Meta has initiated a program in Brazil aimed at developers, students, researchers, and professionals interested in creating new applications for its smart glasses. This initiative seeks to expand the range of functionalities available on the device.
Program and Collaboration
In collaboration with CEIA-UFG, the program offers training, a hackathon, and cash prizes. Furthermore, it fosters a crucial debate accompanying the launch of these glasses: the issue of user privacy.
Focus on Brazilian Development
After reaching millions of users, Meta's smart glasses are entering a new phase where the company aims to increase the number of compatible applications, betting on Brazilian talent to accelerate this process. The AI Glasses Brazil Program, developed in partnership with the Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence of the Federal University of Goiás (CEIA-UFG), invites participants to design new applications using features such as camera, audio, voice commands, and artificial intelligence.
Proposals can cover various areas, including health, education, accessibility, tourism, productivity, and creativity. The program is structured in several phases: online technical training; a virtual idea marathon with mentoring and lectures; an in-person hackathon held at Meta's headquarters in São Paulo for selected teams; and finally, cash prizes and the delivery of smart glasses to the winners.
Prize Details and Registration
Registration remains open until July 30th. Teams advancing to the in-person phase will have their transportation and accommodation costs covered by the company. The main winners will receive US$3,000 (approximately R$15,000), while second and third place winners will be awarded US$2,000 (about R$10,000) and US$1,000 (about R$5,000), respectively. All finalists will also receive a pair of Meta glasses.
Current Glass Functionalities
The device's capabilities go beyond simple photography and video recording. For example, it is possible to send images via WhatsApp using only voice commands or view data directly on the lenses and perform actions through gestures. Despite these functionalities, the application offering is still limited, motivating Meta to provide a development kit to attract new solution creators.
Privacy Concerns
With the increase in functions, concerns grow. A notable example was the development by Harvard students of a facial recognition system for Meta glasses, capable of displaying internet information about filmed people. Additionally, there have been reports of the equipment being used by United States immigration agents during operations, intensifying the debate on surveillance.
Another sensitive aspect relates to media storage; photos and videos are kept in Meta's cloud and can be used to train its AI models, including with the help of human reviewers. The company also had to respond to attempts by users to disable the recording LED. Currently, the glasses stop recording if this indicator is damaged. Although the program opens doors for innovation, it is expected that these new applications will evolve alongside mechanisms that reinforce privacy protection.