05 Jul Ray-Ban Makes Technology A Fashion Statement With Smart Glasses
Ray-Ban has recently created what may be one of the biggest steps in making smart glasses mainstream. Their recently released Ray-Ban: Stories was made in collaboration with Meta, and it is regarded as the most advanced iteration of smart glasses in the market today. As one of the most fashionable and leading producers of innovative eyewear, and with European sales recently up by 40%, there are no signs of stopping for Ray-Ban as it injects a new modern, technological touch into its classic and timeless frames.
Ray-Ban’s origins
Ray-Ban has had a rich history beginning in 1937 when it was owned by the American company Bausch & Lomb. It rose to prominence with its Aviator frames, which were created to help pilots protect their eyes from harsh sunlight during the war. It used a deep knowledge of sun protection and eye health preservation to produce more timeless styles, including the classic Wayfarers.
Later on, the brand experienced a surge in popularity with the help of Hollywood and its stars. Several films from the 1980s can be thanked for Ray-Ban’s ongoing success and its current legacy as an influential part of fashion and pop culture.
In 1999, a significant change happened when Ray-Ban was acquired by the Italian conglomerate Luxottica Group, which helped it expand to its home base in Europe and spread the brand’s influence across the globe. In the past decade, Ray-Ban has established itself as a category leader in Europe, and it continues to grow steadily through various areas in the region.
Naturally, this growth was achieved with the brand adapting to modern trends. So when the concept of smart glasses was first introduced to the public in 2013, Ray-Ban decided to make it their own.
The release of Ray-Ban: Stories
Smart glasses essentially function as eyewear that condenses some of the features of a computer into a stylish accessory. It allows wearers to stay digitally active and connected using only their optical frames. Through these glasses, users can capture images, take calls, and play music.
Ray-Ban, alongside Meta, added its own spin and produced Ray-Ban: Stories. This was initially advertised as a new way to capture and share stories while still being present with the world around you. It’s an immersive experience that’s projected to change the world of wearable technology.
Ray-Ban: Stories currently comes with a dual-integrated 5MP camera and 4GB storage. It’s connected to a Facebook-operated app that instantly lets you view and share your images. These smart glasses are available in three timeless Ray-Ban frames, including the Meteor and the Wayfarer. Consumers can also choose between different lens colours, showing Ray-Ban’s dedication to style.
This fashion aspect is also apparent in the actual construction of these smart glasses. Where most smart glasses fail is their bulky and inelegant design. Additionally, the first few versions of released smart glasses lacked functions that could justify their usage. Several tech companies have since halted the production of their smart glasses due to a lack of public support. This is where Ray-Ban shines. Despite its multiple features, Stories still manages to be sleek and encapsulates the look of the brand, blended with the expert engineering of Meta.
However, this is only the beginning for both Meta and Ray-Ban. Meta considers this as one of the first developments towards the expansion of the Metaverse. In the future, these frames are meant to act as the bridge between normal life and augmented reality. With multiple organizations forecasting the continued growth of smart glasses worldwide, Meta’s vision doesn’t seem far from reality. Through Ray-Ban: Stories, consumers get to see what happens when classic fashion meets the future of technology.
If you’re interested in acquiring your own pair of Ray-Ban: Stories, they can be purchased online via Ray-Ban’s website, starting at £299, or you can also get them in select retail stores in Spain, Austria, France, and Belgium.
