Ray-Ban Stories: Difference between revisions
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'''Ray-Ban Stories''' are [[smart glasses]] developed as a collaboration between [[Meta Platforms]] (formerly Facebook) and [[EssilorLuxottica]], Ray-Ban's parent company.<ref name="zdnet_announce"></ref> Announced and released on September 9, 2021, they were marketed as a "new way to capture, share and listen" and represent Meta's first consumer product related to its [[metaverse]] ambitions.<ref name="launch"></ref> These glasses integrate technology into classic Ray-Ban designs, combining dual cameras, open-ear speakers, and wireless connectivity in a form factor only 5 grams heavier than traditional Ray-Ban frames.<ref name="fbrs_miniaturization"></ref> | '''Ray-Ban Stories''' are [[smart glasses]] developed as a collaboration between [[Meta Platforms]] (formerly Facebook) and [[EssilorLuxottica]], Ray-Ban's parent company.<ref name="zdnet_announce"></ref> Announced and released on September 9, 2021, they were marketed as a "new way to capture, share and listen" and represent Meta's first consumer product related to its [[metaverse]] ambitions.<ref name="launch"></ref> These glasses integrate technology into classic Ray-Ban designs, combining dual cameras, open-ear speakers, and wireless connectivity in a form factor only 5 grams heavier than traditional Ray-Ban frames.<ref name="fbrs_miniaturization"></ref> | ||
Unlike true [[augmented reality]] (AR) headsets, Ray-Ban Stories do not feature a visual display or overlay digital information onto the user's view of the real world.<ref name="forbes_review"></ref> Instead, they focus on discrete content capture and audio functionality, serving as a stepping stone toward full [[augmented reality]] glasses.<ref name="techradar"> | Unlike true [[augmented reality]] (AR) headsets, Ray-Ban Stories do not feature a visual display or overlay digital information onto the user's view of the real world.<ref name="forbes_review"></ref> Instead, they focus on discrete content capture and audio functionality, serving as a stepping stone toward full [[augmented reality]] glasses.<ref name="techradar"></ref> | ||
== History and Development == | == History and Development == | ||
=== Early Development === | === Early Development === | ||
The partnership between EssilorLuxottica and Facebook was publicly announced on September 16, 2020, by Meta CEO [[Mark Zuckerberg]] during the seventh annual Facebook Connect conference.<ref name="wikipedia_rbs"> | The partnership between EssilorLuxottica and Facebook was publicly announced on September 16, 2020, by Meta CEO [[Mark Zuckerberg]] during the seventh annual Facebook Connect conference.<ref name="wikipedia_rbs"></ref> Meta's Reality Labs hardware team began prototyping camera-equipped glasses in 2018 as part of Project Aria, with Luxottica handling industrial design and frame production.<ref name="VergeHandsOn"></ref> | ||
The project aimed to seamlessly integrate smart technology into an iconic and fashionable form factor.<ref name="fbrs_miniaturization"/> A significant challenge was miniaturization, fitting two cameras, micro-speakers, a three-microphone array, a [[Qualcomm Snapdragon]] processor, a capacitive touchpad, and a battery into a lightweight frame.<ref name="fbrs_miniaturization"/><ref name="howtogeek_review"> | The project aimed to seamlessly integrate smart technology into an iconic and fashionable form factor.<ref name="fbrs_miniaturization"/> A significant challenge was miniaturization, fitting two cameras, micro-speakers, a three-microphone array, a [[Qualcomm Snapdragon]] processor, a capacitive touchpad, and a battery into a lightweight frame.<ref name="fbrs_miniaturization"/><ref name="howtogeek_review"></ref> This involved re-engineering components and extensive design iterations to maintain the classic Ray-Ban aesthetic.<ref name="fbrs_miniaturization"/> | ||
=== Launch and Roll-out === | === Launch and Roll-out === | ||
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The glasses launched at US$299 on September 9, 2021, initially available in six countries: United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Ireland, Canada, and Australia.<ref name="MetaLaunch"> | The glasses launched at US$299 on September 9, 2021, initially available in six countries: United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Ireland, Canada, and Australia.<ref name="MetaLaunch"></ref> The product expanded to Spain, Austria, and Belgium on March 17, 2022, with France completing the initial European rollout on April 14, 2022.<ref name="launch"/> | ||
