Kmart's $89 Anko Camera Glasses Sell Out Down Under, Sparking Privacy Fears

On August 3, 2026, discount retailer Kmart announced a nationwide sellout of its $89 Anko-branded camera glasses across Australia. The clear-lens, black-rimmed smart glasses, which capture images and record high-definition video, are significantly cheaper than competitors like Meta Ray-Bans, which start at $337. This sudden market absorption of low-cost smart eyewear has prompted a digital rights expert to label the situation a "privacy nightmare," according to the Guardian.

Beyond basic photo and video capture, the Anko glasses integrate with HeyCyan software. This platform enables users to stream music, manage calls, access an AI assistant, and effortlessly transfer media directly from the device. Their design deliberately echoes the popular Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, aiming for discreet integration into daily life.

The core concern, as reported by the Guardian, centers on individuals potentially being filmed without their explicit consent. The low price point and unassuming design of the Anko glasses make them easily accessible and indistinguishable from regular eyewear, exacerbating the potential for surreptitious recording in public and private spaces. The digital rights expert, cited by the Guardian, emphasized the risk of non-consensual surveillance becoming commonplace.

What this means: The rapid sellout of Kmart's Anko smart glasses underscores a critical shift in the smart eyewear market: affordability is now a major driver. While Meta and other premium brands push advanced AR capabilities, a significant portion of consumers are drawn to simple, accessible camera glasses, even with their inherent privacy challenges. This trend forces the industry and regulators to confront how to balance innovation and consumer demand with fundamental privacy rights, especially as these devices become indistinguishable from traditional glasses and increasingly ubiquitous.