NEWS  News  December 31, 2023  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

The relentless pursuit of a consumer device to surpass the smartphone has brought smart glasses back into the spotlight. However, this time around, the key differentiator is the infusion of artificial intelligence (AI), transforming these wearables into more than just a visual accessory. Led by Meta's Ray-Bans, the new wave of smart glasses aims to captivate consumers through seamless access to ChatGPT-style virtual assistants, a feat that eluded Google Glass nearly a decade ago.

Apple's impending launch of the Vision Pro, a high-end "mixed-reality" device generating much buzz, has dominated recent discussions about tech headsets. Nevertheless, industry leaders are now throwing their support behind the concept of simpler glasses that prioritize voice interactions over visuals.

Cristiano Amon, CEO of Qualcomm, envisions immense potential for smart glasses, especially when leveraging audio and large language models as interfaces. The focus on voice commands addresses the shortcomings of earlier attempts, such as Google Glass, which faced public backlash and eventual discontinuation.

 GOOGLE GLASS [IMAGE CREDIT: GOOGLE] 

The history of smart glasses has been marked by failed attempts, from Google Glass to products launched by Magic Leap, Amazon, and Snap. Despite ongoing challenges, Meta's Ray-Bans, initially launched in 2021, are making a case for a comeback. The first iteration sold a modest 300,000 units, but a revamped version introduced in September boasts enhanced AI capabilities.

Meta is testing features allowing users to ask questions and enabling its assistant to recognize objects through the device's cameras. While sales figures for the new headset remain undisclosed, industry insiders view lightweight, lower-cost smart glasses as a potentially more significant opportunity than high-priced competitors like Apple's Vision Pro.

 META'S RAY-BANS [IMAGE CREDIT: META/RAY-BAN] 

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's CEO, envisions a convergence of smart glasses and sophisticated virtual reality (VR) headsets over the next decade. Despite initially seeming divergent from Meta's VR-centric strategy, the push into smart glasses underscores the company's renewed emphasis on AI.

Beyond Meta, other tech giants are entering the smart glasses arena. OpenAI's Sam Altman has reportedly explored the creation of an AI wearable device, while Samsung's filing of trademarks for "Samsung Glasses" and "Galaxy Glasses" suggests potential competition in the market.

Analysts asserts that the current wave of smart glasses represents a departure from the infamous Google Glass era, signaling the cusp of a new era marked by improved user experiences. As the industry edges toward better-integrated AI functionalities, smart glasses may finally find the widespread acceptance that has eluded them thus far.

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