Meta is reportedly working on a unique artificial intelligence (AI)-powered wearable. Called Camerabuds, the device will be a pair of headphones with cameras attached to either end. The cameras are said to gather information from their surroundings and respond to user queries. The report claims that the project is currently in its initial stages and the company has not even finalized the design of the device yet. Furthermore, the engineering team also expressed several concerns about such a wearable device.
According to a report by The Information (via Engadget ), Meta is researching a new wearable device that can identify objects and translate languages using artificial intelligence. The device will essentially be a pair of earphones, but will have several cameras fitted to each of the outward-facing earphones. These cameras will pick up information that will be processed by AI in real time to answer the wearer’s questions.
The device will use multi-modal AI with real-time processing, similar to the company’s Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses (our review). Based on the information shared, it seems that the Camerabuds will be a more portable device with a main focus on two-way communication. It’s not clear if verbal communication will be lag-free or the same as his AI-powered smart glasses.
While this is the plan, the report mentions that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg isn’t happy with any of the designs so far, despite seeing several iterations of them. Furthermore, the engineering team is also said to have expressed several concerns about such a device. Some of the issues include battery life, heat dissipation, privacy issues, challenges around users who have long hair, and more.
The report also noted that Meta has a track record of planning large hardware projects and shutting them down abruptly. For example, it canceled its smart speaker project called Portal 2022. Earlier, it also canceled its smartwatch project with a camera. However, Meta has seen significant success with its smart glasses and is likely looking to double it down with another similar product. Namely, the company is also investing a lot in AI.
