A new Android app called Nearby Glasses alerts users if someone nearby may be wearing smart glasses that can record video. The app scans for Bluetooth signals from devices made by companies such as Meta, Oakley, and Snap.
The app was created by developer Yves Jeanrenaud. It works by listening for Bluetooth signals that carry unique identifiers assigned to device makers. If it detects a signal linked to companies known for smart glasses, the app sends an alert to the user. It also allows users to add custom Bluetooth identifiers to detect other devices.
Jeanrenaud said he created the app after reading reports about smart glasses being used in situations such as immigration raids and harassment cases. He told TechCrunch that he is concerned about privacy and the growing use of always-recording devices. He also criticized the use of face recognition features in some smart glasses.
The app may sometimes give false alerts. For example, it could detect a Meta virtual reality headset instead of smart glasses because both devices share similar Bluetooth identifiers.
In a test, the app did not detect any smart glasses nearby. However, when a Bluetooth identifier linked to Apple devices was added, the phone quickly received multiple alerts, showing that the app works.
Jeanrenaud said he may develop an iPhone version in the future. Meta and Snap did not comment on the issue.
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