What device might replace smartphones in the future? Recently, there's been a buzz around this topic. Do you remember the launch of the Humane AI Pin? It was introduced by a former Apple executive and created quite a hype. However, it didn't quite make the impact people expected.
The concept of smart glasses isn't new, but in the last couple of years, AI-powered smart glasses have gained significant traction. Particularly, the MetaRayban Smart Glasses have become a hot-selling product globally. Meta believes they can establish a comprehensive ecosystem centered around these smart glasses.
Recently, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, remarked that those without smart glasses in the future might be left behind. While this is partly promotional, there's some truth to it.
At the Meta Connect event, Zuckerberg introduced the latest generation of Meta Rayban Display. It's distinctly different from the existing Meta RayBan smart glasses, featuring an inbuilt screen where you can watch videos and view live navigation. It could be described as an augmented reality (AR) glass.
Source: aajtak
Meta unveiled Orion Glasses, a competitor to Snapchat's augmented reality glasses. While not yet for sale, the company is aggressively developing them, with a final build expected in a few years. If successful, it could pose a significant challenge to devices like Apple's Vision Pro. Although it performs well, the Apple Vision Pro's weight makes it uncomfortable for prolonged use.
The Smart Glasses Market
Most current smart glasses include speakers, microphones, and cameras, but lack displays. The newly launched Halliday Glasses feature a viewfinder; one lens displays the screen. In contrast, Meta's RayBan Display embeds the screen directly on the glasses.
There's a concern that having a display in the glasses might cause distractions. However, this isn't the case.
Your vision won't be obstructed. It feels as if a display is being projected in front of you. Similar to a car's HUD, the screen appears at a distance and is within your peripheral vision.
Source: aajtak
Can They Replace Smartphones?
A significant advantage of smart glasses is comfort compared to wearing augmented reality headsets like Vision Pro or Meta Quest, which are typically heavy.
If Meta or any company can successfully incorporate all features of the Apple Vision Pro into smart glasses, it would be groundbreaking. While a complete smartphone replacement isn't imminent, wearable smart glasses could significantly reduce smartphone dependency. Former Apple Chief Designer and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's work on an AI device will be intriguing to watch and see if it could replace smartphones.
What Can You Do with Meta RayBan Display Glasses?
Previous MetaRayban variants allowed voice commands, but the new display glasses let you use gestures. Upon wearing them, it feels like they're projecting a display a few feet away without blocking your vision. You can turn off the display and use them as regular sunglasses.
A floating screen always appears in front of you, which you can use much like a phone. Others can't see this display—it’s visible only to you.
You can scroll through short videos or reels within the glasses, similar to a phone. The audio quality is excellent—only you will hear the audio, and others won’t realize you're watching videos. It offers the experience of calling, messaging, and listening to music.
Source: aajtak
The MetaRayban Display comes with a neural wristband enabling hand gestures for screen navigation, allowing you to select options or change screens with ease.
Real-time maps run, so you won't need to pull out your phone. Real-time navigation appears on the glasses' screen.
While these features are useful, they're not yet perfect. However, with the MetaRayban Display's introduction, smart glasses could become essential gadgets in the future. They could also reduce our reliance on smartphones.
Currently, these are early versions, but over time, smart glasses' features will edge towards perfection and practicality. Other companies continue developing smart glasses as well.
