Ray-Ban has partnered with Facebook to create Ray-Ban Stories – smart glasses that allow you to capture photos and videos hands-free, listen to music or take phone calls while on the move, and share your adventures. The Ray-Ban Stories glasses connect via Bluetooth to the Facebook View app, available for iOS and Android.
What are Ray-Ban Stories?
Ray-Ban Stories are the first generation of smart glasses released from Ray-Ban in partnership with Facebook. The glasses feature:
- Dual integrated 5MP cameras to capture photo and video
- Discreet open-ear speakers to listen to music, podcasts, and calls
- 3 built-in microphones for phone calls and videos
- Touch controls on the temples to take photos/videos, answer calls, play/pause audio, etc.
- LED light indicator to show when recording
- All day battery life with included charging case
The glasses connect via Bluetooth 5.0 to the Facebook View app on your smartphone. The app allows you to import, edit, and share content captured on the Ray-Ban Stories glasses.
What models are available?
Ray-Ban Stories are currently available in 3 iconic Ray-Ban styles:
- Wayfarer
- Meteor
- Round
Each model comes with customizable temples and lenses so you can match your personal style. Polarized and Transitions lens options are also available.
How much do Ray-Ban Stories cost?
Ray-Ban Stories start at $299 USD / £299 GBP / €329 EUR for the glasses with included charger case. Optional polarized and Transitions lenses are available for an additional cost.
What can you do with Ray-Ban Stories?
Key features and capabilities of Ray-Ban Stories include:
- Take Photos & Videos – Capture life’s moment hands-free with the dual integrated cameras.
- Listen to Audio – Stream music, podcasts, and calls with the open-ear speakers.
- Make Calls – Make and take calls by tapping the temple or using voice commands.
- Use Assistants – Access your phone’s voice assistant and issue commands on the go.
- Share on Social – Share your photos and videos directly to Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and more.
How does the Facebook View app work?
The Facebook View app, available for iOS and Android, is required to pair, operate and manage content from your Ray-Ban Stories glasses. Key features and capabilities of the View app include:
- Pairing – Connect your Ray-Ban Stories glasses via Bluetooth.
- Importing – Import photos and videos captured on the glasses.
- Editing – Edit and enhance photos and videos.
- Sharing – Share content to social apps directly from View.
- Managing – Manage glasses settings, firmware updates, privacy controls.
The View app provides full control over the smart features of your Ray-Ban Stories glasses.
What are the privacy features?
Ray-Ban Stories include the following privacy features and controls:
- LED light indicator when recording
- Facebook View app required for all use
- Content can’t be accessed without the app
- Turn off camera and mic with one tap
- Password protect View app
- Delete data off glasses after synced to app
Facebook states “We built Ray-Ban Stories with privacy in mind.” All data is stored on the glasses until synced with the View app. No content is shared until you post it yourself on social media or messaging apps.
Where can you buy Ray-Ban Stories?
Ray-Ban Stories are currently available directly from Ray-Ban online and in their retail stores. Select retailers like Sunglass Hut also sell them in-store and online.
Ray-Ban Stories can be purchased online for delivery in the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Italy and Australia from Ray-Ban.com. In-store and online availability continues to expand globally.
Are Ray-Ban Stories worth it?
For those interested in smart glasses, Ray-Ban Stories provide convenient hands-free photo/video capture, audio playback, and phone calls in a stylish form factor. The ability to quickly share content to social apps and the various privacy controls are also positives.
However, the glasses are limited to just taking photos, videos and playing audio. They lack advanced “augmented reality” features offered by glasses like the Snap Spectacles. The Facebook association may also deter some users.
At $299 USD, Ray-Ban Stories sit in between basic smart glasses and more advanced AR glasses in price and features. They offer a balanced set of useful capabilities in Ray-Ban’s iconic styles, but likely won’t fully replace your smartphone.
Conclusion
Ray-Ban Stories are the first smart glasses from Ray-Ban, created in partnership with Facebook. The glasses allow you to capture photos, record videos, listen to audio and take calls hands-free. They connect to the Facebook View app to import, edit and share content captured on the glasses. Ray-Ban Stories start at $299 and are currently available directly from Ray-Ban online and in their stores. The glasses aim to provide hands-free capabilities in a stylish, comfortable design with a focus on privacy controls.