Smart Glasses Technology: The Next Big Thing in Personal Tech Beyond Smartphones

Anwer Sadath, VP of Engineering, Travancore Analytics, writes this article that delves into the potential and possibilities of smart glasses technology in today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape.

The latest buzz in the ever-evolving world of technology undoubtedly surrounds the topic of Apple’s new XR devices. I remember not too long ago having a conversation about the possibilities for the development of future communication technologies. My recent experience at the Augmented World Expo (AWE) USA 2023 has reinforced my conviction that a day without smartphones may not be too far off in the foreseeable future.

So, why might smartphones become a relic of the past? Just think about the primary uses of our phones, making calls, reading, streaming music, capturing photos, watching videos, and gaming. Surprisingly, all of these functions can be brilliantly executed by smart glasses technology. In the next four years, smart glasses could feasibly replace smartphones.

Let’s explore the reasons why we anticipate that smart glasses will eventually replace smartphones in the near future.

• Many optics firms have started producing glasses and micro projectors specifically designed for smart glasses. This progress was displayed at AWE 2023, with several demonstrations of Augmented Reality smart glasses delivering high-quality AR experiences. Considering this trend, it’s not too far-fetched to imagine a future where all the electronics we associate with a smartphone can be seamlessly integrated into smart glasses.
• The advent of eSIMs and the widespread rollout of 5G technology have paved the way for a significant shift in our data processing capabilities. With reduced latency, most of the computing power can be offloaded to the server side, creating unprecedented possibilities.
• Many of us are already accustomed to pairing our smartphones with earbuds. This everyday accessory could be effortlessly integrated into the ecosystem of smart glasses technology, serving as the primary audio source essential for calls or voice commands, ensuring privacy and clear communication.
• With smart glasses, one can get a natural experience such as from smartphones with voice commands, gesture recognition, and eye tracking making doing tasks much easier than using touchscreens or physical buttons on smartphones.

Imagine you’re cooking with smart glasses on. Using simple hand gestures, you flip through a digital cookbook, find an exciting recipe, and embark on your culinary journey. As you dive into the process, your smart glasses, powered by edge AI, anticipate your next move based on your actions and the recipe instructions. The steps appear right in front of your eyes, and you can navigate through them with just a simple gesture, eliminating the need to constantly clean your hands and scroll on your phone or tablet.

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However, there are some challenges that need to be addressed before this transition from smartphones to smart glasses technology.

• One significant issue is the battery life. Innovative advancements in battery technology are needed to ensure our future smart glasses can sustain us from dawn to dusk.
• Another challenge lies with prescription eyewear. A simple, efficient, and cost-effective method to integrate smart glasses technology into prescription lenses is essential. Smart glasses with prescription lenses are not only a practical solution for those with vision impairments but also a stylish accessory that seamlessly blends technology and fashion. Imagine a world where you could walk into an optician, choose your stylish frames, and have them fitted with not only your prescription but also the latest in smart technology.
• Lastly, for smart glasses to become an integral part of our lives, they must be affordable for the average consumer. Therefore, reducing costs while maintaining quality and functionality will be a significant focus of future development in the smart glasses industry.

These are just predictions based on trends I’ve observed in the tech industry. Picture a future where your day-to-day interactions are conducted through a sleek pair of glasses. Calls, navigation, and real-time translations are all displayed before your eyes, seamlessly integrating the digital world with the real one.

My forecasts might come to fruition differently than outlined here, given the dynamic and unpredictable nature of technology and its acceptance in society. However, there’s a promising possibility that we’re on the brink of a significant shift in how we use and perceive personal devices. This transformation, whether it takes the form of smart glasses or some other innovative device, is set to revolutionize our future digital experiences. Indeed, the future of technology promises to be exciting and filled with remarkable advancements.