[DigitalToday reporter Choi Jae-won (최재원)] Chinese wearable company RayNeo has introduced iO smart glasses that remove the camera and focus on live captions and AI functions. A key feature is “Life Log”, which organizes conversations and meetings heard during the day into text.

On Sept. 13 local time, IT outlet TechRadar reported that RayNeo iO, without a camera, shows notifications, AI answers and live translation and captions on a transparent display in front of the lenses. Users can switch functions with a digital crown that combines a physical dial and buttons. The outlet said it was “more stable than existing products operated by swiping the frame.”

Live captions support 55 languages. It also provides notes, schedule and weather checks, stock information, AI Q&A and a teleprompter. Without a camera, it cannot capture surrounding scenes or let AI directly analyze the user’s field of view.

The most notable feature is Life Log. When built-in microphones pick up conversations and meetings, AI summarizes key points, to-do items and daily activity into a personal record. Users can also ask AI again about action items from past meetings based on the record. It also offers a function to link information with other AI services if desired.

Privacy is a key selling point. RayNeo said “Life Log does not store the original audio and leaves only a text record.” A white indicator light at the end of the glasses’ temple also turns on when microphone-related functions are running. Even without a camera, users should check recording and consent rules by country because it continuously collects nearby conversations. The outlet also pointed out that “the indicator light is not very easy to notice.”

On accessibility, it was cited as a strength that people with hearing disabilities can check speech through captions without having to look directly at the other person. By contrast, a conversation-assist function that listens to a date or job interview and has AI suggest what to say next is also expected to stir controversy that AI could intervene too much in human interaction.

A key question is whether iO, which lowers resistance to camera recording while keeping AI and display functions, can create a separate market for camera-free smart glasses.