AI Gadgets: Meta Ray-Ban Glasses, Pins and Earbuds — 2026-10-24
Meta has expanded its AI glasses lineup with new camera-free audio models and launched Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 globally, including in Malaysia. Meanwhile, the AI wearable sector faces intense scrutiny over privacy laws as always-listening devices from Amazon, Meta, and others push legal boundaries.
AI Gadgets: Meta Ray-Ban Glasses, Pins and Earbuds — 2026-10-24
Top developments
Meta Launches Ray-Ban Meta Audio and Gen 3 in Malaysia
Meta has officially brought its AI glasses to the Malaysian market, offering consumers a choice between Ray-Ban and Oakley models. The launch includes the new Ray-Ban Meta Audio, which features a camera-less design to address privacy concerns, and the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3, which offers improved battery life and a new 6-mic array.
Privacy Concerns Mount Over "Always-Listening" Wearables
A wave of new AI wearables from tech giants like Meta, Amazon, and Apple is facing legal and public scrutiny for their "always-listening" capabilities. Reports indicate that these devices are operating in gray areas of wiretap laws, with some users reporting covert recordings without explicit consent. This has sparked a debate on whether current privacy regulations are sufficient for AI-driven hardware.
Amazon Debuts Bee Wearables with Subscription Model
Amazon launched its new Bee AI wearables, including the Bee Frontier and Bee Eclipse, priced at $75 and $100 respectively. The devices record and summarize user activities, but full functionality requires a $12 monthly "Pro" subscription. The launch has renewed interest in personal AI devices but also highlighted the friction caused by subscription-based hardware.
Rokid Teases "Rokid Color" Full-Color Glasses
Ahead of its official launch, a leak from Rokid founder Misa Zhu revealed the name "Rokid Color," suggesting a new full-color display model. The leak occurred just days before the official Rokid Jungle 2026 event, signaling a move away from monochrome displays to compete with higher-end AR offerings.
Local view
Japan: Japanese media is closely reviewing the new camera-less Ray-Ban Meta Audio, with outlets like Gadget Otaku praising the design for reducing privacy friction. Precious Japan highlights the new "Aviator" and "Zena" styles in the Gen 3 lineup, noting the fashion-first approach is winning over mainstream consumers.
China: The Chinese market is seeing aggressive price competition ahead of Singles' Day (11.11). Smzdm reports that Xiaomi's AI glasses have dropped to street prices of ~1,100 RMB, while Qianwen's N1 model is selling for ~2,218 RMB after subsidies. Sohu notes that market leaders RayNeo and Rokid are seeing their combined market share slip as new entrants like Huawei and Xreal gain ground.
Context & numbers
- Market Growth: Display-less smart glasses shipments surged 167% year-over-year in Q1 2026, reaching approximately 2.25 million units.
- Sales Volume: EssilorLuxottica reported selling over 7 million AI glasses (Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta combined) in 2025, a figure that has continued to drive the category's momentum.
- Pricing: The new Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 starts at $449, while the camera-less Ray-Ban Meta Audio offers a more privacy-focused entry point.
On the radar
- Rokid Jungle 2026: Official launch of the "Rokid Color" full-color glasses is imminent following recent leaks.
- Wiretap Litigation: Legal experts are monitoring early court challenges to "always-on" recording features in AI wearables, which could force software updates across the industry.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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