Meta pivots to audio-only AI glasses to dodge privacy backlash

Developed alongside EssilorLuxottica, the new hardware weighs just 43 grams and prioritizes comfort and longevity. Users can access the Muse AI assistant, handle calls, and stream audio for up to 12 hours on a single charge. The device features 23 different color and lens combinations, including the retro Clubmaster and the rectangular Burbank styles, with preorders opening October 13.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg framed the shift as a response to consumer demand for high-quality, always-on audio, positioning the glasses as a direct competitor to voice-enabled headsets like Apple’s AirPods. While the company continues to iterate on its camera-equipped hardware—announcing the Gen 3 Ray-Ban Meta with 12 MP sensors—the audio-only line offers a strategic retreat from the reputational damage associated with earlier models.