Ray-Ban Stories
| Ray-Ban Stories | |
|---|---|
| |
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality |
| Type | Smart Glasses |
| Subtype | Wearable Camera |
| Developer | Meta, EssilorLuxottica |
| Manufacturer | EssilorLuxottica |
| Announcement Date | September 9, 2021 |
| Release Date | September 9, 2021 |
| Price | Starting at $299 USD |
| Website | https://www.ray-ban.com/usa/discover-ray-ban-stories/clp |
| Versions | Wayfarer (50mm), Wayfarer Large (53mm), Round (48mm), Meteor (51mm) |
| Requires | Smartphone with Android 8.1+ or iOS 13+, Meta View App, Meta account, Wi-Fi access |
| Successor | Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses |
| System | |
| Operating System | Proprietary firmware (interacts with iOS and Android via app) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (optimized for device) |
| CPU | Integrated ARM CPU |
| GPU | Integrated Adreno |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 4GB NAND flash / eMMC |
| Memory | 512MB LPDDR3 |
| Display | |
| Display | None |
| Image | |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Six-element plastic lens stack (fixed focus), Standard Ray-Ban lenses |
| Ocularity | Binocular (worn as standard glasses) |
| IPD Range | N/A (comes in different frame sizes) |
| Adjustable Diopter | Yes (prescription lenses available) |
| Passthrough | N/A (no digital overlay, captures real world via camera) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6-axis accelerometer, gyroscope |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | No |
| Body Tracking | No |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes |
| Positional Tracking | Limited |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Dual open-ear micro-speakers, 3-microphone array with beamforming |
| Microphone | Yes, 3-microphone array |
| Camera | Dual 5MP cameras (OmniVision OV716) |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ports | USB-C |
| WiFi | 802.11ac (2.4/5 GHz) |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 |
| Power | 167/175mAh lithium polymer battery |
| Battery Capacity | 175mAh |
| Battery Life | 3-6 hours (usage dependent) |
| Charge Time | 70 minutes (full charge) |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | Varies by style (e.g., Wayfarer 50mm: 41.2mm height, 50mm width, 22mm bridge, 150mm temple length) |
| Weight | 48-49 grams (approximately 5 grams heavier than standard Ray-Bans) |
| Material | Acetate, nylon, plastic |
| Color | Six color options across frame styles |
| Sensors | 6-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, touch sensor, proximity sensor |
| Input | Capacitive touchpad, voice commands ("Hey Facebook"), physical capture button |
| Compliance | FCC Part 15 (ID 2AYOA-4002) |
| Size | Multiple styles and sizes |
Ray-Ban Stories are smart glasses developed as a collaboration between Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook) and EssilorLuxottica, Ray-Ban's parent company.[1] 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.[2] 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.[3]
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.[4] Instead, they focus on discrete content capture and audio functionality, serving as a stepping stone toward full augmented reality glasses.[5]
History and 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.[6] 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.[7]
The project aimed to seamlessly integrate smart technology into an iconic and fashionable form factor.[3] 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.[3][8] This involved re-engineering components and extensive design iterations to maintain the classic Ray-Ban aesthetic.[3]
Launch and Roll-out
| Date | Market(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| September 9, 2021 | US, UK, IT, IE, CA, AU | Announcement & initial release |
| September 14, 2021 | Same six regions | First customer deliveries |
| March 17, 2022 | ES, AT, BE | EU expansion (phase 1), new colourways introduced |
| April 14, 2022 | FR | EU expansion (phase 2), multilingual voice commands |
The glasses launched at US$299 on September 9, 2021, initially available in six countries: United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Ireland, Canada, and Australia.[9] The product expanded to Spain, Austria, and Belgium on March 17, 2022, with France completing the initial European rollout on April 14, 2022.[2]
Design and Hardware
Physical Design
Ray-Ban Stories maintain the classic appearance of traditional Ray-Ban frames, available in four iconic styles with multiple variations:[10]
| Style | Sizes | Color options | Lens types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wayfarer | Standard (50mm), Large (53mm) | Black, Matte Black, Olive, Shiny Blue, Shiny Brown | Sun, Clear, Transition, Prescription |
| Round | One size (48mm) | Shiny Black, Transparent Olive, Transparent Blue | Sun, Clear, Transition, Prescription |
| Meteor | One size (51mm) | Shiny Black, Shiny Brown | Sun, Clear, Transition, Prescription |
