Meta is introducing a new privacy safeguard for its Ray-Ban smart glasses after some users found ways to bypass the device’s recording indicator.
The Meta Glasses update disables its camera if the glasses detect that the white LED light, which flashes while photos or videos are being captured, has been physically tampered with or destroyed. The feature is intended to prevent people from secretly recording others by disabling the visual recording indicator.
“We’re continuously improving our ability to detect tampering, and now we’re updating the glasses to disable the camera if they detect the LED was physically tampered with or destroyed,” Meta said in a blog post. “No other kind of camera has done this and we’re proud to lead the industry forward.”
The company says every pair of Meta AI glasses includes a white “capture LED” on the front of the frame. The light briefly flashes when a photo is taken and continues blinking while video is recording. According to Meta, the LED “has no off switch.”
Beginning with the second generation of the glasses, Meta says the camera already stopped working if the recording light was covered. The latest update allows the glasses to detect more sophisticated attempts to modify or destroy the light altogether.
The change comes as smart glasses continue to grow in popularity while raising new questions about privacy in public spaces. Because the devices can capture photos and videos hands-free, critics have expressed concerns that people could record others without their knowledge if the recording light were disabled.
Meta acknowledged those concerns in its announcement, saying the company chose a white recording light because it offered “the best combination of visibility and experience” after extensive testing. The company added that it continues to work with outside experts and incorporate customer feedback as it develops new privacy features.
The update also targets businesses and individuals advertising services that modify the glasses. Meta said it will remove Marketplace listings, ads and posts promoting LED tampering and “take legal action against people or businesses that sell services designed for tampering with the capture LED.”
For current and prospective owners, Meta emphasised that photos and videos captured with the glasses remain private unless the wearer chooses to import or share them. The company also said it plans to continue adding new safeguards as the technology evolves.
“As our glasses become more capable and common, our teams continue to work on ways to make them even safer and more trustworthy,” Meta said. “We set a high standard for our AI glasses because we believe it’s an essential component of any good technology.”
For those interested in trying the technology, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are available in several frame styles and lens options, including prescription-compatible models.
What can Ray-Ban Meta glasses do?
According to Ray-Ban, its Meta AI smart glasses combine a hands-free camera, open-ear speakers and Meta AI in a pair of everyday eyewear. Users can take photos and videos, make phone calls, listen to music, send messages and ask Meta AI questions without reaching for their phone.
Meta says the glasses also provide real-time information about what you’re looking at. By saying “Hey Meta,” users can ask about landmarks, identify objects, get recipe ideas, remember where they left something or receive reminders while they’re on the go.
Ray-Ban says the glasses are available in multiple frame styles, support prescription lenses and come with a charging case that extends battery life throughout the day. They also integrate with apps including Spotify, Apple Music, WhatsApp and Messenger for hands-free listening and communication.
How does Meta AI work on Ray-Ban glasses?
Meta AI is built directly into the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and responds to voice commands after users say, “Hey Meta.” The assistant can answer questions, control many of the glasses’ features and, with the camera enabled, respond to questions about what the wearer is seeing.
For example, Meta says users can ask the glasses to identify landmarks, translate languages, recommend recipes based on ingredients in front of them or help remember where they placed personal items. The assistant uses the built-in camera only when users activate those visual AI features and grant the necessary permissions.
Meta notes that photos and videos remain private unless users choose to import or share them. The company also says the glasses include a white LED recording indicator that flashes while the camera is in use so people nearby know when photos or videos are being captured. The latest software update expands those privacy protections by disabling the camera if the recording light is physically tampered with or destroyed. – Tribune News Service
