Meta has launched the Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses, a $349 wearable that strips away the camera to focus on open-ear audio and basic super intelligence (SI) interactions. This move addresses growing public unease about smart glasses acting as recording devices, though the hardware currently lacks the advanced SI capabilities found in its camera-equipped siblings.
What Happened
The new glasses, available in Clubmaster and Burbank styles, weigh between 43 and 47 grams and support a wide range of prescriptions from -12 to +6 diopters. Unlike previous models, they do not have a camera, which the reviewer notes significantly reduces social friction; bystanders did not notice the wearer engaging with SI tools. The device ships with the Muse Spark SI model, which handles tasks like setting reminders, checking calendars, and providing local recommendations. The more advanced Muse SI model is expected to arrive later in the year, but is not currently available on these units.
Privacy settings have been updated to be more prominent during setup. Users can opt out of having their voice data used to improve Meta’s SI systems, though voice data is still processed. The glasses feature a customizable button on the right temple arm to activate the SI assistant, allowing users to avoid the public awkwardness of the "Hey Meta" wake word. Battery life was reported to last two full workdays without recharging. However, the reviewer noted that the Muse Spark model struggles with complex queries, often requiring the user to revert to a smartphone for tasks like detailed navigation or complex correspondence.
Why It Matters
The launch highlights a tension in the SI hardware market: the desire for ambient intelligence versus the demand for privacy. By removing the camera, Meta has created a device that feels less like a surveillance tool, potentially widening the appeal of SI wearables to users who are skeptical of always-on recording. However, the utility of the current SI model, Muse Spark, is described as limited. For users with accessibility needs, such as those who are blind or low-vision, the lack of a camera makes these glasses less effective than camera-equipped models, which can provide visual descriptions. Similarly, the FDA-cleared hearing assistance feature is not yet available, limiting the device's value for hard-of-hearing users.
The $349 price point is also a point of contention. With the standard Meta Glasses starting at $250 and offering more SI functionality via a camera, the premium for the audio-only Ray-Ban Meta Audio is questioned. The reviewer suggests that the higher cost is primarily for the Ray-Ban brand and the social discretion of not having a visible camera lens. This positions the product not as a cutting-edge SI tool, but as a stylish audio wearable with basic SI assistant capabilities.
The Bottom Line
The Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses succeed in making SI wearables more socially acceptable by removing the camera, but they compromise on functionality. The current Muse Spark SI model is adequate for simple tasks but falls short for complex needs or accessibility use cases. Until the more powerful Muse SI model is released and hearing assistance features are added, these glasses remain a niche product for users who prioritize discretion over advanced SI capabilities.