Meta announces Ray-Ban Meta Audio, its first smart glasses without a camera
A $349 alternative to camera-equipped wearable models.
Audio and AI Focus
Privacy concerns surrounding Meta's camera-enabled smart glasses have prompted the company to introduce a camera-free alternative: the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, designed entirely around audio features and AI assistance.
Meta frames the new device as an acknowledgment that audio has consistently been the most popular feature of its smart glasses line. The new hardware handles phone calls, voice-activated messaging, and media playback such as podcasts and music while keeping users aware of their surroundings. They also provide direct access to Meta AI for live translation and real-time inquiries.
Hardware and Battery Life
The Ray-Ban Meta Audio offers several hardware improvements inherited from recent models. Meta claims a single charge delivers up to 12 hours of battery life, with an additional 48 hours provided by the charging case. The frames include adjustable temple tips, customizable nose pads, and overextension hinges for comfort. Ditching the cameras also reduces the weight to 43 grams, making them lighter than previous iterations.
Design and Availability
Removing the camera and recording light allows the frames to closely resemble standard eyewear, with only slightly larger temples and speaker cut-outs. The glasses are offered in two styles, the rectangular Burbank and the retro Clubmaster, across 23 color and lens combinations, with support for optical prescriptions.
While the release addresses privacy concerns associated with outward-facing cameras, the glasses remain tied to Meta's broader ecosystem and AI services.
The Ray-Ban Meta Audio begin shipping on October 13 with pre-orders opening at a starting price of $349.
