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Meta’s Next AI Glasses May Recognize Faces—But Not Everyone’s Happy About It
Meta is reportedly developing a facial recognition feature for its upcoming AI-powered smart glasses, made in partnership with Ray-Ban. According to The Information, Meta has internally discussed a software upgrade for future Ray-Ban Meta glasses that could allow wearers to identify people in real time by scanning their faces — a feature being referred to internally as “super sensing.”
While the current generation of Ray-Ban Meta glasses supports AI tools like live translation and voice-based commands, the next version — expected by 2026 — could include longer battery life and more powerful AI capabilities, enabling features like real-time facial recognition.
However, this innovation is already under scrutiny. The report notes that while users will have the option to toggle the recognition on or off, bystanders won’t be alerted if their faces are being scanned. This raises serious privacy concerns, especially if Meta disables the existing LED camera indicator during these operations — a move that could lead to backlash similar to that once faced by Google Glass.
Currently, Ray-Ban Meta glasses include a blinking LED light when the camera is recording — a feature added to reassure bystanders. But Meta’s plan to suppress this notification in “super sensing” mode could create trust issues and reignite ethical debates over surveillance via wearable tech.
Meta is also exploring bringing this technology to other wearables, including AI-powered earphones with built-in cameras, signaling broader ambitions for an ecosystem of always-aware smart devices — reminiscent of science fiction turning real.
Meanwhile, Meta has confirmed plans to launch its AI smart glasses in India soon, following their US debut. The glasses are priced at $299 in the US (around ₹25,000), but could be priced around ₹35,000 in India, accounting for taxes. The India launch will coincide with other markets like Mexico and the UAE.
As Meta treads the line between innovation and intrusion, the conversation around tech ethics is only heating up.
