Meta has revealed a new version of its smart glasses without cameras. The product, called Ray-Ban Meta Audio, was announced at the company's Connect conference. CEO Mark Zuckerberg presented the device at Meta's headquarters in California. This strategic move aims to address a growing backlash over privacy concerns. Critics had dubbed the camera-equipped models as surveillance tools.
The camera-free glasses will cost $349, which is $100 less than camera models. They still offer features like music, phone calls, and AI voice commands. However, some analysts doubt this pivot will fully resolve privacy concerns. The glasses can still record audio without a clear signal to people nearby. Removing cameras could also reduce demand for a popular feature.
Meta's smart glasses have achieved remarkable commercial success despite the controversy. Seven million pairs were sold in 2025 through its partnership with EssilorLuxottica. Yet several UK restaurants, pubs, and theatres now ban or restrict the devices. Courts in both England and New York have prohibited them from judicial buildings. The company faces a difficult tension between rapid growth and public resistance.
This situation offers an important lesson about reputation management in technology markets. If Meta had addressed privacy fears earlier, it might have avoided widespread bans. The company is now investing in both camera-free and improved camera models simultaneously. Industry experts believe that consumer trust will determine which wearable technology firms succeed. Managing public perception is reported to be as critical as the technology itself.
