Meta’s Ray-Ban Stories Struggle with User Adoption: An Inside Look
In the world of tech, even the giants can sometimes stumble. A recent internal report from Meta reveals that the company’s much-hyped Ray-Ban Stories smart sunglasses are facing user retention issues. Surprisingly, fewer than 10% of the owners are actively using them, hinting at a gap between consumer expectations and product delivery.
Launched in September 2021, the Ray-Ban Stories were positioned as the epitome of fashionable tech. However, by February 2023, only 27,000 of the 300,000 pairs sold were being used on a monthly basis. This statistic, as cited in an internal document reported by The Wall Street Journal, sheds light on potential product limitations. Poor connectivity and subpar battery life were highlighted as primary concerns among users.
It’s not just the smart sunglasses that seem to be facing challenges. Meta’s Reality Labs, the division overseeing the Ray-Ban collaboration, reported a significant loss nearing $8 million in the first half of 2023 alone.
However, the road ahead isn’t all gloomy. Meta appears committed to refining the Ray-Ban Stories experience, with whispers of a second-generation model in the pipeline. Rumored enhancements include better battery performance and camera capabilities. Moreover, diversification from the existing three sunglass models may be on the cards. While the initial Ray-Ban Stories retailed at $299, it remains to be seen how the upcoming iteration will be priced.
In the ever-evolving tech landscape, the Ray-Ban Stories’ journey serves as a reminder that innovation and market readiness must go hand-in-hand. It will be interesting to observe how Meta navigates the feedback and shapes the future of its smart eyewear.
