Ray-Ban and Meta Platforms launch Stories smart glasses in four new markets
Ray-Ban
The partners also introduced additional color and lens variations and new software features to Ray-Ban Stories, whose tiny dual lenses allow wearers to capture, share and listen to personal moments. The smart glasses launched in select in-store and online retailers in Spain, Austria and Belgium last week and will roll out in France on April 14.
First launched six months ago, Ray-Ban Stories dual cameras provide impressive visuals, while double speakers mean you can easily take calls or listen to podcasts.
From the beginning, Meta, the owner of Facebook, was clearly attracted by Ray-Ban’s iconic status.
“Ray-Ban was born in 1937, and it’s associated with movies, art and music. It’s part of pop culture. It’s authentic, recognizable and a first choice for Millennials
Concentrating on classic Ray-Ban shades like the Wayfarer and adding in technology while only increasing the overall weight by five grams. Subsequently adding shapes, and even transition lenses, to create a total of 28 SKUs.
With a $299 starting price, Ray-Ban Stories glasses come with a portable charging case and a companion app, Facebook View, available in French, Spanish, German and Dutch. Editing tools on Facebook View make it relatively easy even for a non-nerd to assemble several videos together, or share to phone roll, Facebook, InstagramWhatsApp
Tests of Ray-Ban Stories by this author suggest that smart glasses have advanced a long way from earlier fashion/tech linkups. Like Diane von FurstenbergGoogleNew York Fashion Week
“We worked together with Diane, and she is super nice. But back then it was a tech exercise, and the glasses were seen as an extension of technology. Which was the way wrong approach. Ray-Ban Stories is a different. Glass and style first and then squeeze the tech inside,” insists Fabio Borsoi, Global R&D Director, Technology, Luxottica
This Italy-West Coast duo has also been careful not to offend privacy advocates, since some might find being videoed by strangers, or parents, in shades a little disturbing.
“We’ve made security a core factor. With an onboarding experience that stressed one should never surprise people. There’s an LED that goes on automatically, so people are aware of the image being captured. The key thing is smart glasses are hands free. So, you can capture Facebook photos or videos when cooking and hugging your child – and stay in the moment,” says Hobeika.
Both execs decline to say how many units had been sold so far, conceding that it’s a small percentage of sales currently. Though the partnership is clearly bullish that techy specs will grow big in future compared to the analog world of classic shades.
Ray-Ban Stories are available in Wayfarer, the most recognizable frame and an icon since the 1950’s, along with the retro Round and Meteor styles. Lens choices include prescription, clear, G15, a new variety of polarized, gradient, and Transitions, an optical lens that intelligently filters light.
Italy-based EssilorLuxotticaOakleyGiorgio ArmaniDolce & GabbanaChanelPradaVersaceBurberryTory Burch
Meta is one of the Big Five tech companies along with Google, AmazonApple