The glasses weigh approximately 48-49 grams, making them only about 5 grams heavier than standard Ray-Ban sunglasses due to the integrated technology.[11] The only visible indicators of the glasses' smart capabilities are two small camera lenses positioned at the corners of the frame near the temple hinges.[12]
Camera System
Ray-Ban Stories feature dual 5-megapixel cameras manufactured by OmniVision (model OV716) using a Bayer filter pattern.[13] 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.[13]
The cameras can capture:
- Still photos at 2592 × 1944 pixel resolution
- Videos at 1184 × 1184 pixel resolution (1:1 aspect ratio) at 30 frames per second
- Video length: Initially 30 seconds, later updated to 60 seconds via firmware[14]
The cameras feature automatic light adjustment and computational photography optimizations including HDR, Low Light Fusion, Video Stabilization, and Denoising.[3] A white LED indicator next to the right camera illuminates when recording to alert others that content capture is active.[11]
Audio System
The glasses incorporate dual micro-speakers positioned near each ear in the temple arms, providing an open-ear audio experience that allows ambient sound to remain audible. A three-microphone array with beamforming technology and background noise suppression enables voice commands and phone calls while reducing background noise.[4]
Audio features include:
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for music streaming
- Hands-free phone call capability
- Voice command recognition ("Hey Facebook")
- Touch-sensitive volume controls on the right temple
- Open-ear design for situational awareness[15]
Processing and Storage
Ray-Ban Stories are powered by an optimized Qualcomm Snapdragon processor designed for wearable applications. Teardown analysis reveals a Snapdragon Wear-class package with integrated ARM CPU and Adreno GPU.[16] The glasses include 512MB of LPDDR3 memory and 4GB of NAND flash / eMMC storage, capable of storing approximately 500 photos or 30+ videos before requiring synchronization.[13]
Additional technical specifications include:
- 6-axis accelerometer and gyroscope for motion detection and video stabilization
- Wi-Fi 802.11ac connectivity
- 175mAh lithium polymer battery
- Ambient light sensor for automatic camera adjustment
- Touch sensor and proximity sensor[17]
Battery Life and Charging
Ray-Ban Stories provide 3-6 hours of battery life depending on usage patterns, with frequent video recording and audio streaming reducing operational time. The glasses can capture up to 50 videos or 200+ photos on a full charge.[10]
The included charging case uses a USB-C connection and can fully recharge the glasses in approximately 70 minutes. The case itself serves as a portable charging station, providing up to 8 additional charges for an estimated 36 hours total use.[10][18]
Functionality and Software
Content Capture
Users can capture content through multiple methods:
- Physical capture button on the right temple (quick press for photos, hold for video)
- Capacitive touchpad controls on the temple
- Voice commands using Facebook Assistant ("Hey Facebook")[15]
Meta View App
Ray-Ban Stories require the Meta View App (formerly Facebook View app) for full functionality, available for iOS and Android smartphones.[19] The app facilitates:
- Automatic content synchronization via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when glasses are in the charging case
- Basic photo and video editing tools
- Direct sharing to Meta-owned platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger)
- Sharing to additional platforms (X, TikTok, Snapchat)
- Battery level monitoring and device management
- Firmware updates[10]
Users must maintain an active Meta account (formerly Facebook account) to access sharing and management features.[6]
Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Photo and Video Capture | Dual 5MP cameras for first-person perspective photos (2592×1944px) and square videos (1184×1184px @ 30fps) |
| Open-Ear Audio | Speakers integrated into the temples for listening to music and calls |
| Voice Calls | Make and receive calls when connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth |
| Voice Control | Hands-free operation using "Hey Facebook" voice commands for capturing media, controlling music, and messaging |
| Touch Controls | Capacitive touchpad on the temple for music playback, volume adjustment, and call management |
| Meta View App Integration | Syncs media to a smartphone, allows editing and sharing to social platforms |
| Multilingual Support | Voice commands available in English, French and Italian were added in 2022 |
Availability and Pricing
Ray-Ban Stories launched on September 9, 2021, with initial availability in select markets. The product expanded gradually across Europe through 2022.[15]
Pricing structure:
- Base model: $299 USD / £299 GBP / AU$449
- Polarized lenses: $329 USD / £329 GBP
- Transition lenses: $379 USD / £379 GBP
- Prescription lenses: Additional $199 USD / £199 GBP[15]
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:[20]
