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Always-On Mics on Mira Smart Glasses Spark Privacy Fears
13 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Mira smart glasses with perpetual microphones ship January 2026.
- They proactively offer assistance, aiming for personalized user experience.
- Privacy concerns arise due to constant audio transcription, even if not stored.
Mira, formerly Halo, is set to release smart glasses in January 2026 with perpetually active microphones, sparking widespread privacy debates. These $479 glasses, weighing only 39 grams, are designed to proactively offer assistance and personalize user experiences by constantly listening. This feature, similar to other AI recording devices, allows for AI-powered summarization of daily conversations and meetings via a companion app.
While the smart glasses do not currently have cameras, their always-on microphones raise immediate concerns about consent and surveillance. Mira states that audio recordings are not stored or used for AI training, but transcriptions of all spoken words, including those of others, are generated. This persistent audio capture presents an ethical dilemma, with critics likening it to a slippery slope toward more intrusive wearable technology.
Mira's offering includes a dual-lens display for glanceable information and a touch-sensitive ring controller. The device boasts over 12 hours of battery life and is compatible with prescription lenses. However, advanced features are limited by a daily question cap, requiring a premium subscription for unlimited access, and the overall speed of AI assistance depends on cloud connectivity.
