Meta has unveiled a camera-free audio version of its smart glasses alongside a lightweight mixed-reality headset and a standalone AI companion device named Muse.
Meta Launches Camera-Free AI Glasses to Address Privacy Concerns
The audio-only smart glasses start at $349 (€306) and arrive in response to global scrutiny surrounding miniature lenses on wearable devices, which critics have labeled “pervert glasses.” Meta’s new hardware drops the photo and video recording capabilities entirely while retaining audio functions for music, calls, and text translation. Alongside this model, the company released updated versions of its flagship Meta Ray-Ban glasses that retain visual recording features, with display variants priced starting at $799 (€702) expanding into the UK, France, Italy, Germany, and Canada.
Meta’s vice president of AI product Vishal Shah emphasized that physical indicators remain critical for recording transparency. “We wanted people to clearly understand that this was something that was recording, and we’ve only made that light more explicit over time,” Shah told attendees.
Muse AI Agent and New Pendant Device
The hardware rollout centers on Muse, an agentic consumer application designed to execute digital tasks autonomously. By connecting personal accounts for health, finance, and shopping, users can direct the Muse assistant to handle appointment bookings, phone calls, and service subscriptions.
Expanding the ecosystem further, Zuckerberg previewed the Muse Charm, a puck-like device featuring a small display scheduled for release before the end of the year. The charm allows users to interact with their Muse AI agent independently of a smartphone, though pricing details have not yet been disclosed.
Lightweight Mixed-Reality Glasses Set for 2027
Meta also detailed its upcoming mixed-reality hardware, designated simply as Meta VR Glasses. Designed to rival heavier headsets, the new units rely on an external battery and memory pack tethered by a cord, reducing the weight of the glasses themselves to roughly that of a deck of cards. Eschewing external physical controls, the system relies strictly on voice commands and hand tracking. The Meta VR Glasses are scheduled to launch in spring 2027 with a starting price of $1,299 (€1,141).
Comparison of Meta’s New Wearables Lineup
| Product | Primary Function | Price | Release Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Only AI Glasses | Audio playback, calls, and AI interaction without a camera | $349 (€306) | October 13 |
| Display Smart Glasses | Visual projection, photography, video, and AI integration | From $799 (€702) | Expanding to UK, France, Italy, Germany, Canada |
| Meta VR Glasses | Tethered mixed-reality headset with gesture and voice control | $1,299 (€1,141) | Spring 2027 |
| Muse Charm | Standalone puck-like wearable display for AI interaction | Unannounced | Late this year |
Market Hurdles and Industry Pushback
Despite strong initial application adoption, Meta faces commercial and technical hurdles across the digital market. E-commerce platforms including Amazon have blocked Meta from deploying automated AI shopping bots on behalf of users, while companies such as Instacart, Shopify, and Expedia maintain specific partnership terms. Zuckerberg noted during the developer conference that upgrading a significant portion of the world’s existing glasses wearers remains a long-term goal as the company scales its AI infrastructure.
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