Meta Releases Smart Glasses Without Cameras to Protect Privacy

Meta introduced new smart glasses that do not have cameras. Many people were worried that smart glasses with cameras could record them without permission. The new glasses aim to protect privacy in public places.

The new Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses use only microphones and small speakers. Users can listen to music, make phone calls, and talk to an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant. The glasses listen only when the user says a special wake word.

Because there is no camera, the glasses are lighter and use less power. The battery can last up to 12 hours on a single charge. The new audio glasses start at $349.

Technology company Meta has introduced a new pair of Ray-Ban smart glasses that operate without cameras, responding to growing public concerns over privacy and surveillance technology. Known as the Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses, the device relies entirely on built-in microphones and speakers.

By removing the camera components, Meta redesigned the frames to be lighter, weighing 43 grams, while extending battery life to approximately 12 hours on a single charge. Users can listen to music, answer phone calls, and interact with the Meta AI digital assistant using voice commands. Meta stated that the microphones only process speech after hearing a specific wake word.

Starting at $349, the camera-free model offers a more privacy-friendly option alongside Meta's updated camera-equipped glasses and new virtual reality headsets unveiled at Meta Connect 2026.