Meta expected to launch camera-free AI glasses

• Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) is expected to unveil new smart glasses at its Connect conference, including models without cameras.
• The company’s AI glasses developed with EssilorLuxottica (BIT:ESLX) have reportedly sold more than 7 million units, increasing Meta’s position in the wearable AI market.
• Meta is responding to privacy concerns around recording features while continuing development of AI and augmented reality glasses.

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) is expected to unveil new smart glasses at its annual Connect conference, including a camera-free model amid growing privacy concerns.

The company’s smart glasses developed with EssilorLuxottica reportedly sold more than 7 million units last year, giving Meta a leading position in AI-powered wearable devices.

"More importantly, removing the camera from glasses that also lack a heads-up display will create a product differentiation challenge," said Linda Sui, founder of Smart Analytics Global.

Meta is expected to introduce camera-free glasses in two styles called Clubmaster and Burbank, along with updated Meta Ray-Ban glasses with cameras and a thinner augmented reality model reportedly called Phoenix.

Meta’s smart glasses have faced privacy concerns because users can record audio and video, with some UK restaurants, pubs, and theaters restricting their use.

The company has also faced legal claims related to privacy protections and data handling, while competitors including Snap (NYSE:SNAP) continue developing augmented reality glasses products.