The problem of recording conversations in professional environments without causing alarm is being tackled by Halliday's new G2 smart glasses. By omitting a camera entirely, the device is positioned as a tool for meetings and client interactions where cameras are unwelcome, according to WIRED.
Camera-less Design to Avoid Stigma
The G2 joins a growing trend of smart glasses without cameras, aiming to shed the negative associations that have plagued camera-equipped models. WIRED reported that Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses have earned the "pervert glasses" nickname because their built-in cameras have been used to surreptitiously photograph people—often women. Even Realities launched its G2 glasses late last year with a similar camera-less pitch, and Halliday's G2 shares both the name and the philosophy. Halliday states in its press release that the G2 is "a professional tool for real-world work and social environments. With no camera, the glasses are better suited for meetings, client conversations, secure workplaces, and other spaces where recording devices may be unwelcome."
Features and Pricing
The G2 glasses feature microphones that listen to conversations and an AI recording and transcription service. According to WIRED, the glasses have a display field near the top of the lens, allowing the wearer to see text subtitles, including real-time translation across 45 languages, as well as notifications for messages and calls. Halliday says the microphones can be activated for meetings, voice commands, or phone calls, and turn off when not in use.
The glasses are priced at $599 with first shipments planned for September 2026. Halliday offers paid subscription tiers for AI services ranging from $10 to $99 per month, but a free tier provides 120 minutes of recording time.
Targeting High-Performance Professionals
Halliday's marketing focuses on "high-performance professionals" such as founders and CEOs, according to WIRED. The device is meant to function like an always-listening wearable that captures meeting details. The G2 is the second iteration of Halliday's smart glasses, following a first model introduced at CES 2025 that received mixed reviews and landed in WIRED's "Don't Bother" category. The new model aims to improve specs and boost the price.
Competition and Market Context
The camera-less smart glasses market is small but growing. Even Realities' G2, launched late last year, has a similar look and mantra. However, WIRED noted that Halliday's G2 does not have an indicator light to inform others when recording is active. A Halliday media contact told WIRED: "The user should disclose to the room that the recording is in progress, as it is required by any other recording device."
| Feature | Halliday G2 | Even Realities G2 |
|---|---|---|
| Camera | No | No |
| Price | $599 | Not disclosed |
| Shipping | September 2026 | Late 2025 (already launched) |
| AI Subscription | $10–$99/mo or free tier (120 min) | Not disclosed |
| Translation | 45 languages | Not disclosed |
Enterprise Implications
For technology leaders and procurement managers, the Halliday G2 presents a potential tool for note-taking and real-time translation in meetings without the privacy risks of cameras. However, the absence of an indicator light may raise compliance concerns in sensitive environments. As WIRED reported, the onus is on the wearer to disclose recording—a requirement that may not always be followed. The device's reception in secure workplaces will depend on how organizations balance productivity gains against potential confidentiality breaches.
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