Meta is introducing Hearing Enhancement, the company’s first FDA-cleared software feature designed to assist individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. Announced by CEO Mark Zuckerberg during the Meta Connect keynote, the software provides an alternative to traditional earbud-like devices or prescription hearing aids by utilizing the hardware of Meta’s smart glasses to amplify surrounding audio.
Technical Functionality and User Experience
The Hearing Enhancement software utilizes a six-microphone array built into the glasses to capture ambient sounds, which are then amplified through built-in speakers. According to Meta, the software is capable of detecting specific sounds the wearer struggles to hear and adapts by boosting those select tones. The feature requires no additional hardware and can be toggled on or off via a mobile application.
Development of the software spanned over five years and incorporated feedback from approximately 400 people living with hearing loss. Meta positions the tool as a more accessible option compared to traditional prescription hearing aids, which the company notes can cost between $1,000 and $8,000. Meta states the software is designed to be set up at home in minutes without the need for a prescription or a clinic visit.
Pricing and Compatibility
The Hearing Enhancement feature will be available later this year as a $149.99 add-on for select models. Mark Zuckerberg specified that the Meta Glasses models will be the first to support the feature, rather than the Ray-Ban Metas. For customers with a paid Meta One subscription, the software feature will be provided for free.
The Meta Glasses line, developed in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, starts at $299. The lineup includes several styles:
- Meta Adventurer: A versatile, clean rectangle shape available in Standard and Large.
- Meta Fury: A bold frame design.
- Meta Glasses by Kylie: A slim oval frame created in collaboration with Kylie Jenner.
Integration with Meta AI and Hardware
The Meta Glasses are the first AI glasses to launch with Meta AI powered by Muse Spark, a model from Meta Superintelligence Labs, in Canada and the US. This version of Meta AI offers enhanced multimodal capabilities to help users manage calendars, navigate schedules hands-free, and receive information on local restaurant picks or sports scores. The hardware includes a dedicated action button to invoke the AI, open-ear speakers, and wind noise reduction for voice control and calls.
Expanded Smart Glasses Portfolio
Alongside the hearing software, Meta unveiled several other hardware additions at Meta Connect:
- Ray-Ban Meta Audio: A camera-free version of the smart glasses starting at $349. These glasses weigh 43 grams and offer a battery life of up to 12 hours, which can be extended by 48 hours using a charging case.
- Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3): A new iteration starting at $449 that features 3K video recording and a 12MP camera.
- Meta VR Glasses: A new addition to the company’s wearable lineup.
The decision to offer camera-free options like the Ray-Ban Meta Audio follows pushback regarding the potential misuse of built-in cameras to record people without permission.