Mark Zuckerberg has announced the launch of the first Facebook smart glasses, the Ray-Ban Stories, which shoots photographs, records videos, answers calls, and lets you listen to music. Given that it must be associated with a phone through Bluetooth, they essentially perform the same functions as the phone in your pocket.
What is the Real Reason for Their Existence? Since Snapchat declined his offer to acquire them, Zuckerberg has been obsessed with ensuring that Facebook gets everything Snapchat has, which is why they appeared shortly after Snapchat unveiled its 'Spectacles' spectacles.
These are unquestionably more attractive than Snapchat's Spectacles. On the surface, the spectacles appear to be the classic Ray-Bans.
The temples are somewhat broader, but the design remains unchanged. They come in a variety of colors and are made of several types of glass. The Meteor model, with transparent glass and an olive green frame, was put to the test at ABC. If you're still not convinced, you can get a degree in optics.
The two photographic sensors on the front, which are perforated and allow the user to shoot images and record movies for up to 60 seconds, are what distinguishes these lenses. Each camera has a 5 MP resolution, and the information they capture is of exceptional quality. Particularly if the lighting is nice. They are not suggested for use at night or in circumstances where there is very little light.
The gadget may be used to make a hands-free call or listen to music. It comfortably satisfies two functions, as we were able to verify throughout the testing. Meta, for example, has made it feasible to listen to music on the device without the sound being hardly audible to the rest of the room. Furthermore, the noise of the surroundings is not separated, which is beneficial if they are used to riding a bicycle or running.
Furthermore, by sliding your finger over one of the pins on the glasses, you may adjust the volume or pick up the phone. Ray-Ban Stories are also compatible with Facebook's virtual assistant, allowing users to ask the gadget to shoot a photo or video simply by saying, "Hey, Facebook..." If you like, you may do it manually by pressing the button on the right side of the glasses.
Requires Their App..
You'll need to download the app - yep, another app - Facebook View, which is available for iOS and Android, on your phone to access the images and movies made with the glasses. This requires Bluetooth pairing with the glasses. When collecting content, all you have to do is put on your glasses and open the 'app,' which will begin the download in a couple of seconds.
Which, of course, brings up the subject of privacy...
Apart from worrying what data Facebook can obtain with the required app, some are dubbing them "Facebook Spy Glasses," implying what may be done if a suspicious individual buys a set.
They don't appear like a camera or a phone, and no one near the person wearing them will suspect they're being watched.
An LED light in the right corner of the front of the lenses illuminates whenever the user is collecting material as a warning to the others. Furthermore, it is impossible to disable. But a simple workaround like... covering it with a piece of tape, will make it disappear.
Finally, it is true that a user with malicious intent can film or photograph third parties without alerting them and without using these glasses. Although it is more visible with the telephone, it is possible.
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| Side By Side Facebook VS Snapchat Smart Glasses |
All for a ridiculously high price...
Currently, a pair costs roughly $300 US, which is around $150 more (twice the price) as Snapchat's newest and second-generation spectacles, the Spectical2's.
But, to be fair, the extra cost for Facebook's comes from the fact that you're purchasing a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses, and a side-by-side comparison shows that Facebook's sunglasses do look A LOT better.
I guess I'm not in the target demographic?
I have a GoPro, and there are occasions when I want to film something, but I've never wished my GoPro was strapped to my face. While the convenience of having your hands free is appealing, I can already strap my GoPro to myself, mount it on a tripod, and so forth.
However, if this is the best option for what you're doing and you have the funds, I'd have a look at them before purchasing Snapchat Spectacles.
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Alex Benningram
TechNews.CITY / New York Newsroom
