Meta has unveiled a new version of its smart glasses, the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, which notably does not include a camera. This launch follows significant controversy surrounding the original camera-enabled models, which were criticised over privacy concerns and reports of misuse.
Addressing Privacy Concerns with a Camera-Free Design
The original Meta AI-powered smart glasses, launched in collaboration with Ray-Ban in 2023, sparked a storm of controversy. Reports emerged of devices being used to film individuals, particularly women and girls, without their consent. The glasses were quickly dubbed "pervert" or "creepy" glasses, and their image problem persisted despite the enlistment of Kylie Jenner as a model.
In response to these issues, several prominent UK venues and institutions have opted to ban the camera-enabled glasses. These include JD Wetherspoon pubs, a number of major theatres, Comic-Con events, some schools, and Faslane, the home of the UK’s nuclear submarines, according to the BBC. Meta, however, denies that the new camera-free version has been rushed out in response to public anger, stating it has been in development for two years.
Features of the New Audio-Only Model
The new Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses retain the core audio functions of the original models, allowing users to make phone calls and play music, with sound funnelled directly into their ear. Without a camera, the new version carries fewer implications for privacy. Meta states that the audio-only glasses are cheaper than their camera-enabled counterparts, feature a lighter frame, and offer improved battery life.
Ankit Brahmbhatt, Meta Glasses’ head of product, when asked if the camera-free glasses might outsell the originals, responded carefully, "We have, I think, something for everyone."
User Experience and Community Impact
Despite the controversy, some users have found the smart glasses’ features to be useful. A BBC reporter who tried the camera-enabled Meta Ray-Bans found audio features, such as listening to music and podcasts without earbuds and receiving spoken navigation directions, to be beneficial. This also offered a sense of security in busy areas like central London by not having a phone physically in hand. However, this convenience came with the trade-off of allowing the Meta AI app to constantly track location, a concern given Meta’s reputation for its "hunger for personal data".
While public reaction on social media could be harsh, everyday interactions with the glasses varied. A hairdresser envisioned using them to record client hair transformations, a builder for site documentation or teaching, and content creators are noted as significant fans. The blind community has particularly welcomed smart glasses, with one user describing them to the BBC as a "game-changer" for providing audio descriptions of locations and reading visible text like restaurant menus. Meta previously donated 15,000 pairs to a charity for the blind in Ireland.
The original camera-enabled glasses feature a blinking white LED to indicate when the camera is active, though an industry has emerged around technical workarounds to disable this light.
FAQ
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Why were the original Meta smart glasses controversial?
The original Meta AI-powered smart glasses faced controversy due to multiple reports of them being used to film people, particularly women and girls, without their consent, leading to labels like "pervert" or "creepy" glasses.
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What features does the new camera-free version offer?
The new Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses offer audio functions, including the ability to make phone calls or play music, with the sound funnelled directly into your ear, but without a camera.
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Where have the original camera-enabled glasses been banned in the UK?
The original camera-enabled glasses have been banned in several UK locations, including JD Wetherspoon pubs, major theatres, Comic-Con, some schools, and Faslane, home of the UK’s nuclear submarines.
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How have smart glasses benefited the blind community?
Smart glasses have been described as a "game-changer" by the blind community, as they can provide audio descriptions of current locations and read out visible text such as restaurant menu options.
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