HTC reveals its answer to Meta AI glasses, and promises to eliminate privacy concerns over secret filming

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HTC has just announced its new VIVE Eagle Artificial Intelligence (AI) smart glasses, and these camera-equipped spectacles have a one-of-a-kind answer to the ongoing privacy concerns plaguing Meta.

The latter has spearheaded the entire category, joining forces with Ray-Ban to launch glasses that offer hands-free access to its Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistant and let you film point-of-view footage. To indicate you're recording in public spaces, an LED light built into the Meta AI glasses will start to flash.

However, bad actors have unfortunately taken advantage of this feature — either covering the light or having it removed to completely hide the fact that they're recording you. And some argue they want to be more discreet so they don't cause a distraction at public events such as sports games or fashion shows.

This has led to them being banned in British cinemas and courts across England and Wales.

For its rival specs, HTC has announced a new solution to give people around you peace of mind.

Bystanders can say "stop filming," and the glasses will cease recording on your glasses. This is meant to hand control back to those in public who may be filmed without giving consent.

HTC still includes an LED light in its glasses. When the camera is recording or snapping a photo, a notification LED lights up or pulses to let people nearby know — just like on Meta's versions.

However, HTC says its glasses will automatically adjust the brightness of the LED indicator light depending on the light around, so it's always clearly visible. This should make them far less distracting in certain public spaces, but alos ensure you're always able to see if someone is actively filming.

There's also a multi-sensor system that actually prevents filming if the LED is blocked, damaged, or tampered with. The glasses won't record unless someone is wearing them.

This is something Meta has repeatedly struggled with recently.

Wearers are constantly finding workarounds. Most recently, they found that covering the light after hitting the record button worked. Meta has since had to work quickly to release an update to no longer allow this.

HTC's built-in 12MP camera is meant to shoot crisp 3K video — including slow motion — with electronic stabilisation that keeps footage smooth even when you're on the move. Images and videos are optimised in vertical format, ready for social sharing.

Additionally, the frames come in transparent colours, so you can actually see the technology inside. It's a deliberate design choice meant to signal openness, and it's already earned a 2026 Red Dot award.

HTC co-founder and chairperson Cher Wang said: "Technology should free our imaginations, and allow us to create and experience and improve our lives. VIVE Eagle is where style meets intelligence; it taps into powerful AI tools and frees your hands so you can be more present in the moment. You can explore new cultures, learn about paintings in galleries, and share your adventures effortlessly."

Not only do the smart specs let you record content, but they'll also let you translate conversations in real time. Live speech translation covers more than 96 languages, so real-time conversations with people who speak different languages become much easier. There's also image-to-text translation for over 70 languages, handy for reading foreign menus or street signs. Meeting notes can be generated automatically from audio recordings too.

You can also connect to AI tools from OpenAI — ChatGPT's parent company — and Google Gemini. This will allow them to carry out simple tasks like looking up more details about a location.

Importantly, when you interact with these AI models, your requests are de-identified. This means HTC strips out personal details before sending anything to the AI, making it much harder for those systems to build a profile of you and remember key information to remember you.

Lens-wise, HTC has partnered with ZEISS, offering blue light blocking from things like your phone or computer screens, Category 3 sun lenses, and other light-adaptive options. Prescription lenses can be easily fitted too.

The glasses come in two frame shapes — square and pantos — across multiple colours including black, coffee, berry, navy, and charcoal black.

The VIVE Eagle uses open-ear directional speakers that deliver stereo sound with enhanced bass, without leaking too much noise to people around you. Its battery life lasts four to six hours of constant use, with an impressive 36 hours on standby.

Fast charging is a real highlight — you're meant to get 50% battery in just 10 minutes and 80% in 23 minutes. The magnetic pogo pin design means you can keep wearing them while they charge, which is ideal if you've got prescription lenses fitted and can't operate without them.

For extra juice, the VIVE Power Boost is also available, which is an eight-gram battery bank that clips on discreetly and adds up to 80% more battery life, priced at £45.

If you're looking to get your hands on these, you can begin ordering them now on VIVE's website, with shipments beginning on September 21 in the UK. Prices start at £429.