Meta pauses smart glasses feature limits

Meta is pausing its planned usage limits for Conversation Focus, an accessibility feature on its smart glasses that uses the glasses' speakers to amplify the voice of the person a wearer is speaking with.

As first reported by The Verge, the feature will remain free for now through Meta’s Early Access Program. Meta spokesperson Tyler Yee said the company had heard user feedback and was pausing its subscription tests while it considers a different approach.

“We heard the feedback so we’re pausing its subscription tests for now. Conversation Focus will remain available for free through our Early Access Program for early testers while we work on a better approach.”

Meta discreetly introduced rate limits last month. Users could access Conversation Focus for free for up to three hours per month. After that, they would need the $20-per-month Meta One Premium Plan, which still imposed a 15-hour monthly cap.

The reason for the limits remains unclear. The Verge found that Conversation Focus runs on-device and without an internet connection, making the feature’s restrictions particularly difficult to explain.

For now, Meta is keeping Conversation Focus free, but has not committed to that arrangement permanently. Yee said the company wants “to make sure we get it right” and is “still exploring all our options for the best approach.” Meta also told The Verge that “some premium features will be subscription-based over time,” arguing that paid features help support its strategy of subsidizing hardware prices.

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