Meta Expected to Unveil Camera-Free Smart Glasses at Connect

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) is expected to introduce new smart glasses at its annual Connect conference on Wednesday, including models without cameras, as privacy issues surrounding wearable AI devices receive increased attention.

According to The Information, Meta is expected to unveil two camera-free styles, known as Clubmaster and Burbank.

The company has established a presence in the smart glasses market through its partnership with EssilorLuxottica. Sales of the companies’ jointly developed smart glasses exceeded 7 million units last year, according to the source.

Meta competes in the market with companies including China’s RayNeo and Xiaomi.

Privacy Issues Accompany Wider Adoption

The increased use of smart glasses has prompted questions about the ability of camera-equipped devices to record people without their consent. Some restaurants, pubs and theatres in the UK have restricted their use, according to the source.

Meta is also facing a proposed class-action lawsuit in California alleging that the company misrepresented privacy protections and that human annotators involved in AI training viewed and labelled footage uploaded from the devices, including recordings of private moments.

Meta disputes the allegations and intends to defend itself against the claims.

Camera-free glasses would remove the ability to capture photographs and video, although microphones would remain a potential privacy consideration.

“Microphones and audio collection could trigger similar concerns, although likely to a lesser degree,” said Linda Sui, founder of market research firm Smart Analytics Global.

Additional Smart Glasses Models Expected

Analysts also expect Meta to introduce an updated version of its Meta Ray-Ban glasses equipped with cameras.

Reports indicate the company could also present thinner and lighter augmented-reality glasses code-named Phoenix.

The potential introduction follows Snap’s announcement of new partnerships and software details for its Specs augmented-reality glasses, which are priced at $2,195 and are scheduled to launch later this year.

Sui said removing cameras could also create challenges in differentiating the product from other audio-focused devices.

“More importantly, removing the camera from glasses that also lack a heads-up display will create a product differentiation challenge. Consumers may ask why they need smart glasses rather than Bluetooth earbuds if the primary experience is limited to voice interaction, microphones and speakers.”

Meta stock price