"Feature creep" is defined on Wikipedia as "excessive ongoing expansion or addition of new features in a product." It goes on to demonstrate the problems, as "these extra features go beyond the basic function of the product and can result in software bloat and over-complication, rather than simple design."

Apple isn't the only firm considering sticking cameras into your earbuds, although it's probably closer than most: as we reported last year, Apple has been experimenting with IR cameras in AirPods, and is apparently planning to use them to help inform AI and deliver the audio equivalent of smart glasses.

Don't hold your breath for this feature any time soon, but it sounds like several brands are thinking about it.

A recent report claims that Samsung, Meta, and Apple want to incorporate cameras into their earbuds. Earbuds are among the most common accessories these days. Chances are you’ll find many people wearing them on the street.

Putting cameras in earbuds serves as an interesting stopgap to smart glasses, with Apple, Meta, and Samsung rumored to be working.