Facebook has Oculus, which is the company's subsidiary that develops headsets for virtual reality (VR). This time, Facebook is having another project, and that is creating its first-ever smart glasses.
As a product of Facebook, the product does not have any Facebook logo emblazoned on it.
Rather, the smart glasses are developed with the help of EssilorLuxottica, an Italian-French vertically integrated multinational corporation that designs, produces and markets ophthalmic lenses, optical equipment and prescription glasses and sunglasses.
And theses glasses from Facebook are particularly made by Ray-Ban, an iconic eyewear brand.
The company calls it the Ray-Ban Stories.
The glasses are not AR glasses like Google Glass. Instead, it's more like Snapchat Spectacles.
The exterior of the glasses have touch-based volume control, and a handy capture button for taking photos and videos through its two 5MP cameras.
And as for connectivity, the glasses are equipped with Bluetooth technology, to allow users to export the images or videos they took with the glasses, to their phones.
On the design perspective, the glasses are designed with multiple shapes and colors, inspired with the looks previous Ray-Ban designs, like the Wayfarer, Round and Meteor.
There are about 20 distinct models.
With the familiar exterior through the Ray-Ban brand etched to the right lens, Facebook is ensuring that the product can find an audience.
Due to the tech embedded inside the frames, the glasses are heavier than regular sunglasses.
And because Ray-Ban Stories are essentially glasses, the product does feel and is usable like normal glasses, and come with lenses for clear, sun, transition, and also with prescription options.
The glasses come bundled with a charging carry case.
Despite the lack of Facebook logo, the product is Facebook's.
This is why wearer of the glasses who want to make use of the tech, must have a Facebook account, and use the Facebook View app.
Facebook is launching the product on September 9, 2021, with a retail price of $299.
As for polarized lenses, they cost $329, transition lenses for $379 USD, and prescription lenses vary in price.
At this time, the product is compatible with at least iPhone 6S running iOS 13 or later, or a phone with Android 8.1 and above.
Facebook's main markets for the smart glasses include heavy social media users, especially its own Facebook and Instagram users.
