Smart Glasses Get a Camera Cover, But Is It Enough?

The MetaverseSocial Media & Digital Platforms

Inmo's smart glasses feature a camera cover, but is this enough to address concerns about visibility and privacy?

TL;DR
• Inmo's smart glasses feature a camera cover to address concerns about visibility and privacy.
• The camera cover is a physical sticker that can be applied to the glasses.
• This move comes as Meta's smart glasses face scrutiny over privacy concerns.

Summary
Smart glasses are stepping into a new era of privacy awareness, as highlighted by the recent launch of the Inmo Go 3. The device, unveiled through a Kickstarter campaign, blends familiar features—binocular monochrome display, ring‑controlled UI, AI navigation—with a novel physical camera cover that signals a shift toward user‑centric design.

The Go 3’s camera cover, described as a “built‑in physical camera privacy cover for comfortable use in public,” reflects growing consumer concerns about surveillance and data misuse. While earlier marketing materials omitted this detail, its inclusion in the launch email suggests a deliberate response to heightened scrutiny, especially after Meta’s Ray‑Ban Meta AI glasses faced backlash over sensitive video content and facial‑recognition plans.

Beyond privacy, the Go 3 offers practical innovations such as swappable batteries and a ring interface, positioning it as a versatile tool for everyday use. These features, coupled with the camera cover, demonstrate a balanced approach: enhancing functionality while mitigating potential harms. The design choice also hints at a broader industry trend where manufacturers anticipate long‑term impacts and embed safeguards early in the product lifecycle.

The broader context includes U.S. Senate inquiries into Meta’s facial‑recognition ambitions and public debates over data security. In this climate, non‑Meta brands like Inmo are likely to adopt stronger privacy protocols, offering users transparent controls and ethical data handling. By foregrounding a camera cover, Inmo not only addresses immediate concerns but also sets a precedent for responsible innovation that prioritizes human augmentation over replacement, ensuring technology serves society safely and sustainably.

As smart glasses continue to evolve, it's essential to prioritize user privacy and address concerns about visibility.