Gizmodo- Xgimi MemoMind One review argues that smart glasses that record everything you say are not desirable.
- The MemoMind One has a feature called “Memory” that, if activated, constantly records everything you say as long as the smart glasses are on your face.
- Those recordings are then sent to a companion app and digested into summaries, giving you an overview of what you talked about, what you wished for, and your general goals and values.
- A separate coverage raises the question of whether smart glasses can be made non-creepy.
- The MemoMind companion app unlocks features like capturing and storing moments, which requires a subscription.
- Privacy settings in the MemoMind app allow users to set specific times for no recording and toggle off certain topics.
- The smart glasses industry is facing criticism for the potential abuse of camera-equipped devices to capture images and videos without consent.
- Experts suggest that making smart glasses non-creepy may be challenging due to the desire for normal-looking designs.
The Xgimi MemoMind One smart glasses have sparked controversy due to their constant recording feature, which captures everything the wearer says without a visible indicator. This raises significant privacy concerns, as users may unknowingly record sensitive conversations.
The glasses utilize a feature called “Memory”, which, when activated, continuously records audio and sends it to a companion app for summarization. This app, accessible through a $20 per month subscription, allows users to review their conversations and personal goals. However, the lack of a recording indicator has led to discomfort among users and bystanders alike.23
While the MemoMind One offers privacy settings, including options to disable recording during specific times, critics argue that relying on AI to filter out sensitive topics is risky. “It’s placing a lot of trust in one company,” one reviewer noted, highlighting the potential for misuse of recorded data.
The broader context of smart glasses technology is also concerning. As Jitesh Ubrani from IDC stated, “I don't think it's really possible to create such a pair of smart glasses” that are both functional and non-intrusive. The industry faces increasing scrutiny over privacy, with calls for regulations to ensure visible indicators on devices capable of recording audio and video. “As technology develops... policy needs to come in,” said Justin Brookman from Consumer Reports, emphasizing the urgent need for protective measures.
As the market for smart glasses grows, the challenge remains: can they be made to feel safe and non-creepy for users and those around them?8
“MemoMind One’s “Memory” mode, when activated, records everything the wearer says and has no indicator light, and “Moments” search requires a $20-per-month Memo+ subscription. Privacy advocates want California legislation requiring visible recording indicators on devices and banning efforts to disable them.”