== Design and Hardware == | == Design and Hardware == | ||
=== Physical Design === | === Physical Design === | ||
Ray-Ban Stories maintain the classic appearance of traditional Ray-Ban frames, available in four iconic styles with multiple variations:<ref name="sportrx_features"> | Ray-Ban Stories maintain the classic appearance of traditional Ray-Ban frames, available in four iconic styles with multiple variations:<ref name="sportrx_features"></ref> | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
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=== Camera System === | === Camera System === | ||
Ray-Ban Stories feature dual 5-megapixel cameras manufactured by [[OmniVision]] (model OV716) using a [[Bayer filter]] pattern.<ref name="techinsights"> | Ray-Ban Stories feature dual 5-megapixel cameras manufactured by [[OmniVision]] (model OV716) using a [[Bayer filter]] pattern.<ref name="techinsights"></ref> Each camera incorporates a six-element plastic lens stack in a fixed-focus configuration designed to minimize flaring and ghosting effects in bright outdoor conditions.<ref name="techinsights"/> | ||
The cameras can capture: | The cameras can capture: | ||
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=== Meta View App === | === Meta View App === | ||
Ray-Ban Stories require the '''[[Meta View App]]''' (formerly Facebook View app) for full functionality, available for [[iOS]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]] smartphones.<ref name="faq_rayban"> | Ray-Ban Stories require the '''[[Meta View App]]''' (formerly Facebook View app) for full functionality, available for [[iOS]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]] smartphones.<ref name="faq_rayban"></ref> The app facilitates: | ||
* Automatic content synchronization via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when glasses are in the charging case | * Automatic content synchronization via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when glasses are in the charging case | ||
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== Privacy and Ethical Concerns == | == Privacy and Ethical Concerns == | ||
Ray-Ban Stories generated significant discussion regarding privacy and surveillance due to their discrete recording capabilities. The glasses comply with FCC Part 15 standards (ID 2AYOA-4002) and include several privacy features:<ref name="FCC"> | Ray-Ban Stories generated significant discussion regarding privacy and surveillance due to their discrete recording capabilities. The glasses comply with FCC Part 15 standards (ID 2AYOA-4002) and include several privacy features:<ref name="FCC"></ref> | ||
* Hard-wired LED indicator that illuminates when cameras are recording | * Hard-wired LED indicator that illuminates when cameras are recording | ||
* PIN-protected pairing with devices | * PIN-protected pairing with devices | ||
* On-device encryption of stored media | * On-device encryption of stored media | ||
* User guidelines on responsible use<ref name="Privacy"> | * User guidelines on responsible use<ref name="Privacy"></ref> | ||
Despite these measures, critics raised concerns about: | Despite these measures, critics raised concerns about: | ||
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== Discontinuation and Successor == | == Discontinuation and Successor == | ||
Ray-Ban Stories were discontinued in November 2023 and replaced by the [[Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses]], the second-generation smart glasses featuring significant improvements:<ref name="meta_stories_vs_meta"> | Ray-Ban Stories were discontinued in November 2023 and replaced by the [[Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses]], the second-generation smart glasses featuring significant improvements:<ref name="meta_stories_vs_meta"></ref> | ||
* Upgraded 12MP ultrawide cameras (vs. 5MP) | * Upgraded 12MP ultrawide cameras (vs. 5MP) | ||
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* Integration of [[Meta AI]] capabilities | * Integration of [[Meta AI]] capabilities | ||
* Livestreaming functionality | * Livestreaming functionality | ||
* Improved battery life and charging<ref name="VergeMetaSales"> | * Improved battery life and charging<ref name="VergeMetaSales"></ref> | ||
Despite mixed reviews, EssilorLuxottica reported "solid sales momentum" for Ray-Ban Stories, paving the way for the more advanced successor model.<ref name="VergeMetaSales"/> | Despite mixed reviews, EssilorLuxottica reported "solid sales momentum" for Ray-Ban Stories, paving the way for the more advanced successor model.<ref name="VergeMetaSales"/> | ||