Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, unveiled new smart glasses without cameras at the Meta Connect conference in Menlo Park, California. The glasses prioritize audio and artificial intelligence, marking a shift in Meta's approach to wearable technology. This move comes amid growing criticism of smart glasses with cameras, which have raised concerns about privacy and surveillance. The new glasses are designed to be lighter and thinner, with longer battery life.
The smart glasses will integrate Meta's AI assistant, Miza, in the coming weeks. Miza is a personal assistant that can perform various tasks, from answering questions to controlling smart home devices. With the glasses, users can interact with Miza using voice commands, allowing for a more hands-free experience. The glasses are expected to appeal to users who want a more discreet and convenient way to access information and control their surroundings.
Meta dominates the smart glasses market with an 84% share, having sold 8.7 million units globally in 2025, according to research firm Omdia. However, the company faces increasing competition from other tech giants, including Google, which is set to launch its own smart glasses in collaboration with Samsung this fall. The smart glasses market is expected to grow, with more companies entering the space and innovating new features.
The new smart glasses without cameras address some of the concerns surrounding privacy and surveillance. Previous models of Meta's smart glasses have faced criticism for their camera capabilities, with some users expressing concerns about being recorded without their consent. By removing the camera, Meta aims to provide a more privacy-focused wearable device that prioritizes audio and AI interactions.
Meta also announced a new virtual reality headset, which is expected to be released in spring 2027. The headset, weighing around 100 grams, is significantly lighter than Meta's existing Quest 3 headset. The company is shifting its focus towards more advanced and user-friendly VR experiences, with the new headset promising to deliver improved graphics and interactive capabilities.
The smart glasses will be available in the UK, Canada, Germany, Italy, and France, starting at 899 euros. The device is designed to work seamlessly with Miza, allowing users to access information, control their surroundings, and interact with others using voice commands. With the new smart glasses, Meta aims to provide a more convenient and user-friendly wearable experience that prioritizes audio and AI interactions.
The launch of the new smart glasses and VR headset marks a significant shift in Meta's approach to wearable technology. By focusing on audio, AI, and user experience, the company aims to provide more innovative and practical solutions for users. As the smart glasses and VR markets continue to grow, Meta is positioning itself as a leader in the space, with a focus on delivering high-quality and user-friendly devices.
Key points
- Meta unveils smart glasses without cameras, focusing on AI and audio interactions.
- The glasses integrate Meta's AI assistant, Miza, and prioritize user experience and convenience.
- Meta faces increasing competition in the smart glasses market, with Google set to launch its own device this fall.
