Not an absolute novelty but probably a milestone for the tech industry. The launch of the smart glasses developed in collaboration between Facebook and EssilorLuxottica clearly aims at the general public. For the first time, smart glasses have been designed to be used every day, without giving up the pleasure of a fashionable look.
This is the real novelty of the Ray-Ban Stories and precisely the famous eyewear brand clearly demonstrates that this device wants to become a popular item, taking the technological innovation of smart glasses out of the niche of the “nerds” and of the professional fields to which this type of product has been destined so far.
After trying them in preview, we can say that this ambitious goal is within reach. The Ray-Ban Stories are indeed a very easy to use device, with basic functions but ideal for having fun and entertaining.
WHAT ARE THEY DOING
The philosophy of the product is contained in three simple actions: capture, share and listen. These glasses are indeed equipped with two 5 megapixel cameras and an audio system, all integrated into the frame. This means that the user can take photos and videos hands-free, even without the need for a smartphone, which becomes essential if you want to listen to music and answer phone calls.
The videos and photos are by decent quality, but more than enough for the purpose of the object, i.e. sharing on social networks, mainly Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp although all contents can be saved on the phone and used on any application.
PRIVACY
To ensure the privacy of people every time you make a video recording or take a photo the glasses emit an acoustic signal and a led indicates that the device is capturing content.
HOW TO SHOOT
The memory of the glasses allows you to archive only 500 photographs or 30 clips with a maximum duration of 30 seconds (then you have to free up the space) but just a click on the temple of the glasses is enough to take pictures and record videos. If desired, it can also be activated voice command, just say “Hey Facebook take a picture, or make a video”. It serves the dedicated Facebook View application to send content on social networks and to add a series of effects and make small montages.
PHONE WITH GLASSES
Very useful is the function that allows you to answer phone calls. In addition to the speakers, the glasses also integrate 3 microphones and phone calls are clear in all situations. Finally, the quality of the audio for listening to music is surprising. Although the speakers have been inserted into the mount the sound it is robust and powerful although inevitably audible to those around us.
BATTERY
The built-in battery allows you to use the glasses for about 6 hours in a moderate way, but just put them in the case for 30 minutes to have 50% recharge. On the other hand, seventy minutes are required for a full recharge. Unfortunately these smart glasses are not water resistant, so in case of rain they cannot be used.
THE WORLD OF SMART GLASSES
The functions of Ray-Ban Stories are these, few and essential by choice. On the market there are technologically more advanced smart glasses such as the Norm Glasses or professional products such as the Vuzix Blade, as well as a series of direct competitors such as the Amazon Echo Frame or the Huawei X Gentle Monster, but the product of Facebook and EssilorLuxottica aims more to educate than to amaze.
THE RAY-BAN STYLE
The winning idea is in fact to use some of the most iconic frames by Ray-Ban (Wayfarer and Wayfarer Large, Round and Meteor) and transform them into eyewear with advanced functionality, all at a fairly affordable cost. It starts from 329 euros and then the price changes depending on the type of lens you want to mount, including graduated ones. There are also many colors available to better meet the tastes of users.
A SUCCESS STORY
The Ray-Ban Stories are clearly a first step towards the mass diffusion of smart glasess and most likely future updates will include more and desired functions and higher quality, but today’s product has what it takes to become a success story.
This device will act as a flywheel to a somewhat niche market to date but destined to grow significantly in the coming years. It is estimated that this sector will be worthwhile in 2028 over 7.5 billion dollars. So let’s expect a boom like that of smart phones and look forward to Apple’s response, which should arrive next year with its proposal.
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
