These New Smart Glasses From Solos Come With a Privacy Shield for the Cameras

2026-07-07 · Source: WIRED - Ai · Field: Technology & Digital — Internet of Things (IoT) & Connected Devices, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Solos has released its new AirGo V2 smart glasses, priced at \$299, which aim to compete directly with Meta's smart glasses. These camera-enabled glasses offer photo and video capture, music playback, and an AI assistant, with a 10- to 12-hour battery life and prescription lens compatibility. A key feature is the optional \$79 Privacy Kit, a set of clip-on accessories including a shield to physically block the cameras, allowing for audio-only use. This privacy focus comes after Solos' first camera glasses, the AirGo Vision (launched 2024), received criticism for media quality and app permissions. The broader smart glasses market sees Meta as dominant, with Google, Samsung, and Apple also developing products, while smaller companies like Solos and Even Realities explore niches, including audio-only or privacy-focused designs, amidst ongoing public concerns about camera-enabled wearables.

Key takeaway

For product managers designing smart glasses, prioritize integrated, user-friendly privacy controls over optional accessories. Your customers are highly sensitive to camera-enabled wearables, and a clip-on shield, while well-intentioned, introduces friction that may deter adoption and fail to address core privacy concerns. Focus on seamless, built-in solutions to build trust and differentiate your product in a competitive market.

Key insights

Solos' new smart glasses introduce a clip-on privacy shield, highlighting the ongoing tension between wearable camera functionality and user privacy concerns.

Principles

• Privacy features differentiate smart glasses.
• User friction hinders privacy tool adoption.
• Public perception shapes wearable tech design.

In practice

• Implement physical camera privacy controls.
• Develop audio-only smart glass variants.
• Track public sentiment on wearable cameras.

Topics

• Smart Glasses
• Wearable Technology
• Privacy Features
• Solos AirGo V2
• Meta Smartglasses
• Product Design

Best for: AI Product Manager, Product Manager, Entrepreneur, Tech Journalist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by WIRED - Ai.