Meta unveils camera-free Ray-Ban audio glasses amid privacy criticism

BBC News reported that Meta has unveiled Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses with no camera and no recording function. The channel said the glasses can play music, make phone calls and send messages. It reported that Meta describes them as its lightest and slimmest design yet and as its most accessible price point.

The launch comes after criticism of camera-equipped smart glasses. BBC News reported that some wearers have used the devices to secretly film and harass women and girls. Liz Hunter, a campaigner at Stop Smart Glasses, told the channel that the camera glasses should never have left the lab at Meta. She said they are unsafe and should be banned. BBC News reported that her group fears other big technology companies are waiting to launch similar products.

Meta says it has worked hard to prevent people from disabling the light that shows when the glasses are filming. BBC News reported that rival HTC Vive Eagle says its glasses will switch off the camera if someone nearby says stop filming. Meta said the Ray-Ban Meta Audio had been in development for two years and was based on audio, its most popular feature. BBC News reported that smart glasses can help blind people and trade workers such as construction staff by giving hands-free assistance. The channel also reported a positive public reception when it tested the camera glasses, but the privacy concerns remain.