Meta Unveils Camera-Free Ray-Ban AI Glasses for $349

At its annual ‘Meta Connect 2026’ conference, technology giant Meta unveiled its first camera-free AI glasses, the ‘Ray-Ban Meta Audio’. The audio-focused version has been introduced primarily to address intense criticism over privacy violations and unauthorised video recording involving hidden cameras in earlier smart glasses.

Powered by Meta’s new AI assistant ‘Muse’, the glasses allow users to answer phone calls, listen to music and podcasts, and translate languages in real time. Pre-orders for the glasses will open on October 13 at a price of $349.

Lightweight Design and Battery Performance

Developed through a collaboration with renowned eyewear manufacturer EssilorLuxottica, the glasses are considerably slimmer than previous versions because they have no camera and weigh just 43 grams. They offer up to 12 hours of continuous battery life on a single charge, which can be extended to as much as 48 hours with the charging case.

Alongside two new classic frame styles, ‘Clubmaster’ and ‘Burbank’, the glasses will be available in a total of 23 colour combinations. Prescription lenses can also be fitted according to the user’s needs.

Gen 3 Version with Camera and Other Updates

Alongside the audio-only glasses, Meta also announced the next-generation ‘Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3)’ glasses with a camera. They feature a 12-megapixel camera capable of recording 3K Ultra HD video, up to nine hours of battery life and an enhanced audio system with six microphones.

The company also announced a new partnership with pop star Lisa and plans to expand the glasses into markets worldwide. To strengthen data protection, the new devices feature ‘Private Processing’. With this strategy, Meta is seeking to establish a stronger position in the audio wearable technology market, particularly as a competitor to Apple’s AirPods.

//DBTech/BMT/OR//