From The Verge · Dominic Preston · · 1m 30s
Meta's camera-free smart glasses dodge the creep factor
New Luna frames ditch the camera entirely, relying on microphones and AI instead.
In brief
New Luna frames ditch the camera entirely, relying on microphones and AI instead. Meta is launching smart glasses without cameras to avoid privacy concerns that have plagued its current models. Originally reported by The Verge.
Camera-free glasses coming soon
Meta plans to reveal Luna smart glasses without any camera at its Connect event next week. The frames could ship in October in two styles.
Six microphones replace the camera
Luna will pack six microphones for chatting with Meta AI and the new Muse AI agent, plus speakers for audio. Removing the camera made the arms smaller and more like regular frames.
Current glasses sparked privacy backlash
Meta's existing smart glasses have been used to secretly record people for harassment and viral videos. They've been banned from New York courtrooms and Britain's largest pub chain.
Users bypass recording safeguards
Despite a recording LED, some users have developed workarounds to record with the light off. Meta has been caught in a cat-and-mouse game trying to stop them.
Privacy concerns may persist
The microphones and ordinary appearance could still trigger privacy worries, similar to criticism of Apple Watch's always-on audio recording. Meta rarely gets the benefit of the doubt on trust.
AR glasses also in the works
Meta will also unveil Phoenix AR glasses at Connect, capable of displaying virtual workspaces or movie screens. Those are set to release in 2027.
The main idea
Meta is launching smart glasses without cameras to avoid privacy concerns that have plagued its current models.
