They were labelled 'pervert glasses'. Will a camera-free version transform their image?

Meta's AI-powered smart glasses, initially launched in 2023 in collaboration with Ray-Ban, have faced controversy due to reports of them being used to harass women and girls without their consent. The devices have been dubbed "pervert" or "creepy glasses" and have been banned in various public spaces across the UK. To address the backlash, Meta is set to unveil a camera-free version called Ray-Ban Meta Audio.

This new version will focus on audio functions like making phone calls and playing music, aiming to alleviate privacy concerns. However, some industry insiders view it as a response to public anger rather than a strategic pivot. The audio-only glasses are cheaper, lighter, and have better battery life than their camera-enabled counterparts.

Meta claims the product has been in development for two years, but there is uncertainty about whether this camera-free version will overtake the original in sales. The company remains tight-lipped about exact sales figures, but Ray-Ban has sold seven million units last year. While some users find the glasses useful for various purposes, including navigation and recording experiences, critics argue they present significant privacy risks.