Meta's Camera-Free Pivot: Luna Smart Glasses

Meta is reportedly preparing to launch a new pair of smart glasses that completely strip away the camera, as The Verge first reported via The Information. Codenamed "Luna," these frames are expected to be revealed at next week's Meta Connect event and could ship as early as October in Burbank and Clubmaster styles.

This pivot is a direct response to a PR crisis. While Meta's current flagship glasses are popular, they have faced a severe privacy backlash. The Verge reports that the devices have been banned in New York courtrooms and Britain's largest pub chain after bad actors used them to surreptitiously record people for social media virality. Despite a recording LED, some users have developed workarounds to record while the light is off.

By removing the camera, Meta can make the glasses' arms smaller and more similar to standard frames. However, the trade-off is significant: the Luna glasses will rely on six microphones and speakers to facilitate audio playback and interactions with Meta AI and the Muse AI agent.

While this move attempts to distance the product from the "pervert glasses" nickname, it doesn't eliminate privacy concerns. The Verge notes that Apple recently faced criticism over always-on audio recording in new Apple Watch models, suggesting that Meta's microphone-heavy, discreet design could trigger similar alarms.

Meta is also expected to reveal "Phoenix" AR glasses at Connect, which will feature virtual workspaces and movie screens, though those are not slated for release until 2027.