Facebook-Konzern: Meta bringt KI-Brille mit Display auch nach Deutschland

Meta, the Facebook corporation, has introduced its AI-powered smart glasses with a display in Germany, amid ongoing concerns over data privacy. These glasses, priced at 899 euros, will be available in several European countries just a year after their US launch. Meta showcased various AI glasses with cameras, some with and some without displays, at their developer conference, Meta Connect.

The cameras in the glasses serve multiple purposes: capturing photos and videos, and conveying artificial intelligence (AI) to users based on what they see, allowing them to adjust their responses.

Meta's wearable devices, including the smart glasses, have faced controversies. Some users attempted to cover or remove the light indicating the camera's activity, while others recorded and uploaded instances of harassment online. In Europe, calls have arisen to ban camera-wearing devices. Meta's top manager, Alex Himel, stated that the company is taking aggressive action against such misuse, and less than 0.1% of devices have had their display light manipulated.

Meta also monitors platforms like Instagram and Facebook for instances of harassment and not only removes the content but also blocks the accounts. The company aims to make it clear when the camera is active, as it believes the visible light is more visible than on other types of recording devices.

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's CEO, announced during Meta Connect that some user interactions with the glasses will be processed with end-to-end encryption, meaning Meta will have no access to the data. The glasses without a camera took two years to develop, and they are designed to resemble regular glasses. Their battery life is sufficient for a full day.

Meta has not focused on facial recognition technology for the glasses, as there was speculation in the winter that the company was considering it. Himel emphasized that Meta has no interest in building a database for identifying strangers or allowing such a feature on their devices. However, they may develop differentiated scenarios for assisting visually impaired users or helping AI provide context in remembering names of acquaintances or colleagues. Currently, Meta devotes minimal time and resources to such ideas.