New streaming glasses want you to “record in stealth” but that’s actually illegal

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A fresh brand of camera glasses called “Waves” allows users to capture or broadcast their viewpoint. Nevertheless, the launch communication suggests potential buyers to “covertly record,” which contradicts the law in several states.

On the 23rd of July, 2025, Waves were unveiled and referred to as “creator’s spectacles.” The idea is that they can be worn throughout the day, enabling influencers to record videos or live stream straight to their preferred platform directly from these glasses.

Experience life’s journey through a stream,” as the slogan goes. Though not fully operational yet, it is planned for release in Q1 of 2026, and pre-orders are currently available with an anticipated price range of $300 to $500 USD.

The technology has many complex aspects, but its unveiling is facing criticism for a major issue. During promotions, Chris Samra, one of the company’s founders, emphasized the phrase “stealth recording.

In at least twelve U.S. states, it’s illegal to make secret recordings, and this rule certainly applies to foreign countries as well.

Introducing Waves, the innovative camera glasses designed for content creators. Capture moments discreetly with our stealth recording feature and livestream seamlessly throughout your day. Secure your pair today by pre-ordering!

— Chris Samra (@crsamra) July 23, 2025

What are Waves glasses? New streaming tech explained

Initially, waves of these devices will arrive in three distinct sets. Once you put them on, they allow you to broadcast live to well-known platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, and many others, all at a resolution of up to 1080p.

If you’re not using the streaming function, you can save videos that are up to 10 minutes long or capture 60-second segments with a maximum resolution of 3K and a 4:3 aspect ratio.

To stream content, a distinct internet connection is necessary. You’ll have to find a solution for this, perhaps through the use of a mobile hotspot or by carrying a portable Wi-Fi connection with you.

One key advantage of Waves is its interchangeable batteries, allowing for quick swaps. Typically, one battery offers around 90 minutes of operation. When one runs out, the plan is to simply swap it with a spare. In other words, as one battery is being used, another can be charging, aiming for continuous content creation throughout the day. Incidentally, this process allows you to keep filming or streaming without interruption while changing batteries.

Indeed, at this point, it’s more of an idea or theory; we haven’t had a chance to observe the product functioning in reality yet. So, please consider the explanation as tentative.

As a glass-wearing enthusiast, I’ve found myself in a bit of a pickle lately. It seems that the current prescriptive lenses available aren’t quite living up to their intended purpose as glasses. However, the innovative minds behind these spectacles are actively pursuing a collaboration that could potentially offer custom lenses at an extra cost, further down the line.

Potential buyers have the opportunity to secure a pre-purchase for one item from the first batch by depositing $100 USD initially. The remaining balance, which is anticipated to be between $300 and $500 USD, will be due upon the product’s launch.

Content creator glasses trigger wave of backlash

The glasses were unveiled on social media via a demonstrative video, illustrating their potential functionality. The video ranged from capturing a lively pool party scene to an intimate poker game behind closed doors, complete with real-time commentary reacting to every unfolding moment, offering a comprehensive glimpse of the idea.

After co-founder Chris Samra sent a message, many viewers quickly took offense. The phrase “Record in stealth,” which has resonated with thousands, was particularly controversial.

Using a secret recording is fundamentally unethical by nature. Interestingly, the creators of this company seem to acknowledge this, as they’ve integrated an external LED light. This LED serves to signal when the glasses are either streaming or recording to people in close proximity. But here’s the twist: the user has the power to decide whether or not this LED is activated.

The concept isn’t just questionable morally, it’s also explicitly prohibited as a crime in numerous cities. For example, in 12 different states across the U.S., everyone involved must grant explicit permission before their discussions are recorded, and even then, broadcasting those conversations live for public viewing is generally forbidden.

In most American states, there are laws specifically outlawing the secret video recording in private areas, such as bedrooms, for example. If a state lacks such legislation, making recordings without consent may still be regarded as a violation of privacy and subject to legal consequences.

Japans shutter click law should be enforced everywhere

— IcyVert (@IcyVert) July 23, 2025

The marketing of this new product sparked a lot of heated debates due to the slogan used, with many people expressing their disapproval by saying things like, “The ‘stealth record’ tagline is appalling.

One person suggested, ‘Picture the appeal of ‘recording individuals unbeknownst to them’ as the key feature.’

Some viewed the device as “malicious,” while others proposed that those purchasing it should be kept under close surveillance.

Although they’re facing increasing criticism, the company founders are only engaging with confirmed users who previously used Twitter (now known as X), and these individuals generally offer positive or non-critical comments.

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2025-07-24 07:49