What to know about the Meta glasses the New Orleans attacker used to scout the French Quarter

The article discusses the use of Meta smart glasses by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who drove a truck into a crowd in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, killing 14 people. Prior to the attack, Jabbar used the glasses to record video while scouting the French Quarter. The glasses, developed by Meta in partnership with Ray-Ban, feature a built-in camera, speakers, and AI capabilities, allowing users to capture images and video, livestream to Meta platforms, and interact with Meta’s AI assistant. However, they lack a display in the lens and cannot perform complex tasks like booking reservations or providing turn-by-turn directions.

The glasses have privacy features, such as an LED indicator that lights up when recording, which cannot be disabled. A Meta spokesperson declined to comment on the incident. The article also highlights the glasses' limitations, including the absence of a viewfinder and the inability to perform certain digital assistant tasks. Despite these limitations, the glasses offer a largely hands-free experience, enabling users to make calls, send messages, and listen to music.

Key takeaways

The New Orleans attacker used Meta smart glasses to scout the French Quarter before the attack.
Meta glasses, made with Ray-Ban, have a built-in camera, speakers, and AI, but no display in the lens.
The glasses can capture images and video, livestream to Meta platforms, and interact with Meta’s AI assistant.
Meta glasses have a privacy indicator light that cannot be disabled, alerting bystanders when the camera is in use.

What to know about the Meta glasses the New Orleans attacker used to scout the French Quarter

Key takeaways

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