Meta is advancing wearable technology with its upcoming smart glasses, codenamed «Aperol» and «Bellini,» set to launch in late 2025 or early 2026. These devices will feature «super sensing» capabilities, including always-on cameras and sensors, enabling functionalities like facial recognition and real-time contextual awareness. Activated by the voice command «Hey Meta, start live AI,» the glasses aim to assist users in daily tasks, such as reminding them to pick up groceries or grab personal items.
The integration of facial recognition technology has raised significant privacy concerns. Critics argue that always-on recording could lead to unauthorized data collection and surveillance. Meta has reportedly revised its privacy and safety assessment processes to expedite product launches while ensuring user data protection.
In a notable incident, two Harvard students developed a program named I-XRAY, which utilized Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses in conjunction with facial recognition software to identify individuals in real-time, accessing personal information such as home addresses. This experiment highlighted the potential for misuse of such technology and intensified the debate over privacy implications.
Meta’s upcoming smart glasses represent a significant step in wearable AI technology, offering innovative features that could enhance daily life. However, the balance between technological advancement and privacy rights remains a critical issue that Meta and regulators must address as these devices enter the market.
