Meta Unveils Camera-Free Smart Glasses Amid Backlash Over Privacy Concerns

Meta, the tech giant behind the popular social media platform, has unveiled a new version of its AI-powered smart glasses without a camera, just days after facing intense backlash over concerns about privacy and harassment. The move comes as the company seeks to address growing criticism over the use of its devices to film and share footage of individuals without their consent.

The camera-free version of the glasses, dubbed Ray-Ban Meta Audio, will retain the audio functions of the original device. This includes the ability to make phone calls and play music. Meta says the new glasses have a lighter frame and better battery life, and will be cheaper than its camera-enabled cousins.

Industry experts say the release of the camera-free option represents a shift in how tech companies see the future of smart glasses. "We have, reports suggest, something for everyone," said Ankit Brahmbhatt, head of product at Meta Glasses. "We acknowledge that there are some challenges, potentially becoming a real problem, especially for women,".

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However, not everyone is convinced that the move represents a significant shift. "It's certainly not the end of cameras in glasses," said Wood, from CCS Insight. "That is an invaluable data stream to an AI platform, which can then interpret that data and provide you with the best possible information related to it,".

Smart glasses have been embroiled in a growing scandal since their debut in 2023. With numerous allegations surfacing of their misuse to victimize women and girls, capturing them without permission and subsequently sharing the footage online. The disturbing trend has prompted a heated debate about the need for stricter regulations, resulting in several high-profile bans in the UK.

Meta has faced criticism for its handling of the issue. With some accusing the company of not doing enough to address concerns about privacy and harassment. The company has denied that the new glasses have been rushed out in response to public anger.

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Saying they have been in development for two years.

Despite the controversy, smart glasses are expected to continue to play a significant role in the tech industry. "There's an inevitability there," said Wood. "We will have to find a societal norm, a framework for the use of these products."

Other companies are also working on smart glasses, with Samsung and Google reportedly developing their own versions. The market for smart glasses is expected to continue to grow, with some predicting that they will eventually replace mobile phones.