Even Realities CEO Criticizes Meta's Camera-Focused Smart Glasses Strategy

Will Wang, CEO of China-based Even Realities, has launched the Even G2 smart glasses—display-only devices without cameras or speakers—while criticizing competitors like Meta for pushing cameras as standard features. Wang calls camera-equipped smart glasses wearers "douchebags" and argues the rush to include cameras is irresponsible, noting Meta's collaboration with Ray-Ban and Oakley loses money unless benefiting from user data. Meta responded dismissively to Wang's comments, telling the Financial Times they can identify shots from a "wannabe Chinese competitor." Recent revelations show Meta contracted workers in Kenya to label images and videos for AI training, with workers reporting seeing intimate content. Smart glasses shipments grew 322% in 2025 to 8.7 million units, with Meta holding 5% market share. Google, Apple, and Samsung are all developing smart glasses, with Samsung expected to unveil its version soon. Ethical concerns arise from creators recording people without consent, exemplified by a UK woman named Oonagh who was filmed without knowledge and saw the interaction published on TikTok with abusive comments. The Even G2 glasses cost $600, feature a spatial display, and discard audio data immediately after translation use.