Meta Unveils New Smart Glasses for Just $299

Meta has officially introduced its latest Meta Smart Glasses, expanding its presence in the growing wearable technology market. The new AI-powered glasses were announced on June 23, 2026, with a starting price of $299, making them significantly more affordable than some of Meta’s previous smart eyewear products.

The glasses were developed in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the global eyewear manufacturer behind several major brands. Unlike earlier Meta smart glasses, however, the new device does not carry the Ray-Ban or Oakley branding.

Meta is positioning the product as an important step toward building its own hardware ecosystem in the age of artificial intelligence. The company believes wearable AI devices could become a key platform for future digital experiences.

One of the standout features of the new Meta Smart Glasses is the integration of Meta’s artificial intelligence technology. Users can interact with the AI using voice commands, allowing them to ask questions, receive information about their surroundings, translate languages in real time, take photos, and record videos.

Although the glasses do not include a built-in display screen, they feature a high-quality camera system and personal speakers that provide hands-free access to AI-powered assistance.

Meta executives have indicated that this device represents an important milestone on the path toward more advanced augmented reality (AR) glasses in the future. The company expects future generations of smart glasses to include display technology capable of overlaying digital information directly into the user’s field of vision.

The launch follows Meta’s previous release of premium smart glasses, which were priced at around $799. While the company has faced challenges in achieving widespread success in the virtual reality headset market, it has become a dominant force in smart eyewear.

According to industry reports, Meta currently holds approximately 80% of the smart glasses market, with millions of units sold since 2021.

Meanwhile, competition is also increasing. Google is reportedly working with Warby Parker to develop AI-powered smart glasses based on its Gemini artificial intelligence platform, setting the stage for a new battle in the wearable AI sector.

As technology companies race to bring AI closer to everyday life, smart glasses are emerging as one of the most promising products in the next generation of consumer technology.

AI Reduces Entry-Level Job Opportunities in Switzerland, Study Finds

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the Swiss labour market, with young job seekers facing the biggest impact, according to a new national study. Entry-level positions in several industries have declined significantly as companies increasingly adopt AI tools and automation.

The findings come from the AI Report 2026, published by the Jobs.ch platform, which analysed millions of job advertisements across Switzerland. The study shows that the share of job listings for career starters in 2025 fell by nearly one-third compared to the pre-AI period (2019–2022).

Researchers found that the impact is strongest in AI-exposed roles, where tasks can be easily supported or replaced by artificial intelligence systems. These roles include positions in administration, human resources, banking, finance, marketing, procurement, sales, IT, and telecommunications.

In these sectors, the number of junior positions has dropped by 16%, while senior-level roles have increased by 26%. This shift suggests that companies are prioritising experienced professionals or relying on AI tools to handle basic tasks previously assigned to entry-level employees.

The report also indicates that businesses may be restructuring job roles, with routine and repetitive tasks increasingly automated, reducing the need for large numbers of junior staff.

The study is based on 7.3 million job advertisements collected from Jobs.ch, Jobup.ch, and JobScout24.ch between 2019 and 2025. Researchers also included surveys from employees and Swiss companies to better understand workforce changes.

A total of 18 occupational categories and 19 regions across Switzerland were analysed, providing one of the most comprehensive views of AI’s impact on employment in the country.

Experts suggest that while AI is improving productivity, it is also accelerating a shift in hiring practices, where experience and advanced skills are becoming more important than ever for securing employment.

Swiss Researchers Develop Mini Robot to Prepare Teeth for Crowns

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a miniature dental robot designed to assist in preparing teeth for crowns, marking a potential breakthrough in robotic dentistry.

The prototype, named MIR, is roughly the size of a wine cork and is built to precisely grind teeth before crown fitting. The system aims to automate parts of the preparation process that are traditionally performed manually by dentists.

According to the University of Basel, the innovation could significantly streamline dental treatments. In the current process, patients often require multiple visits before a crown is fitted. With this new system, a digital scan could be used to create a treatment plan, allowing the robot to shape the tooth more efficiently and reduce waiting times for crown production.

The device is mounted on a custom-fitted dental splint, while its motors and control systems remain outside the mouth. Flexible shafts and cables connect the external unit to the intraoral robot, enabling precise movement during operation.

So far, the system has only been tested on artificial tooth models. However, early results show promising accuracy, with the robot achieving precision within less than 0.2 millimetres, according to the research team.

Future versions of the system are expected to include integrated sensors and a camera. These enhancements will allow the robot to continuously monitor its position and adjust its actions in real time, improving safety and precision during dental procedures.

Researchers also aim to ensure that the system remains compact, even as more advanced technology is added. Project leader Georg Rauter noted that future upgrades could allow the robot to remember its position and resume work even after interruptions such as a power cut.

The project has been developed in collaboration with dental experts and industry partners, with funding support from the Swiss innovation agency Innosuisse. While still in the experimental stage, the technology highlights Switzerland’s growing role in advanced medical robotics and digital healthcare innovation.

