Meta introduces camera-free AI glasses
techcrunch ·
Meta has unveiled its first camera-free AI glasses, named Ray-Ban Meta Audio, at the Connect 2026 conference. This new device is designed to address privacy concerns and reputational damage associated with previous models that were criticized for non-consensual recording. The audio-only glasses focus on listening to music, podcasts, taking calls, translating speech, and interacting with the Muse AI assistant. Weighing only 43 grams, they are slimmer than existing models and offer up to 12 hours of battery life, extending to 48 hours with the charging case. Priced starting at $349, the glasses will be available in 23 color and lens combinations across two new styles: Clubmaster and Burbank. Preorders begin on October 13, alongside announcements for the third-generation Ray-Ban Meta glasses which retain camera capabilities. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg highlighted the potential for a new category of high-quality audio-focused eyewear.
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