Meta is reportedly developing a new pair of smart glasses without a camera. Internally codenamed Luna, the device could address concerns surrounding the recording capabilities of existing Meta smart glasses.

Since Meta’s smart glasses launched, some people have used them to record others without notice. A separate market has also emerged around disabling the glasses’ recording light. There has also been concern about Meta using footage captured by the glasses to train AI without user consent.

Removing the camera could avoid many of the privacy and recording issues tied to camera-equipped smart glasses.

Why Meta May Be Removing the Camera

Scrutiny of smart glasses and their ability to record has increased. In some places, Meta AI glasses have faced restrictions related to piracy concerns.

A camera-free design would eliminate the ability to record through the glasses. It could also make the product less uncomfortable to wear in public, where people may be wary of being filmed without knowing it.

Meta could unveil Luna at its annual Connect developer conference. Shipments are reportedly targeted for October.

Reported Meta Luna Smart Glasses Features

Luna may not include a camera, but it is still expected to offer hands-free AI and audio functions.

Reported features include:

  • Six built-in microphones
  • Support for speaking with Meta’s AI chatbot
  • Hands-free access to Muse, Meta’s consumer AI agent
  • A side button for quickly calling up Meta AI
  • Speakers similar to those in Meta’s current smart glasses

The microphones would allow users to interact with Meta AI and Muse without needing to hold or operate another device.

Meta Luna and Smart Glasses Privacy Concerns

The reported Luna design takes a direct approach to the privacy concerns surrounding smart glasses. Without a camera, the glasses would not be able to capture footage of people nearby.

That change matters because concerns about unnoticed recording have followed Meta’s smart glasses since their launch. The reported camera-free approach could separate Luna from models designed around visual capture.

Meta’s Other Reported AR Glasses Plans

Camera-free Luna glasses may not be Meta’s only upcoming wearable announcement. Meta is also reportedly preparing a major demonstration for its Phoenix AR glasses.

Mark Zuckerberg and CTO Andrew Bosworth reportedly decided to show hologram-like video calls during a Phoenix demo. The feature could make video calls look very different from conventional calls, based on the report.

More details may emerge once Meta’s Connect developer conference begins.