Meta’s new Ray-Ban smart glasses drop the camera, keep the audio
Meta used its Connect conference to unveil the Ray-Ban Meta Audio Glasses, a new lineup of smart glasses that strips out the camera entirely and leans hard into style and sound. The move comes after years of criticism over privacy concerns tied to the camera-equipped Ray-Ban Meta glasses, though Meta framed the launch around audio rather than privacy, noting that sound has been the most popular feature since the original model arrived. The new glasses are built around the classic Ray-Ban Clubmaster and Burbank silhouettes, come in 23 color and lens combinations, support prescription lenses, and are described by Meta as its lightest and slimmest AI glasses yet.
On the practical side, the glasses deliver 12 hours of battery life on a single charge, with the accompanying case adding another 48 hours of use, and they support music streaming, calls, and Muse. Meta has also built in adjustable and swappable nose pads, professionally adjustable temple tips, and overextension hinges. The asking price is $349, which puts them notably above the $249 camera-equipped Meta Glasses already on sale in the United States. Pre-orders are live now, with the Ray-Ban Meta Audio Glasses set to reach shelves on October 13.
