Meta is set to launch a new pair of smart glasses, dubbed Luna, without the integrated camera, in a bid to soothe privacy concerns. The glasses will still allow users to communicate with the company’s AI chatbot and consumer agent, Muse, through six built-in microphones and a dedicated button. While the move is aimed at addressing customer complaints about invasive technology, it remains to be seen whether it will truly allay fears of a pervasive surveillance culture.

The glasses, set to debut at Meta Connect, the tech giant’s annual hardware/developer event, mark a significant shift in the company’s strategy. Over the past few years, the smart glasses industry has grown, with Meta leading the pack, but concerns over cost, usability, and privacy have persisted.

Despite the new offering, many consumers remain wary. How will the absence of a camera change the overall experience, and will it make a significant difference in their perception of the product? The earnings report from April showed that Meta’s Reality Labs, responsible for developing the smart glasses, is still incurring massive losses, highlighting the ongoing challenges for the company.

Will Luna be the breakthrough product that convinces wary consumers to take the plunge, or will it just be the latest in a long line of tech that promises much but delivers little? Only time will tell.