A new Android app, Nearby Glasses, alerts users when smart glasses are detected nearby, addressing privacy concerns. Developed by sociologist Yves Jeanrenaud, the app scans for Bluetooth signals from devices by Meta, Luxottica, and Snap.
Functionality and Detection
Nearby Glasses operates in the background, identifying Bluetooth signatures from smart glasses. Users receive notifications when such devices are detected, and they can add custom identifiers to monitor other wearables. The app may produce false positives, as other Meta devices like Quest headsets share similar signatures.
Privacy and Availability
Jeanrenaud created the app to tackle privacy issues, especially as modern smart glasses can discreetly record without visible indicators. Unlike previous models like Google Glass, these devices resemble regular eyewear, making detection challenging. Nearby Glasses does not collect user data, runs ad-free, and is available for free on the Google Play Store and GitHub. An iPhone version is currently unavailable.
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