Meta is reportedly moving to expand its wearable technology lineup by developing a version of its smart glasses that lacks a camera. This development comes in response to ongoing public scrutiny and negative branding surrounding its existing Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which some critics have labeled as "pervert glasses" due to the device's ability to record video and audio without being immediately obvious to bystanders.

While Meta has not officially confirmed the technical specifications of the upcoming product, industry reports suggest the company is looking to capture a broader market segment that may be interested in the smart features of the glasses—such as voice-activated AI assistants or audio playback—without the privacy baggage associated with integrated cameras. The current iteration of the glasses includes a small LED light designed to indicate when recording is active, but privacy advocates have argued that this feature is insufficient to protect the privacy of those being filmed in public spaces.

By decoupling the camera from the hardware, Meta may be attempting to mitigate the social stigma that has hindered the widespread adoption of camera-equipped wearables. The company has faced pressure from regulators and privacy groups to ensure that its hardware does not facilitate non-consensual recording. It remains to be seen whether a camera-free version will satisfy critics or if the "pervert glasses" label will continue to influence public perception of Meta’s broader wearable technology strategy.