Facebook’s ‘smart glasses’ are coming

The tech giant is confident it can succeed where the likes of Google have failed, with its new futuristic Ray-Bans.

Facebook's Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses.

Facebook is confident it can succeed where the likes of Google Glass have failed, launching Ray-Ban Stories – futuristic smart glasses that feature dual 5 Megapixel cameras, speakers and a three-microphone audio array.

Facebook’s new View app.

The device, available in Australian stores from next week, will allow users to capture first-person videos of up to 30 seconds and photos using its dual cameras, as well as take phone calls and listen to music.

Amid a broadening backlash against ‘Big Tech’, Facebook says privacy is paramount. The glasses feature LED lights that light up to let people nearby when you’re taking a photo or video, and they also have a physical power switch to turn off the cameras and microphone.

Designed to look like unassuming normal glasses, Ray-Ban Stories are available in 20 variants including Wayfarer, Round and Meteor, and a range of lenses including clear, sun, and prescription. The glasses also feature built-in speakers for listening to podcasts and music, as well as a three-microphone audio array for phone calls and recording videos.

Facebook is launching the glasses in conjunction with a new app – Facebook View – which lets users share their videos and photos with their followers across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok and Snapchat.

The glasses last for up to six hours on a single charge and come with a charging case, which the company says can power the glasses for about three days‘ worth of usage. They’ll be available for purchase at Ray-Ban stores as well as Sunglass Hut and OPSM stores from September 13 for $449.

Facebook Reality Labs product manager Ankit Brahmbhatt said that Ray Ban Stories represent a first step towards augmented reality glasses.

Facebook's Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses.

“We’ve thought a lot about designing a product that people actually want to wear, and we feel there’s never been a product like this to enter the market before. It comes from a fashion-first, experience-first perspective and when it comes to privacy, we want to make sure we’re educating everyone as much as possible,” he said.

“All the content you capture with Ray-Ban stories will stay on the glasses and it‘s up to the person wearing them to transfer them over to the Facebook View app and share that with the world at their own discretion.

“The launch of the first-generation Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses is an exciting glimpse at what’s possible when we begin to shift to devices that enhance day-to-day life, rather than distract from it.”