- Hard-wired LED indicator that illuminates when cameras are recording
- PIN-protected pairing with devices
- On-device encryption of stored media
- User guidelines on responsible use[21]
Despite these measures, critics raised concerns about:
- Inconspicuous recording of individuals without consent
- Limited visibility of the recording indicator LED
- Potential for covert surveillance in public and private spaces
- Continuous operation of the required Meta View app
- Normalizing face-level cameras in everyday social interactions[22]
The glasses' design intentionally mimics traditional eyewear, making it difficult for observers to identify their recording capabilities.[11]
Reception
Ray-Ban Stories received mixed reviews from critics and consumers. Reviews generally praised several aspects while noting significant limitations:
Positive Aspects
- Stylish design maintaining classic Ray-Ban aesthetic
- Comfortable fit, only slightly heavier than standard frames
- Decent audio quality for open-ear speakers
- Seamless integration of technology into familiar form factor
- Good build quality and materials[4][23]
Limitations
- Camera quality described as "smartphone circa 2015" level
- Poor performance in low-light conditions
- Limited battery life for all-day use
- Square video format seen as restrictive
- Audio lacking in bass compared to dedicated earbuds
- Dependence on Meta ecosystem and account requirement
- Privacy concerns regarding discrete recording capabilities[4][11][24]
Many reviewers positioned Ray-Ban Stories as a promising first step toward more advanced smart glasses, noting their role as a bridge product in Meta's broader AR strategy.[4]
Technical Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cameras | Dual 5MP OmniVision OV716 sensors with six-element lens stack |
| Photo Resolution | 2592 × 1944 pixels |
| Video Resolution | 1184 × 1184 pixels @ 30fps (square format) |
| Video Length | Up to 60 seconds (updated from 30 seconds) |
| Storage | 4GB NAND flash / eMMC |
| Memory | 512MB LPDDR3 |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon (Wear-class, optimized) |
| CPU | Integrated ARM CPU |
| GPU | Integrated Adreno GPU |
| Battery | 167/175mAh lithium polymer |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4/5 GHz) |
| Audio | Dual open-ear micro-speakers, 3-microphone beamforming array |
| Sensors | 6-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, touch sensor, proximity sensor |
| Weight | 48-49 grams (5g heavier than standard Ray-Bans) |
| Charging Time | 70 minutes (glasses), 180 minutes (case) |
| Battery Life | 3-6 hours (glasses) |
| Styles | Wayfarer (50mm, 53mm), Round (48mm), Meteor (51mm) |
| Compliance | FCC Part 15 (ID 2AYOA-4002) |
| Materials | Acetate, nylon, plastic construction |
Discontinuation and Successor
Ray-Ban Stories were discontinued in November 2023 and replaced by the Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses, the second-generation smart glasses featuring significant improvements:[25]
- Upgraded 12MP ultrawide cameras (vs. 5MP)
- Enhanced audio with louder speakers and improved bass
- Five-microphone array (vs. three)
- Increased storage (32GB vs. 4GB)
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
- Integration of Meta AI capabilities
- Livestreaming functionality
- Improved battery life and charging[26]
Despite mixed reviews, EssilorLuxottica reported "solid sales momentum" for Ray-Ban Stories, paving the way for the more advanced successor model.[26]
Legacy and Impact
Ray-Ban Stories served as an important stepping stone in the development of consumer AR wearables, demonstrating both the potential and challenges of integrating smart technology into everyday eyewear. The product helped establish design principles and user expectations that influenced subsequent generations of smart glasses, while highlighting critical privacy and social acceptance issues that continue to shape the development of wearable AR technologies.
Images
See Also
- Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses
- Smart glasses
- Meta Platforms
- EssilorLuxottica
- Augmented reality
- Wearable technology
- Snap Spectacles
- Amazon Echo Frames
References
- ↑ "Facebook/Ray-Ban Stories smartglasses: Everything you need to know". ZDNET. 2021-09-09. https://www.zdnet.com/article/facebookray-ban-stories-smartglasses-everything-you-need-to-know/.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Introducing Ray-Ban Stories: First-Generation Smart Glasses". Meta Newsroom. 2021-09-09. https://about.fb.com/news/2021/09/introducing-ray-ban-stories-smart-glasses/.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Ray-Ban and Facebook introduce Ray-Ban Stories, first-generation smart glasses". Meta Reality Labs. 2021-09-09. https://tech.facebook.com/reality-labs/2021/09/ray-ban-and-facebook-introduce-ray-ban-stories-first-generation-smart-glasses/.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "Ray-Ban Stories Review: Comfortable But Limited". Forbes. 2022-04-28. https://www.forbes.com/sites/moorinsights/2022/04/28/ray-ban-stories-review-comfortable-but-limited/.
