Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is delving into the world of AI-powered wearables with their new project called “Camerabuds.” This project combines audio, video, and AI technology to create a powerful surveillance tool aimed at gathering data for their advertising business.
According to a report by Android Authority, Meta is working on developing AI-powered earphones with built-in cameras, dubbed “Camerabuds.” These earphones are designed to use AI for real-time object identification and translation of foreign languages, potentially changing how users interact with their environment while also collecting a significant amount of personal data.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg has shown interest in the project, exploring design concepts for both in-ear earbuds and over-the-ear headphones. Meta sees AI-powered earphones as the next step in wearable technology, with other companies likely to follow suit. Meta has partnered with Ear Micro, an electronics company specializing in smart earphones, to develop this technology. However, the project faces technical challenges such as potential obstruction of the camera by long hair and overheating issues that need to be resolved before the product can be released.
Concerns about privacy related to cameras in wearable devices, similar to the Google Glass controversy, will need to be addressed. Meta has a history of gathering vast amounts of consumer data to fuel its profitable advertising business, following a business model known as surveillance capitalism. Other tech giants like OpenAI and Apple are also exploring AI wearables, and startups like Humane and Rabbit have already introduced AI wearables with varying success.
Meta’s venture into AI wearables reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, signaling a shift towards integrating AI technology into wearable devices.