Meta Pushes Congress for Legal Shield in Child Safety Lawsuits

Meta Platforms is reportedly lobbying the United States Congress to secure legal immunity from child-harm lawsuits linked to its social media platforms, including Instagram, as regulatory pressure over online safety intensifies.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Meta has proposed legislative language as part of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), a major US bill aimed at strengthening protections for children online.

The proposed provision would limit lawsuits against technology companies by granting immunity from state-level claims related to harms affecting users under the age of 18. If adopted, the measure could significantly affect thousands of ongoing and future legal cases against Meta and other major platforms.

Growing Legal Pressure on Social Media Platforms

Meta and Google’s YouTube are currently facing increasing legal scrutiny over allegations that platform design features contributed to harmful or addictive behaviour among young users.

Earlier this year, both companies were found liable in a case that resulted in approximately $6 million in damages. The ruling marked a significant development in ongoing litigation targeting the safety design of major social media platforms.

Plaintiffs in multiple cases argue that features such as infinite scrolling, push notifications, and algorithm-driven feeds contribute to compulsive usage patterns and negatively impact mental health among minors.

KOSA Bill at the Centre of Debate

The Kids Online Safety Act is one of the most significant proposed reforms to US digital regulation in recent years. The bill would require social media companies to take stronger measures to prevent harm to minors and redesign features that could encourage excessive usage.

Under the proposed framework, companies would be expected to apply “duty of care” standards when designing features such as auto-play videos, notifications, and visual filters.

While the bill has received bipartisan support in the Senate, it has previously faced challenges in the House of Representatives. It has now been reintroduced amid renewed political negotiations.

Controversy Over Immunity Provision

The most controversial aspect of the proposed amendment is the suggestion that platforms could receive immunity from lawsuits related to child safety harms if they comply with federal standards.

Critics argue that such a provision could block families and advocacy groups from seeking legal accountability for alleged harms caused by platform design choices. Supporters, however, claim that a unified federal standard would reduce fragmented state-level regulation and provide clearer compliance rules for companies.

Meta has stated that the proposed language is intended to create consistent national standards rather than eliminate legal accountability.

Political Negotiations Continue

The bill is currently under discussion between US lawmakers and the White House, with efforts underway to combine child safety legislation with broader technology regulation, including artificial intelligence governance.

Despite strong Senate support in previous votes, the final outcome remains uncertain as debates continue over the balance between child protection, innovation, and corporate liability.

Jio to Introduce AI Assistant for Users, Announces Akash Ambani

Reliance Industries has announced a major digital upgrade for Jio users with the introduction of a new AI-powered assistant and a redesigned MyJio application. The announcement was made by Akash Ambani during the company’s 49th Annual General Meeting.

The new system will include a Jio AI Call Agent and a fully upgraded MyJio AI platform designed to simplify how users interact with telecom services. A key feature of this system is that it will be directly integrated into Jio’s telecom network, eliminating the need for a separate application.

Users will be able to activate the assistant simply by saying “Hey Jio,” making the service accessible through voice commands. Once activated, the AI can convert speech into text during phone calls, with user permission, enabling real-time transcription of conversations. The system is also capable of supporting group calls with up to 10 participants, accurately identifying individual speakers and converting their speech into text. It can further translate conversations into different languages based on user preference, improving accessibility and communication.

After calls are completed, the AI assistant will automatically generate summaries, key discussion points, task lists, and reminders. These can then be shared with all participants, making communication more organized and efficient.

Beyond calls, the assistant will allow users to perform tasks such as ordering food, booking taxis, and completing payments directly during conversations. This represents a shift toward fully integrated voice-based digital services.

The upgraded MyJio app will also remove the need for users to navigate multiple menus. Instead, users can simply speak their request, and the AI will handle tasks such as mobile recharges, account checks, and service management.

For international travelers, the system will provide real-time roaming suggestions, recommended data packs, and alerts. It will also simplify processes like eSIM activation and digital KYC verification.

According to the announcement, the service is expected to be rolled out to more than 500 million Jio users by the end of the year, making it one of the largest AI deployments in the telecom sector.

Why Jeff Bezos Throws Out AI Job Loss Fears.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has stated that artificial intelligence (AI) will not reduce job opportunities but instead create new ones across multiple industries. He shared this optimistic outlook while speaking at the VivaTech conference in Paris.

Bezos rejected concerns that AI would make humans redundant in the workforce. Instead, he argued that the technology will increase productivity, drive innovation, and generate demand for new types of employment.

According to Bezos, AI will enhance efficiency across industries and make it easier to develop new products and services. He suggested that rather than causing unemployment, AI could even lead to labor shortages in certain sectors due to increased demand.

He also highlighted his new AI initiative called “Prometheus,” which is designed to improve manufacturing speed and streamline industrial processes. The project is expected to play a major role in advancing automation and productivity in the coming years.