- ↑ "Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses review". TechRadar. 2021-10-01. https://www.techradar.com/reviews/ray-ban-stories-facebook-smart-glasses.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Ray-Ban Meta – Wikipedia". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray-Ban_Meta.
- ↑ "Ray-Ban Stories: hands-on with Facebook's first smart glasses". 2021-09-09. https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/9/22662809/facebook-ray-ban-stories-camera-smart-glasses-hands-on.
- ↑ "Ray-Ban Stories Review: Get These Off My Face". How-To Geek. 2021-10-08. https://www.howtogeek.com/99822/ray-ban-stories-review-get-these-off-my-face/.
- ↑ "Introducing Ray-Ban Stories: First-Generation Smart Glasses". 2021-09-09. https://about.fb.com/news/2021/09/introducing-ray-ban-stories-smart-glasses/.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 "Ray-Ban Stories Smart Glasses – Everything To Know". SportRx. 2023-11-06. https://www.sportrx.com/blog/ray-ban-stories-smart-glasses-guide/.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 "Ray-Ban Stories review: What a spectacle". Tom's Guide. 2023-02-17. https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/ray-ban-stories.
- ↑ "Facebook Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses review". CNBC. 2021-09-09. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/09/facebook-ray-ban-stories-smart-glasses-review.html.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 "Ray-Ban Stories Smart Glasses Cameras Teardown". TechInsights. 2022-11-01. https://www.techinsights.com/blog/ray-ban-stories-smart-glasses-cameras.
- ↑ "Ray-Ban Stories review". Digital Camera World. 2022-01-04. https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/reviews/ray-ban-stories-review.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 "Ray-Ban Stories: All you need to know about the smart glasses". Tech Advisor. 2022-11-29. https://www.techadvisor.com/article/744685/ray-ban-stories-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-smart-glasses.html.
- ↑ "Ray-Ban Stories Smart Glasses Teardown". 2023-03-18. https://www.digikey.com/en/maker/projects/ray-ban-stories-smart-glasses-teardown/710c72d1c7f2499591fe38b387f90047.
- ↑ "Ray-Bans Stories Teardown". Becky Stern. 2023-05-11. https://beckystern.com/2023/04/30/ray-bans-stories-teardown/.
- ↑ "Ray-Ban Stories Smart Glasses Cameras Teardown". 2022-11-01. https://www.techinsights.com/blog/ray-ban-stories-smart-glasses-cameras.
- ↑ "Ray-Ban Stories FAQ". Ray-Ban. https://www.ray-ban.com/uk/c/frequently-asked-questions-ray-ban-stories.
- ↑ "FCC ID 2AYOA-4002 — Ray-Ban Stories". 2021-09-10. https://fccid.io/2AYOA-4002.
- ↑ "Ray-Ban Stories Privacy & Safety". Meta Platforms. https://www.meta.com/legal/ray-ban-stories/facebook-view-privacy-policy/.
- ↑ "Facebook's New Camera Glasses Are Dangerously Easy to Use". 2021-09-09. https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-ray-ban-stories-camera-glasses/.
- ↑ "Facebook Ray-Ban Stories Review". PCMag. 2021-09-09. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/facebook-ray-ban-stories.
- ↑ "Ray-Ban Stories review: Almost smart". Android Police. 2022-03-01. https://www.androidpolice.com/ray-ban-stories-review/.
- ↑ "Discover Ray-Ban". Ray-Ban. https://www.ray-ban.com/usa/discover-ray-ban-meta-ai-glasses/clp.
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 "EssilorLuxottica says Meta's Ray-Ban glasses have sold 2 million pairs". 2025-02-14. https://www.theverge.com/news/613292/meta-ray-ban-2-million-10-million-capacity-subscription-essilor-luxottica-earnings.