Meta introduces smart glasses without a camera

Meta has refreshed its Meta Ray-Ban wearables lineup at a time when smart glasses face significant privacy concerns and recording of their surroundings. In response to these challenges, the company has introduced the Meta Ray-Ban Audio AI model, which does not have a built-in camera. The device is designed in the style of the classic Clubmaster and Burbank frames, and offers a microphone and speakers for listening to music, making calls, and chatting with artificial intelligence. This version weighs less, is thinner, and costs 349 euros.

For those who want to capture content, the third-generation Meta Ray-Ban Gen 3 is available with cameras, an improved tamper-evident light, Dolby Atmos support, and up to nine hours of battery life for €449. In collaboration with celebrity Lisa, two new frame styles have also been added. In addition, Meta is expanding the availability of the Meta Ray-Ban Display model with a display in the right lens outside the US; it will be available in France, Germany, and Italy starting October 13 for €899.

The biggest technical innovation is the Meta VR glasses, which reduce the weight to just 100 grams by using magnesium alloy. The device uses a 5K microOLED display with a density of 37 pixels per degree, which creates an extremely sharp image, comparable to more expensive competitors. To make the wearable equipment as light as possible, the processing unit and three-hour battery have been moved to an external unit weighing 300 grams, which the user carries in their pocket and connects to it with a cable.

The system allows for working with multiple virtual windows, connecting to computers, and detecting gaze and gestures. Despite its high performance, the cable could pose a certain obstacle during use. The glasses will be available in spring 2027 for approximately 1,160 euros.