Introduction
Confirming earlier reports, Meta announced its first pair of camera-free AI glasses, named the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, at its Connect conference. Designed to address privacy concerns associated with recording devices, the new wearables are audio-only, offering the ability to listen to music and podcasts, take calls, translate speech, and communicate with Meta’s AI assistant, Muse.
The glasses are designed by Meta’s partner in its hardware efforts, EssilorLuxottica, and will start at $349.
While Meta offers a range of AI glasses in various styles and capabilities, the audio-only option could help the brand address criticism after critics pointed out how people were using camera-equipped glasses to record videos without subjects’ consent. Meta previously attempted to mitigate this with software updates, but privacy concerns persisted.
This latest device aims to provide a more privacy-conscious alternative while also competing in the smart audio space.
“Once you get used to high quality audio, it’s just a thing that you want all the time, right?” Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said during a keynote, adding that the company realized it could design a whole new category of glasses focused entirely on sound.
Image Credits:Meta/Screenshot /
Design and Specs
Because they lack cameras, the glasses are slimmer than Meta’s other models, weighing 43 grams. They feature adjustable temple tips, swappable nose pads, overextension hinges, and a battery life of up to 12 hours on a single charge. With the included charging case, the battery life extends up to 48 hours.
The glasses come in 23 color and lens combinations across two new styles: a retro-inspired “Clubmaster” Ray-Ban style and “Burbank,” described as a classic rectangle shape. They can also be ordered with optical prescriptions.
The glasses will be available for preorder on October 13.
Next-Gen Camera Glasses
Alongside the audio glasses, Meta announced its next-generation camera-equipped AI glasses, the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3). Alongside the Wayfarer style, new options include the Aviator and Zena cat-eye frame. These feature a 12 MP camera supporting 3K Ultra HD video, a six-microphone array, and up to nine hours of battery life.
The existing camera glasses lineup will also see expanded styles and colors, supported by a partnership with singer Lisa and an expanded global rollout.
All of Meta’s AI glasses will feature access to the Muse personal AI assistant.
The company also teased upcoming updates, including support for Dolby Atmos Capture, photo-selection tools, landscape and portrait modes, hearing enhancements, and a “private processing” feature designed to restrict data visibility.
