ARTICLE · 21 SEPTEMBER 2026
Smart Glasses In The Mainstream
Smart glasses featuring AI, cameras, and augmented reality are now widely available in Australia through major retailers, raising critical questions about privacy, surveillance, and consent. As these devices become indistinguishable from ordinary eyewear, businesses and lawmakers grapple with balancing technological innovation against the risk of covert recording and serious privacy invasions.
In Australia, ‘smart glasses’ have recently become available from several major retailers such as Amazon, JB Hi-Fi and Oscar Wylee, featuring brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Meta. Some of these glasses integrate features such as augmented reality, AI-powered features, built-in head tracking, virtual screens, high-definition point of view cameras, open-ear audio, and voice control allowing users to capture photos and videos, make calls, real-time translation and interact with digital assistants without using a phone. Future developments are likely to include more advanced facial recognition capabilities and expanded data collection functions. With cheaper options such as Kmart’s $89 Anko glasses now available, it’s likely we’ll see more smart glasses, with even more functions, appearing in cafes and shops.
We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
View source
