Lorde Criticizes AI Smartglasses as 'Not Sexy'

Singer Lorde voiced her disapproval of AI-powered smartglasses during a performance at the Real Cool Festival in Madrid on Thursday. While not naming specific brands, her comments are widely interpreted as a critique of the Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses, a product sponsored by the festival. Lorde stated that the technology is "not sexy," suggesting a lack of aesthetic appeal and integration into personal style.

Her remarks highlight a growing public discourse around the design and social acceptance of wearable AI technology. The Ray-Ban Meta smartglasses, launched in late 2023, integrate a camera, speakers, and an AI assistant, allowing users to capture photos and videos, make calls, and interact with AI features hands-free. Meta has positioned these glasses as a step towards a more seamless integration of AI into daily life.

Despite Meta's efforts to blend technology with fashion through its partnership with Ray-Ban, Lorde's sentiment suggests that the current iteration of AI wearables may not resonate with everyone, particularly concerning their visual design and perceived coolness factor. The festival's sponsorship by Ray-Ban further contextualizes her comments, implying a direct, albeit unstated, criticism of the brand's AI eyewear offering. This public critique from a prominent artist could influence consumer perception and potentially impact the market reception of similar AI-integrated wearable devices.