In addition to AI developments, Bezos discussed his space company Blue Origin and reiterated his long-term vision of establishing the Moon as a permanent base for human activity.

He acknowledged recent challenges faced during testing of the New Glenn rocket but expressed confidence that the system will soon return to successful launches.

Bezos emphasized that despite rapid advancements in AI, robotics, and space technologies, human involvement will remain essential. He believes these innovations will not replace people but instead expand opportunities and create entirely new industries.

Switzerland Introduces Driver Monitoring Cameras in New Cars

From July 7, Switzerland will begin introducing new regulations requiring driver monitoring systems in newly purchased cars. These systems use in-cabin cameras to observe driver behavior and improve road safety across the country.

The technology, known as Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) or Driver Monitoring System (DMS), is designed to monitor the driver’s face and eye movements while the vehicle is in operation. The system can detect signs of fatigue such as yawning, blinking patterns, or loss of focus.

When the system identifies that a driver may be distracted or drowsy, it triggers an alert to warn the driver and encourage them to regain attention. This aims to reduce accidents caused by human error, fatigue, or inattention.

The camera is typically positioned facing the driver and continuously observes driving behavior in real time. Although drivers may have the option to disable the system, it is automatically reactivated every time the vehicle is restarted. These regulations are based on updated European Union vehicle safety standards, which focus on improving road safety through advanced driver-assistance technologies. Switzerland, which aligns closely with EU safety regulations, will implement these requirements in all newly registered vehicles.

Authorities say the introduction of this technology is part of a broader effort to reduce road accidents and improve transport safety standards across the country.

Supporters argue that the system could significantly reduce accidents caused by tired or distracted driving. However, some privacy concerns have also been raised regarding in-car monitoring technology.

Apple Confirms Possible iPhone Price Increase Amid Chip Cost Surge

Apple CEO Tim Cook has confirmed that rising memory chip prices may lead to an increase in Apple product prices, including iPhones and Mac devices. He stated that the situation is “unavoidable” due to global market conditions.

The price of memory chips has nearly doubled in recent months, mainly driven by the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, which have significantly increased demand for advanced semiconductor components.

As a result, Apple’s production costs have risen sharply, especially for devices like iPhones and MacBooks that depend heavily on high-performance chips.

Although Apple has not officially confirmed price changes for the upcoming iPhone 18, analysts predict that new models could be around $150 more expensive than the iPhone 17 series.

At the same time, U.S. political discussions continue around boosting domestic chip manufacturing. Former President Donald Trump stated that Apple may collaborate with Intel to strengthen semiconductor production within the United States, which could reduce long-term dependency on foreign supply chains.

Another key factor affecting chip production is helium gas, which plays an important role in semiconductor manufacturing. Recent geopolitical tensions, including conflicts involving Iran, have disrupted helium supply chains, further pushing prices upward.

Experts also warn that global smartphone prices could increase by up to 20% in 2026, as supply chain pressures continue. Major companies such as Samsung, Sony, and Nintendo have already raised prices on several products.

This trend indicates a broader shift in the global technology market, where rising production costs are becoming the new normal.

16-Year-Old Pranjali Awasthi Builds ₹100 Crore AI Startup

Pranjali Awasthi, a 16-year-old Indian-origin student living in the United States, has become a global sensation after building her AI startup Delv AI, now valued at nearly ₹100 crore.

She started coding at just 7 years old, showing early interest in technology and problem-solving. Over the years, she developed strong skills in programming and artificial intelligence, which later helped her create her own startup.

Pranjali noticed a major problem in the digital world: people spend too much time searching and analyzing online data. To solve this issue, she built Delv AI, an intelligent system designed to simplify data search and analysis using artificial intelligence.

Her idea quickly gained attention in the tech industry. Several US-based investors recognized the potential of her startup and provided early-stage funding to support its growth.

With this investment, Pranjali expanded her AI technology and improved the platform’s performance. Today, her startup is considered one of the promising young AI ventures in the global market. Experts believe her innovation represents the future of AI-driven search systems, where users can access information faster and more efficiently.

Google Expands Global Sales of Google Home Smart Speaker

Google has officially expanded the global availability of its Google Home Smart Speaker, strengthening its position in the smart home technology market. The company announced that the device will now be distributed across multiple international regions to improve accessibility for users.

The Google Home Smart Speaker delivers advanced AI-powered voice assistance, allowing users to control smart home devices, play music, get real-time updates, and manage daily tasks using simple voice commands. Google aims to enhance user convenience through seamless integration with its ecosystem.

Industry experts state that this global expansion will increase competition in the smart speaker market, where companies like Amazon and Apple already have strong presence. Google continues to focus on improving voice recognition accuracy and smart automation features.

The device is expected to support a wider range of third-party smart devices, making it more flexible for modern smart homes. This move is part of Google’s long-term strategy to expand its AI-driven ecosystem globally.