- Meta d a test that would have limited free Conversation Focus use to three hours per month. [1] - The proposed $19.99 monthly subscription raised the allowance to 15 hours, rather than providing unlimited use. [2] - Conversation Focus remains free for eligible early-access users in the US and Canada while Meta develops a revised approach.
[3] Meta has d plans to place monthly usage limits on Conversation Focus, a smart-glasses feature that amplifies the voice of the person facing the wearer in noisy environments. The company said it acted after hearing customer feedback about the proposed subscription test.[1]
Under the shelved terms, users would have received three free hours each month. A $19.99-per-month Meta One Premium subscription would have raised that limit to 15 hours, with unused time expiring rather than rolling into the next billing cycle.[2]
Free for now, with no permanent decision #
Conversation Focus will remain free through Meta’s Early Access Program while the company works on what it called a “better approach.” That program is currently available in the US and Canada. Meta’s updated support page says the feature is free to use but may require a paid subscription in the future.[3]
The backlash centered partly on the feature’s operation: Conversation Focus uses the glasses’ microphones, open-ear speakers and local processing, and The Verge found that it continued working without an internet connection. Meta previously said subscription revenue would support continued development, premium device support and expanded access for heavy users.[4]
Meta has not promised to abandon usage limits or given a timetable for a revised rollout. It still plans to charge for some premium smart-glasses features over time, while saying that not every premium capability will require a subscription.[1]
Companies mentioned #
Further sources #
[[1] The Verge, “After backlash, Meta s plan to ‘rate limit’ its smart glasses,… ↗](https://www.theverge.com/tech/970970/after-backlash-meta-s-plan-to-rate-limit-its-smart-glasses)
[[2] The Verge, “Meta is adding ridiculous ‘rate limits’ and a soft paywall to its s… ↗](https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/959899/meta-ai-glasses-paywall-rate-limit)
[[3] Meta Help Center, “How to use conversation focus on AI glasses,” updated July 2… ↗](https://www.meta.com/en-gb/help/ai-glasses/1660846264628288/)
[[4] Android Authority, “Meta puts Conversation Focus behind Meta One subscription,”… ↗](https://www.androidauthority.com/meta-smart-glasses-rate-limits-3683323/)
The stories that matter, in one email. Free — unsubscribe anytime.