Meta’s New Ray‑Ban Audio Glasses Drop the Camera, Keep Calls, Music, and Meta AI

Meta announced a new camera‑free variant of its Ray‑Ban smart glasses called Ray‑Ban Meta Audio. The goal is simple: keep the hands‑free features people use — phone calls, listening to music and podcasts, and asking Meta AI questions — while removing the built‑in camera that many people find invasive.

These glasses target users who want smart features without attracting attention or sparking privacy concerns. The design uses open‑ear speakers so you can hear content while staying aware of your surroundings, which fits commutes, walks, and casual wear.

The Ray‑Ban Meta Audio line is lighter than previous smart frames. The Clubmaster model weighs 43 grams (standard size) and the Burbank weighs 47 grams. Meta quotes up to 12 hours of battery life for audio use. Two styles are offered: Clubmaster and Audio Burbank, each with multiple color options.

Preorders opened Sept. 23 and shipments start Oct. 13. The Clubmaster is priced at $349 and comes in six colors. The Audio Burbank is priced at $429 and comes in five colors.

The camera may be gone, but the core connected features remain:

• Open‑ear listening for music, podcasts, and calls.
• Voice access to Meta AI without reaching for a phone.
• Hands‑free calling and typical smart‑glasses conveniences.

Meta is not discontinuing camera‑equipped smart glasses. The company also introduced the Ray‑Ban Meta (Gen 3), which updates its camera models with slimmer Wayfarer, Aviator, and Zena frames. Gen 3 specs called out in the announcement include a 3K Ultra HD camera, an upgraded six‑microphone array, a customizable action button, and up to nine hours of battery life.

• If you want discreet, public‑friendly wearables for listening and voice AI, the Audio models are the direct answer.
• If you need video capture or richer audio capture for content creation, the Gen 3 camera models remain available.
• Battery life differs: Audio models aim for 12 hours of listening, while the Gen 3 camera models list up to nine hours.

Meta's Ray‑Ban Meta Audio simplifies the product line by removing a controversial element while keeping most day‑to‑day smart features. Buyers can choose a lighter, camera‑free option for privacy and comfort or stick with Gen 3 camera models if recording capability matters.