Meta has unveiled a new generation of AI-powered wearables, including its first camera-free smart glasses, as the company seeks to expand its artificial intelligence ecosystem while addressing growing concerns over privacy and unauthorised recording.
The new Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses were introduced at Meta’s annual Connect conference in Menlo Park, California. Unlike Meta’s existing smart glasses, the new version has no camera and focuses on audio features, including music, calls, speech translation and interaction with Meta’s personal AI assistant, Muse.
The glasses are priced from 349 dollars and are scheduled to become available for pre-order on October 13.
Meta’s move comes as camera-equipped smart glasses face increased scrutiny over the potential for people to be recorded without their knowledge or consent. The company has previously added privacy measures, including recording indicator lights, to make it clearer when its glasses are capturing images or video.
At Connect, CEO Mark Zuckerberg also placed Muse at the centre of Meta’s broader AI strategy. The personal AI agent is being integrated into the company’s smart glasses and is designed to assist users with everyday tasks across connected apps and services.
Meta also introduced new versions of its camera-equipped Ray-Ban Meta glasses, expanded its range of styles and announced improvements to battery life and controls.
The company further unveiled its Meta VR Glasses, a lighter mixed-reality headset that uses a separate battery and computing unit connected by a cable. The device is expected to launch in spring 2027 at a starting price of 1,299 dollars.
Meta also previewed the Muse Charm, a compact device designed to give users access to the company’s AI assistant without relying directly on a smartphone.
The expanding product line reflects Meta’s push to make AI a more visible part of everyday life, even as the company faces continuing scrutiny over privacy, child safety and the broader social impact of its technologies.
