Meta is preparing to introduce facial recognition technology to its smart glasses, according to a report by The New York Times. The feature, internally referred to as ‘Name Tag’, could roll out as early as this year and would allow wearers to identify people and retrieve information about them through Meta’s AI assistant. While the company had depreciated its facial recognition system for tagging users in photos, due to privacy and legal concerns. This time, though, the technology could see daylight through a smart glass form factor.
According to The New York Times, Meta has been internally discussing how to launch the feature while managing what company documents describe as ‘safety and privacy risks’. A May internal memo reportedly suggested that releasing the feature during a politically turbulent period in the United States could reduce organised opposition from civil society groups.
The facial recognition system would not function as a universal search tool. Instead, Meta will use Meta AI to identify people connected to the users on Meta platforms.
The company stated that it is still evaluating options and has not confirmed a public rollout timeline.
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The renewed push for this tech comes as Meta’s smart glasses business has been gaining traction. EssilorLuxottica recently said it sold more than seven million pairs last year, making the category one of Meta’s more successful hardware bets under its Reality Labs division.
Competition is also intensifying. Companies such as OpenAI have hinted at their own AI-powered wearable devices. Adding facial recognition could differentiate Meta’s offering by making its AI assistant more context-aware and proactive.
Meta is also reportedly developing an internal project known as ‘super sensing’, which would enable glasses to run cameras and sensors continuously to create a persistent record of a user’s day. Facial recognition would play a central role in such use cases, for example, by reminding users about tasks when they encounter specific colleagues.
However, questions remain about visible indicators. Current Meta smart glasses use a white LED light to signal recording. Internal discussions have reportedly considered whether such indicators should remain active in more advanced sensing modes.
If introduced, facial recognition in smart glasses would represent one of the most visible real-world deployments of the technology in consumer hardware. For users, the feature could enhance convenience and social recall, especially in professional settings. It could also act as an assistance tool for people who are blind or have low vision. At the same time, it may raise concerns about consent, data privacy and security.
Let’s see whether such tech gets regulatory approval and how they balance functionality and privacy will determine their mainstream adoption.
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