Ray-Ban Meta camera-free smart glasses address privacy concerns
Meta unveils Ray-Ban Meta Audio, a camera-free smart glasses model with lighter frames and better battery life, aiming to tackle privacy backlash.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Meta launches Ray-Ban Meta Audio, a camera-free smart glasses model designed to tackle privacy issues
- The new glasses retain audio features for calls and music while offering a lower price and lighter frame
- EssilorLuxottica, Ray-Ban's parent company, reported selling 7 million units of the original camera model last year
- Tech founder and campaigner Liz Hunter continues to demand urgent new regulations for smart glasses
When Meta first teamed up with trendy eyewear brand Ray-Ban in 2023 to introduce AI-powered smart glasses, the launch triggered a massive wave of controversy. Multiple reports surfaced detailing how the devices were being utilized to film women and girls without their consent before sharing the footage online, earning the wearable gadgets an unflattering reputation.
On Thursday, Meta officially unveiled a brand-new variation christened Ray-Ban Meta Audio, completely devoid of any camera hardware. The fresh model preserves all audio capabilities found in its predecessor—such as making phone calls and listening to music funnelled directly into the wearer's ears—while significantly lowering privacy-related risks.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Industry observers view this strategic pivot as a calculated reaction to the intense public backlash surrounding surveillance and personal boundaries.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Releasing a camera-free alternative highlights how major tech corporations must navigate consumer trust and regulatory pressures. By stripping away controversial surveillance features, the company can target cautious buyers who appreciate the wearable tech utility without risking social friction.
Ankit Brahmbhatt, Meta's head of product for glasses, firmly denied accusations that the audio-only variant was rushed to market solely to appease public anger, noting that development had quietly spanned two years. Furthermore, the camera-free version comes with a cheaper price tag, a lighter frame structure, and improved battery endurance compared to its camera-equipped counterparts.
"We have, I think, something for everyone"
Ankit Brahmbhatt
Despite Meta's attempts to position the product lineup as versatile for all consumer segments, skepticism persists among critics. Liz Hunter, a tech founder who launched a petition demanding strict regulatory oversight for smart glasses, remains fiercely opposed to public availability, arguing that such technology should be restricted strictly to blind users rather than the general public.
Source: BBC Business
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