{
  "id": 276352,
  "title": "Podcast: Smart glasses in demand and will Hamas disarm?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/podcast-smart-glasses-in-demand-and-will-hamas-disarm",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-07T17:39:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/2026/0807/1586988-podcast-smart-glasses-in-demand-and-will-hamas-disarm/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Smart glasses, capable of recording images and videos, have seen a surge in demand, with sales tripling for Meta AI glasses last year, according to EssilorLuxottica, the maker of Ray-Ban. However, some UK establishments, such as pubs and venues, have announced plans to ban these devices due to concerns over hidden filming. Technology journalist Kelly Earley noted that smart glasses can be a double-edged sword, highlighting their convenience in certain situations like cooking, while also allowing for discreet filming of others. Despite the potential for misuse, Earley emphasized the technology's significant potential, particularly for accessibility purposes. For instance, visually-impaired individuals can utilize map features to navigate unfamiliar cities, and hearing-impaired people can employ caption or subtitle features during conversations. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, Hamas has reportedly agreed to disarm its weapons, a move attributed to the new leadership and improved conditions in Gaza. Experts, including Dr. Julie Norman from the Chatham House think-tank, suggest that this decision mirrors the disarmament process seen in Northern Ireland, where Hamas is taking steps to lay down or store its weapons, rather than surrendering them outright.",
  "summary": "Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica says it more than tripled Meta AI glasses sales last year.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Conversation AU",
        "title": "Smart glasses are going mainstream. Do current privacy laws protect us from the risks?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/smart-glasses-are-going-mainstream-do-current-privacy-laws-protect-us",
        "published": "2026-08-07T02:16:22.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "SBS News",
        "title": "Kmart's Smart Glasses have sold out. Their popularity pushed a national privacy probe",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/kmarts-smart-glasses-have-sold-out-their-popularity-pushed-a-national",
        "published": "2026-08-08T06:12:57.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}