Smart glasses were stigmatized by the 2014 Google Glass fiasco, but they may be on their way to a comeback.
Gene Munster said that despite the failure of Google Glass the two companies appear to be fully committed to the next-generation of smart glasses, which combine fashion, functionality, generative AI, and an attractive form factor. Deepwater Asset ManagementVenture capital firm in Minneapolis.
Munster, writing on the website of the firm Friday, noted that the optimism was due to a combination: “I believe their optimism is a mixture of recognising consumers gravitate toward easy-to-use technology along with greater faith in what generative AI could add to the equation.”
He wrote that “Gen AI is opening the door to wearable ambient computing.” “In other words, the current goal is making glasses that look and feel like ‘normal glasses,’ but with generative AI access via voice activation, cameras, and sensors.”
“This means,” he continued, “your glasses will understand the physical world around you, ready to provide you any information about it, like ‘what kind of plant am I looking at?’ or ‘did you see where I left my keys?'”
Munster predicted the annual smart glasses market would reach hundreds of million units in the next decade. This led Apple to refocus their spatial computing initiatives so that they are more in line Meta and Google wearables.
Gadgets to essential tools
“AI has changed the game in terms of making smart glasses more user-friendly and functional,” said Timothy BatesProfessor of Cybersecurity at the University of Michigan’s Flint College of Innovation and Technology.
He told TechNewsWorld that his work with AI-driven technologies showed the importance of AI’s ability personalize and enhance interactions. “Whether through voice-activated control or context-aware info delivery, AI transforms Smart Glasses from a mere gadget to an essential tool. This increases their appeal in both the consumer and enterprise market.”
Mark N. Vena is the president and principal analyst at SmartTech Research Las Vegas, Nevada
According to him, “With AI, smart glass can provide real time translations and proactive notifications as well as personalized content recommendations based upon the user’s preferences and habits.”
He continued: “Enhanced voice and gestures recognition powered by AI allows more intuitive and hands-free control. This makes the devices easier to use and more natural.” AI-driven augmented realty capabilities can overlay helpful info, like navigation prompts or products details, directly into the field of view of the user, improving everyday tasks and interaction.
Vena said that “AI can make smartglasses more engaging, responsive, and useful by continuously adapting to user behavior.” This could lead to a wider consumer adoption.
Special Audio
Tim Bajarin is the president of Creative StrategiesA technology advisory firm in San Jose noted that the 12-megapixel camera on his Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarers can be used to snap pictures by pressing the side button.
TechNewsWorld reported that “a new feature allows you share what you’re seeing with your friends.” “I don’t have to worry about missing a photo because I can do it without having to use my smartphone.”
He said that the audio quality of these smart glasses was exceptional. “I use it a lot for podcasts and music whenever I want, instead of having to take out my AirPods.”
“And when I need directions or information, I just say, ‘Hey Meta, where is the closest breakfast place to me?’ “It gives me directions, the name and location of the restaurant instantly,” he said.
Meta Smart Glasses| Meta Smart Glasses (Video Credit: Meta)
It can also perform a search,” he added. “And if traveling, you can use your smart glasses’ built-in cameras and Meta AI to translate text for you. This will give you the information you require without having to look at your phone screen or pull out a device.”
Matt Hames is the associate vice president, digital and social strategies at 3 Enrollment MarketingOneonta-based, provides marketing strategies for increasing student enrollment at higher education institutions.
He told TechNewsWorld that “the tech companies are moving away from VR and into wearables which can do things over the phone.”
Fashion and Esthetics: Importance
Ross Rubin is the principal analyst of Reticle ResearchA consumer technology consulting firm in New York City said that Meta’s partnership with Ray-Ban was significant. He told TechNewsWorld that the collaboration between Meta and Ray-Ban is significant.
He said that one of the reasons Google Glass received so much criticism was because it was very conspicuous. “Nobody uses a Borg-like Monocle. However, people wear Ray-Ban style glasses.” They’re thicker than normal glasses, but they’re getting so similar to ordinary glasses that it’s difficult to distinguish.
Jitesh Ubrani is the research manager of Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers. IDCA market research firm based in Framingham (Massachusetts) noted that the category has become more attractive since Google Glass.
He said that “the inclusion of AI improved the overall usability of smart glasses and their utility. They have moved them away from the simple use case of headphone replacements in the past,” TechNewsWorld.
Rob Enderle is the president and principal analyst of the Enderle GroupA firm that provides advisory services in Bend, Ore.
TechNewsWorld reported that “the market seems to want more augmented reality capabilities without sacrificing weight and battery life,” according to him. “Unfortunately, the technology hasn’t been developed yet to allow that.”
Apple Smart Glasses: The Future of Apple?
Munster is convinced that Apple will not be able resist the lure of smart glasses, despite its insistence on the Vision Pro product as the future of spatial computing.
Although I agree with Vision Pro’s claims, [a] A meaningful opportunity to be a [US]I think future versions will mirror Google and Meta smart glasses.
He added, “I expect that the company will announce these next generation wearables over the next five-year period.” “My confidence is based upon a belief that smart glasses are more useful than a mixed-reality headset. It would be a costly mistake for Apple to not enter the market.”
Anshel sag is a senior researcher with Moor Insights & StrategyApple is developing smart glasses to complement its spatial computing products. He said that smart glasses are like a “gateway drug” into spatial computing.
