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Ditch AI Glasses: Go Analog with DuckDuckGo
2 Aug
Summary
- DuckDuckGo offers anti-surveillance sunglasses to protest AI glasses.
- The 'Normal F****** Sunglasses' are priced at $35.
- These analog shades feature zero cameras and offer UV400 protection.
In a move protesting privacy-invasive AI glasses, DuckDuckGo has launched its own line of "Normal F****** Sunglasses." These analog shades aim to be a direct counterpoint to the increasing trend of smart eyewear with integrated cameras and audio recording capabilities.
The privacy-focused company partnered with eyewear brand Knockaround to create these simple yet stylish sunglasses. Priced at $35, they offer polarized lenses and UV400 protection, harkening back to a time before technological surveillance was a concern.
A DuckDuckGo representative stated that the campaign and product satirize Big Tech's approach to privacy, emphasizing that only glasses without cameras or microphones truly respect user privacy. CEO Gabriel Weinberg has publicly called for a ban on AI surveillance.
The sunglasses feature a matte black finish, resemble classic Wayfarer designs, and bear a small DuckDuckGo logo. They boast features like zero cameras, infinite charge life, and a seamless offline mode, humorously contrasting with smart glasses.
Humor publication The Onion has also commented on the product with satirical reviews. While sales data is not yet public, a significant percentage of the initial inventory has reportedly sold.
