"AI at This Price?"... 90,000 Won Smart Glasses Sell Out in Australia

Sold Out Nationwide in Australia
Concerns Rise Over Privacy Invasion Amid Growing Popularity

AI glasses priced in the 90,000 won range have gained tremendous popularity in Australia, selling out immediately upon release.

According to the Guardian UK on the 3rd (local time), AI camera glasses from Anko, a brand operated by Australian retailer Kmart, sold out at stores across Australia shortly after hitting the shelves.

AI camera of Anko, Kmart Australia's private label brand. Kmart website

The glasses, made with transparent lenses and black frames, can take photographs and record high-definition video. Priced at 89 Australian dollars (about 90,000 won), they cost about one-fourth the price of Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, which are sold starting from 337 Australian dollars (about 340,000 won).

The Anko camera glasses are powered by 'Heysian' software. Wearers can listen to music or take calls using the glasses, use an AI assistant, or transfer taken photos and videos to other devices. The Heysian software is also used in several budget camera glasses sold on online marketplaces such as Amazon and Temu.

However, as low-cost products modeled after Meta Ray-Ban have become widespread, concerns over privacy invasion have intensified. Meta’s smart glasses also sparked similar controversy after launch, as they allow for filming others in public spaces. As a result, institutions including the New York courts and the U.S. Air Force have banned the use of smart glasses.

Tom Sulston, policy chief at Australian digital rights watchdog Digital Rights Watch, commented, "Smart glasses equipped with cameras are a nightmare in terms of privacy protection," adding, "This shows that Australia’s privacy laws are failing to keep up with technological change." He further emphasized, "While it may not be realistic to expect a high degree of privacy protection in public spaces, some level of protection should be guaranteed."

The Australian Information Commissioner stated that they are aware of social concerns regarding camera glasses and are monitoring the introduction of such new technologies. A spokesperson for the commission said, "Organizations that collect, use, or disclose personal information through products or services must comply with the Privacy Act and the Australian Privacy Principles, where relevant laws apply."

Kmart explained, "The Anko camera glasses are a product in the growing field of mainstream wearable technology," adding that "major global technology and eyewear brands are also selling similar products." The company further commented, "As with any device capable of capturing images, we expect consumers to use the product respectfully towards others."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.