On Wednesday, Meta unveiled its latest innovation: the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, a pair of audio-only glasses designed to bypass the privacy concerns surrounding earlier models. These tech-trendsetters will set you back $349 and offer a range of features, from music and calls to translations – all sans camera. With a sleek 43 grams and a variety of retro and classic styles, they seem to be aiming for a more inclusive market.

The move towards audio-only glasses is a clever strategy, as it sidesteps the criticism that AI glasses were being used to eavesdrop surreptitiously. Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, sees potential in this new category, declaring that high-quality audio is a must-have. The glasses are also a response to competitors like Apple’s Siri-powered AirPods, positioning Meta as a leader in audio technology.

However, the Ray-Ban Meta Audio isn’t the only game in town. Meta also announced the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3), complete with cameras, and the Aviator and Zena styles, which promise a 12 MP camera, a six-mic array, and up to nine hours of battery life. The company is expanding its lineup with new colours, styles, and global availability, with singer Lisa joining forces with the brand, much like Kylie Jenner did before.

As Meta continues to refine its AI assistant, Muse, these new glasses represent a step towards a more integrated and privacy-conscious tech future. With features like Dolby Atmos Capture and hearing enhancements, they aim to cater to a broad audience, including those with hearing loss. It’s an intriguing move, blending functionality with fashion, but it remains to be seen if the market will embrace audio-only tech.