Meta Is Rethinking Its Bizarre Subscription Plan That Put Even Offline Functions Behind a Paywall

Meta is reworking its Meta One Premium smart glasses subscription plan following public backlash over its decision to put even offline features behind a paywall.

Originally, the company intended to give users just three free hours a month of Conversation Focus, a feature that boosts voices in noisy environments, and then charge $19.99 for extended access. But even paid access would be limited, with subscribers only receiving 15 hours per month, plus priority user support.

Users and smart glasses critics expressed indignation at this format, noting that Meta Glasses already handle this functionality locally and offline; many users (rightfully, we think) felt that the cap was a way for Meta to nickel-and-dime them for a feature they essentially already owned. This wasn’t helped by Meta’s own support materials, which note that subscriptions are not required to use the glasses.

As a result, Meta has paused the Meta One Premium plan to reconsider its strategy. It’s unclear whether Meta will remove the cap, change it, or bring it back later, once the public has cooled off a bit. Given that the subscription model is more popular than ever, this ordeal also raises a question about smart glasses: Will companies sell them as a one-time purchase or charge extra for certain features, even if those features are baked in?