Meta is reportedly working on a major upgrade to its AI-powered smart glasses, developed in partnership with eyewear brands Ray-Ban and Oakley, by introducing a new facial recognition feature aimed at expanding how users interact with the world around them.
According to a report by The New York Times, the new feature — internally referred to as “Name Tag” — would allow wearers to identify people and access relevant information about them through the Meta AI assistant. The technology is designed to enhance real-time interaction by combining wearable hardware with artificial intelligence, potentially making smart glasses more context-aware and personalized.
What the ‘Name Tag’ Feature Could Do
The proposed feature would enable the glasses to recognize faces and instantly provide details about individuals, helping users identify people during social or professional interactions. Reports suggest that Meta has been exploring different versions of the technology, including whether the system should:
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Recognize only people connected to the wearer via Meta platforms such as Facebook and Instagram
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Or identify broader individuals beyond the wearer’s social network
The company reportedly considered a limited beta trial of the feature during a conference for the blind, but the test was ultimately not carried out.
Meta’s Strategy in the Wearable AI Race
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is believed to be pushing the facial recognition capability as a way to differentiate the company’s smart glasses from competing wearable devices. As AI-powered wearables gain momentum, companies are racing to create products that combine convenience, real-world assistance, and seamless digital connectivity.
The partnership with major eyewear brands such as Ray-Ban and Oakley has already helped Meta position its smart glasses as fashion-friendly consumer devices rather than purely tech gadgets. Adding AI-driven recognition tools could significantly expand their functionality — moving them closer to the concept of an always-on personal AI assistant.
A Shift from Meta’s Earlier Position
The reported development represents a notable change in direction for the company. Nearly five years ago, Meta — then known as Facebook — shut down its facial recognition system used for automatically tagging people in photos on social media. The decision came amid growing privacy concerns, legal challenges, and increased regulatory scrutiny worldwide.
Reintroducing facial recognition through wearable devices could reignite debates around digital privacy, consent, and surveillance, especially as such technology brings identification capabilities into everyday public spaces.
Privacy and Ethical Concerns Resurface
Experts say the biggest challenge for Meta may not be technical execution but public acceptance. Critics have long warned that facial recognition technology raises questions about:
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User consent and data protection
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Surveillance in public places
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Misuse or unauthorized data access
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Regulatory compliance across different countries
If implemented, the feature would likely face close monitoring from regulators and privacy advocates, particularly in regions with strict data protection laws.
The Bigger Picture: AI Meets Everyday Wearables
The move highlights a broader trend in the tech industry where artificial intelligence is increasingly being embedded into wearable devices. Smart glasses are evolving from simple recording or notification tools into AI-enhanced companions capable of understanding real-world environments.
For Meta, success could reinforce its long-term vision of integrating AI into daily life through hardware. However, balancing innovation with privacy expectations will be crucial as the company moves forward.
