you set them in the carrying case, which Facebook says gives three full charges. You won’t realize they’re special Ray-Bans unless you’re looking specifically for the two cameras on the corner of the device’s frames. You’ll be able to buy Ray-Ban Stories today in 20 different styles in the US, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy and the UK.