Meta Launches Camera -Free AI Glasses Amid Privacy Pushback
Meta Launches Camera-Free AI Glasses Amid Privacy Pushback
Meta has unveiled a new lineup of AI-powered wearables, including an audio-only, camera-free version of its smart glasses, as it faces growing global concerns over privacy.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the new devices at the company's annual Connect conference on Wednesday at its Menlo Park headquarters. The new glasses, called Ray-Ban Meta Audio, were developed with EssilorLuxottica and will ship from October 13, starting at $349.
The launch comes amid backlash over smart glasses with tiny cameras, which critics have dubbed "pervert glasses" over fears of people secretly filming women and girls without consent. The issue has triggered privacy lawsuits and bans at some venues in the United Kingdom.
Zuckerberg said AI glasses are the future. "There are almost 2 billion people in the world who wear glasses today... and we think that in the coming years, most of these are going to get upgraded to AI glasses," he told developers.
The camera-free model is Meta's thinnest and lightest yet, weighing about 43 grams. It offers up to 12 hours battery life on a single charge, extending to 48 hours with the charging case, and comes in Clubmaster and Burbank designs with prescription lens support. It allows music playback, calls, translation and interaction with Meta's new personal AI assistant, Muse.
Meta said privacy was not the only reason for the design, pointing to demand for audio-focused features. However, VP of AI Product Vishal Shah said building privacy features like a recording light is "really important."
The audio glasses will complement dozens of new camera-equipped models, including the Gen 3 Ray-Ban Meta line.
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