Meta has unveiled a new version of its AI-powered smart glasses, the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, which notably lacks a camera. This move directly addresses significant privacy concerns that plagued the original model, according to the BBC.
Addressing the ‘Pervert Glasses’ Stigma
Launched in 2023 in collaboration with trendy sunglasses brand Ray-Ban, Meta’s initial camera-enabled smart glasses faced widespread controversy. There were multiple reports of the devices being used to film women and girls without consent, leading them to be dubbed “pervert” or “creepy” glasses.
This backlash resulted in bans across various UK locations, including JD Wetherspoon pubs, major theatres, Comic-Con, some schools, and Faslane, home of the UK’s nuclear submarines, as reported by the BBC. Even enlisting celebrities like Kylie Jenner as a model did not fully resolve the image problem.
Introducing the Ray-Ban Meta Audio
The new Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses focus purely on audio functions, allowing users to make phone calls and listen to music with sound funnelled directly into their ears. Crucially, by omitting the camera, these glasses aim to reduce privacy implications significantly.
Meta states that this audio-only version is cheaper than its camera-enabled predecessors, features a lighter frame, and offers improved battery life. While some in the industry view this as a strategic pivot in response to public anger over privacy, Meta denies the product was rushed, claiming it has been in development for two years. Ankit Brahmbhatt, Meta Glasses’ head of product, when questioned about potential sales overtaking the original, stated, “We have, I think, something for everyone,” choosing his words carefully, the BBC reports.
Practical Use and Public Reception
A BBC reporter who tested the camera-enabled Meta Ray-Bans found many of the features surprisingly useful, particularly the audio capabilities. Listening to music and podcasts without earbuds felt safer on the move, and receiving spoken map directions was handy for navigation. These features offered practical benefits, such as enhanced awareness in urban environments and assistance for those with a poor sense of direction.
However, using the glasses necessitated allowing the Meta AI app to know the user’s exact location at all times, a notable privacy trade-off given Meta’s well-known hunger for personal data. While social media reactions to the glasses could be negative, real-life interactions often showed interest. A hairdresser saw potential for recording client transformations, a builder for documenting work on site, and a friend for jogs. The blind community has also embraced smart glasses, with one user describing them to the BBC as a “game-changer” for their ability to provide audio descriptions of locations and read out visible text like restaurant menus. Meta previously donated 15,000 pairs to a charity for the blind in Ireland.
Appeal for Manchester Tech Enthusiasts
For Manchester’s tech-savvy residents, the camera-free Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses could represent a more appealing proposition. By removing the controversial camera, Meta has addressed the primary privacy concern, potentially fostering wider acceptance among those who value smart tech for convenience and utility without the social stigma. The focus on practical audio-only features, combined with a lighter design and better battery life, positions these glasses as a discreet extension of a smartphone, offering hands-free benefits without the perceived invasiveness of the original model.
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