Meta pivots to audio-only frames to bypass surveillance concerns

The audio-only models, which start at $349, represent a shift toward functional simplicity. By removing the camera, engineers reduced the frame weight to 43 grams and gained design flexibility, allowing the devices to mirror the aesthetics of standard eyewear. These glasses focus on core tasks: interacting with the Muse AI, handling phone calls, and media playback. According to Alex Himel, Meta’s vice president of wearables, the design choice stems from internal data identifying audio as the most viable use case for AI integration.

Simultaneously, Meta is rolling out the third generation of its camera-equipped glasses, priced at $449. This iteration introduces minor hardware upgrades, including a sixth microphone for call clarity and a slight boost in battery life. To capture a more diverse demographic, the company is leaning heavily into celebrity partnerships, including collaborations with Kylie Jenner and Blackpink’s Lisa. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to reach 100 different versions of its smart glasses by the end of the year.

Technical updates also include an FDA-cleared hearing assistance feature and a new privacy pipeline for data processing. Despite these additions, the fundamental tension remains: while Meta seeks to normalize wearable AI within its Menlo Park campus, the broader public continues to express skepticism regarding the ethics of recording technology. Whether an influx of style options can overcome this friction remains the central challenge for Meta’s hardware ambitions.