2024 is one a big year for spatial computing, fueled by the release of two major virtual reality headsets: powerful but expensive Apple Vision Pro and more affordable Meta Quest 3S. While these devices transport their users to vast ranges, strange in the digital world, they can also feel limited because they reduce—or even sever—the wearer's connection to the real world.
That's where their lighter, more wearable (um) cousins come in: smart glasses. As it turns out, a lot of people like a device that you can take out of the house and onto the road. There's incredible convenience in digitally interacting with the real world at the same time you're actually looking at it, all without obscuring your view with bulky headphones or distracting you. Focus on your phone screen.
These more accessible facial computers have come a long way since the days of glass hole. Smart glasses—which I'll loosely define here as Internet-connected eyewear with built-in apps—have crossed the line from the age of silly, unattractive wearables like Google Glass into truly useful devices that you might not even be too embarrassed to wear. in public.
Meta Ban Ray is the big dog in the smart glasses package. Metaa company whose reputation is often tarnished by its own there's a problem uncool, sought to capitalize on the long-standing fun factor of the Ray-Ban brand to create a variety of smart glasses that people actually like. They look good and have real functionality that many people can easily grasp and that proponent found it extremely useful. They can take photos and videos, act as a headset for music and calls, and use voice features powered by Meta AI to send messages or ask about something in the world. New feature added this month gives the glasses the ability to do things like remember where you parked your car and use Shazam to find out what songs are playing near you. All of this happens without the need for a built-in screen, which means you can monitor real life.
The success of the Ray-Ban Meta frames has shown that there is a market for screen-less smart eyewear that doesn't just function as VR lights. Smaller companies and startups are working to develop every type of smart lens imaginable. Just this year, we've seen new smart glasses or the technology that powers them from companies like oppo glasses, CaressAnd emteq. Some are a bit silly and disappointing, like The frame of the laboratory is brilliant released in May. Others have yet to materialize, like the company's glasses Looktech works with many different types of chatbots and is advertised as Potential killer of Meta Ray-Ban after the project recently exceeded its (so far) funding target Kickstarter.
However, screen-controlled AR glasses are still being used. After all, a device provides the wearer with an active display or provides a window in mirror world has long been considered the brass ring of spatial computing. Meta is pursuing this goal with Orion glasses—an ambitious pair of AR technologies that, while still in development, aim to do almost everything your smartphone can do, except on your face. Take a snap also in single player here, with cyberpunky Eyeglasses with apps that focus on social interaction for younger, more playful users.
Through the glass
Another augmented reality Leviathan was recently awakened. In early December, Google announced its launch Android XR software platform, including an upcoming pair of smart glasses with an in-lens display. Google's efforts are also a work in progress, but the company has an advantage thanks to the large number of developer partners building on Android's many platforms. Google Glass runs Android apps, essentially taking a lot of what's available on smartphones—maps, messaging, news feeds—and putting it right in front of your eyes.
“They are probably the biggest tier-one competitor that can create something to compete with Meta,” said Anshel Sag, principal analyst at Moor Insights and Strategy. “Meta doesn't have a screen yet. So they might even beat Meta to shipping one with a screen.”