Overview
- Built by developer Yves Jeanrenaud, Nearby Glasses scans Bluetooth Low Energy advertising frames to match signatures linked to makers such as Meta, EssilorLuxottica and Snap.
- The app sends push notifications when it detects a probable pair of smart glasses and is available now on Google Play and GitHub, with an iOS version in development.
- The developer cautions that detection can misfire, including flagging VR or mixed‑reality headsets, and the tool cannot confirm who is recording or whether recording is active.
- Reporters note the approach could be blunted if manufacturers randomize signals or if wearers disable Bluetooth, underscoring that this is a partial, user‑controlled mitigation.
- The release follows documented misuse of smart glasses and The New York Times’ report that Meta is exploring a 'Name Tag' facial‑recognition feature, as sales of Ray‑Ban models reportedly topped seven million units last year.