Facebook has launched its first pair of smart glasses, which house speakers and cameras, built with eyewear firm Ray-Ban. The glasses, which are available in a range of colours and styles, are priced at £299 and will be available from September 13.

Called Ray-Ban Stories, the glasses feature two five-megapixel cameras to take photos and videos, as well as built-in microphones and speakers enabling users to make calls and listen to audio. The glasses also come with built-in LED lights to let people nearby know when the wearer is taking a photo or video and pair with the new Facebook View app, which enables users to share content from the glasses to their social media accounts.

Announcing the new hardware, Facebook acknowledged that privacy was a key issue it had looked to address when creating the new device. “As with any new device, we have a big responsibility to help people feel comfortable and provide peace of mind, and that goes not only for device owners but the people around them, too,” the social network said in a blog post.

Facebook said it would also offer guidance to users on how to safely use the glasses with regard to others. “We’ve developed guidelines for what is and isn’t an appropriate use of the glasses, some of which are surfaced right in the app during on boarding, and which are available in full online on our dedicated privacy microsite for Ray-Ban Stories.”

“These tips include respecting people’s preferences if they ask you to stop recording or don’t want to be in a photo or video, not capturing photos and videos while driving, and turning off the glasses in private areas like places of worship, a doctor’s office, or locker rooms.”

Initially South Korea had been doing well against the virus, but in August, the number of reported infections nearly doubled, from 56 to 103, in just two days. It reached a peak of 441 cases on August 26 before ticking back down to at least 100 new infections ger day. That month, the health ministry banned large gatherings and shut nightclubs, churches and beaches to turn the tide.

Under such a terrible situation, many restaurants have taken effective measures to cope with it. For example, No Brand Burger, a fast-food chain in South Korea, is using robots to take orders, prepare food and bring meals out to diners. As a result, customers can avoid any interaction with a human server during the pandemic （疫'情）.

Customers order and pay via touchscreen, and then their request is sent to the kitchen where a cooking machine heats up the buns and patties. When it's ready, a robot “waiter” brings out their takeout bag. Human workers add toppings to the burgers and wrap them up in takeout bags before passing them over to serving robots.

Last month, takeout orders at No Brand Burger accounted for 58 percent total sales, up from 42 percent in July, according to the chain's parent company, Shinsegae Food. After a recent second wave of coronavirus infections, restaurants in South Korea were only allowed to provide takeout and delivery after 9 p. m. —a restriction that was only lifted Monday. Other restaurants in Asia have started employing robot servers during the pandemic.

In South Korea, the Italian restaurant chain Mad for Garlic is using serving robots even, for sit-down customers. Using 3D space mapping and other technology, the electronic “waiter”, known as Aglio Kim, navigates between tables with up to five orders. Mad for Garlic manager Lee Young — ho said kids especially like the robots, which can carry up to 66 pounds in their trays.

Inventions That Will Make Your 2020 a Lot More Interesting

Each year there are countless new products and inventions on the market. Here are some of the most exciting products to come out over the year.

Xbox Adaptive Controller

The Xbox Adaptive Controller is here to make the gaming world more accessible. Microsoft developed the Xbox Adaptive Controller to help those with limited hand and arm mobility (移动的能力) play games. This device connects switches, buttons and joysticks (操纵杆) to create a unique custom controller experience. The product itself was inspired by previous efforts made by groups like the Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

Gravity Blanket

Gravity is in here to help you deal with your anxiety. Starting off as a Kickstarter campaign, the company Gravity has created a therapeutic (治疗的) weighted blanket engineered to be around 10% of your body weight. The super comfortable blanket helps those who have a sleeping problem, and those who may be stressed, or deal with anxiety.

Solar Charged Jacket

If you are a night runner, this one is for you. Created by UK-based sporting goods company Vollebak, the Solar Charged Jacket absorbs light during the day and gives off its “green energy” for those who need to be safe after dark.

LynQ

Getting separated from friends or family members at an event or a festival can be annoying. LynQ helps you find your loved ones when you get separated from the group. Unlike smartphones, this compass does not need any Wi-Fi to stay connected. It is a great tool for family vacations.