Waves is the name of a new camera glasses brand that lets users record or livestream their perspective. However, launch messaging advises prospective owners to “record in stealth”, which violates the law in a number of states.
Revealed on July 23, 2025, Waves are described as “camera glasses for creators.” The concept is to allow for “all day” use, as influencers either record videos or livestream to their platform of choice directly from the glasses.
“Stream the human experience,” as the tagline puts it. Not yet in full production, the product is aiming to ship in the first quarter of 2026, but pre-orders are now live with the full price expected to fall between $300-$500 USD.
There’s a lot to break down in the tech itself, but the reveal is coming under fire for one big reason. In marketing the product, company co-founder Chris Samra shared the message; “record in stealth.”
Recording in stealth is prohibited by law in at least a dozen states across America, let alone international markets.
What are Waves glasses? New streaming tech explained
Waves will ship in three different frames to start. While wearing them, the idea is that you’ll be able to stream to any popular platform like Twitch, Kick, TikTok, and more, in up to 1080p.
If you’re not streaming, you’re able to record videos up to 10 minutes in length, or clip 60-second chunks at a maximum resolution of 3K in a 4:3 aspect ratio.
A separate internet connection is required for streaming, however, so you will need to figure that out either via mobile hotspot or by lugging around a wifi connection.
The big selling point with Waves is the “hot swappable” batteries. It estimates one battery will provide 90 minutes of life. When it dies, the company intends for you to swap to a replacement. In essence, while one is in use, the other is charging, with the goal to enable a full day of content. Better yet, you can continue filming or streaming while replacing batteries.
Of course, this is conceptual for now; we’re yet to actually see the product work, so do take the rundown with a grain of salt.
You can clip the last 60 seconds of what you’ve seen by double-tapping the glasses. At least, that’s the concept.
Currently, there is no solution for prescription lenses, meaning the glasses won’t serve the main function of glasses. However, the creators are looking into a partnership to provide custom lenses at additional costs down the line.
Interested parties can pop $100 USD down today to reserve one from the initial batch, paying the rest of the estimated $300-$500 USD price tag at release.
Content creator glasses trigger wave of backlash
The glasses were announced on social media with a video that showcased how they might work. From recording a pool party to a behind-closed-doors poker game with a live chat reacting to every moment, the concept was on full display.
An accompanying message from co-founder Chris Samra drew the ire of viewers soon after, though. “Record in stealth,” being a key message thousands have latched onto.
The idea of recording in secret is inherently unethical. It appears even the founders of the company know this, as they’ve built in an external LED indicator. This aims to show others nearby when the glasses are either streaming or recording; however, the user ultimately has control over whether that LED is enabled or not.
WavesThere will be an LED that indicates when the glasses are recording, but users can simply turn it off.
Not only is the idea unethical, but outright illegal in various municipalities. In 12 states across America, for instance, all parties must consent to having their conversations recorded, let alone streamed live for the world to see in the moment.
Furthermore, a majority of states in America hold statutes that directly prohibit unauthorized video recording in private settings like bedrooms, for instance. For states that don’t have such statutes, recording without consent can still be considered a general invasion of privacy and thus be punished under law.
By promoting the new product with such a message, it quickly triggered a great deal of controversy. “‘Record in stealth’ as a selling point is disgusting,” being a common sentiment.
“Imagine having ‘record people without them knowing’ as your main selling point,” another chimed in.
While some labelled the device “evil,” others suggested “anybody buying these should be put on a watchlist.”
Despite backlash piling up, company founders are exclusively interacting with verified X (formerly Twitter) users, none of whom have anything critical to say.
Content shared from www.dexerto.com.