Ray-Ban Stories Review: Facebook's Smart Glasses

A Subtle Introduction to Smart Glasses: The Ray-Ban Stories

Facebook’s initial foray into smart eyewear doesn’t immediately present itself as a product heavily branded by the social media giant.

The design notably lacks prominent Facebook logos, even omitting the company’s name from the standard serial code markings. These aren’t marketed as “Facebook Stories” or a collaborative effort explicitly labeled as “Ray-Ban Stories in collaboration with Facebook.” This approach distinguishes them from other Facebook-engineered hardware, such as the Quest 2 or Portal, suggesting a deliberate focus on core functionality and a restraint in feature expansion.

Developed in partnership with the renowned eyewear manufacturer EssilorLuxottica, the Ray-Ban Stories represent Facebook’s most streamlined device to date. Its capabilities are limited to photo and video capture, phone calls, and music playback. However, the integration of near-ear speakers within the frame arms elevates this device beyond Snap’s Spectacles, released five years prior.

Exploring the Device’s Functionality and User Experience

The $299 Ray-Ban Stories are designed for relatively inconspicuous wear. The cameras are more likely to attract attention than the slightly larger frame dimensions.

This represents a significant advancement, moving beyond the “toy” perception that often plagued Spectacles. The collaboration with Ray-Ban proved astute, leveraging the thicker frames characteristic of their classic Wayfarer style.

Users will likely draw attention by interacting with the glasses, specifically by tapping the frame for control. A press of the button on the right arm initiates a 30-second video recording, while a longer press captures a still photograph. Voice commands, such as “Hey Facebook, take a video,” also function for both photo and video capture. A subtle LED indicator illuminates during recording.

Image and Audio Quality Assessment

The photo and video quality produced by the glasses is moderate, but understandable given the device’s compact size.

The dual 5 MP cameras capture images at 2592×1944 pixels and square-format videos at 1184×1184 pixels. The quality is comparable to smartphone cameras from approximately a decade ago, indicating substantial potential for future improvement. Post-processing during upload enhances photos, mitigating low-light issues and boosting saturation.

The dual camera configuration aims to introduce 3D effects to photos, but the current filters are underwhelming and the overall impact is limited. Further software investment from Facebook could unlock greater potential, though the relatively low photo quality raises questions about the necessity of a dual-camera setup.

The View App and Data Management

Utilizing the glasses necessitates linking them to the dedicated Facebook app, “View.”

This app serves as a media viewer, circumventing limitations in uploading media from external devices to smartphones. It also provides basic editing tools for photos and videos before sharing them to platforms like Facebook or Instagram.

Audio Performance and Battery Life

The audio capabilities of these glasses are arguably their most compelling feature. The near-ear speakers deliver surprisingly good quality in quiet environments, though performance diminishes in noisier settings.

Unfortunately, the majority of sunglass usage occurs outdoors, where ambient noise detracts from the audio experience. While suitable for music playback in a pinch, they are unlikely to replace dedicated headphones like AirPods. The audio is more effective for phone calls, though the three-microphone array occasionally struggles with background noise during outdoor use.

Battery life is commendable, further enhanced by the inclusion of a charging case, which also provides convenient storage. Facebook estimates six hours of continuous audio playback and “all-day” usage otherwise.

A notable omission is waterproofing or even splash-proofing, a surprising drawback for sunglasses. This reinforces the notion that the glasses are better suited for indoor use.

Lessons Learned and Future Implications

This venture into hardware demonstrates Facebook’s evolving approach to product development.

While not an AR/VR device, the Ray-Ban Stories reflect insights gained from previous Oculus products. The on-ear audio originates from the Oculus Go, the touchpad interface echoes the Gear VR, and the simplified controls build upon innovations introduced with the Quest. The hardware represents a consolidation of features and lessons learned from marketing VR technology to a previously hesitant audience.

Simultaneously, the understated branding reflects years of public relations challenges faced by Facebook, including criticism of its data practices and political influence. This likely influenced the decision to minimize overt Facebook branding.

The Ray-Ban Stories are likely to attract scrutiny, but Facebook’s conservative approach to functionality and avoidance of intrusive sensors may prove beneficial. The View app remains basic, and Facebook assures users that captured photos and videos will not be used for targeted advertising. Despite advancements since the 2013 debut of Google Glass, face-mounted cameras still raise privacy concerns, and this device will undoubtedly reignite that debate.

A Significant Step Towards Wearable Technology

Despite any reservations, the Ray-Ban Stories represent a crucial product—one that genuinely promotes the viability of face-worn wearables.

The glasses boast a smart design and can be worn discreetly. However, achieving this form factor required compromises; the glasses don’t excel in any particular area—photo and video quality is average, the in-frame speakers struggle outdoors, and call quality is less than ideal. This may make the first generation a challenging purchase for some at $299. Nevertheless, Facebook appears to have made the necessary trade-offs for a product intended as a stepping stone towards an augmented reality future.