Meta is reportedly working on a unique wearable form factor powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Called Camerabuds, the device will be a pair of headphones with cameras attached to both ends. The cameras are said to collect information from their surroundings and respond to user queries. The report claims that the project is currently in its early stages and the company has not even finalized the design of the device. In addition, the engineering team has also expressed various concerns with this wearable.
According to a report from The Information (via Engadget ), Meta is exploring a new wearable device that can identify objects and translate languages using AI. The device will basically be a pair of headphones or earphones, but they will have a pair of cameras fitted to each of the outward-facing earpieces. These cameras will collect information that the AI will process in real time to answer the user'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 the main purpose being two-way communication. It is not clear if the verbal communication will be lag-free or the same as its AI smart glasses.
While that's the plan, the report mentions that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg isn't happy with any of the designs so far, despite seeing several iterations. Moreover, the engineering team is also said to have expressed various concerns with this device. Some of the concerns include battery life, heat dissipation, privacy-related issues, challenges related to users with long hair, and more.
The report also noted that Meta has a history of planning big hardware projects and then abruptly stopping them. For example, it killed its smart speaker project called Portal in 2022. Before that, it also canceled its camera smartwatch project. However, Meta has witnessed significant success with its smart glasses and is likely to want to double that with another similar product. Notably, the company is also investing heavily in AI.
