Meta removes cameras from smart glasses

Meta announced Ray-Ban Meta Audio in September, camera-free glasses that ditch the one feature that made earlier models controversial. The only big change is the lack of a camera.

Why cameras made smart glasses creepy

People called Meta's camera-equipped glasses pervert glasses because they were used to record people without consent. Some users removed the indicator light designed to show recording was happening.

“pervert glasses”

Meta's facial recognition problems

Meta tried to add facial recognition technology to the glasses, denied it at first, then admitted to it and removed it. In September, the company was sued for its facial recognition systems.

What the audio-only glasses can do

Ray-Ban Meta Audio don't record audio except when using the AI chatbot, with requests saved in the Meta AI app. Live language translation is available but requires going into the Meta AI app first.

Lightweight with all-day battery

The Burbank model weighs forty-three grams and the Clubmaster weighs forty-seven grams, noticeably lighter than the fifty-one point five gram camera-equipped Gen three Wayfarer. Twelve-hour battery life means all-day wear is viable.

Strong audio and call quality

Transition lenses adjust quickly to sunlight. Speakers deliver solid sound quality and let you hear ambient sounds like approaching cars. Call quality is great, though sound leaks out and bass response isn't the best.

The glasses people actually want to wear

Without cameras, people can walk around without others thinking they're recording them. The reviewer says these are probably the only smart glasses they'd willingly spend their own money on and actually want to keep wearing.