AR glasses

Users can see both their physical surroundings and computer-generated elements such as text, images, or animations through the glasses. They are widely used in areas such as industry, education, and entertainment.

Applications for AR glasses

AR glasses are used in a wide range of industries. In industry, AR glasses allow technicians to see instructions right in front of their eyes without having to look away. In medicine, they help visualize complex anatomical structures during surgery, and in retail, they allow customers to try on products virtually.

Benefits and challenges

AR glasses offer many benefits, such as increased productivity and the ability to display information in context. At the same time, they face challenges such as limited battery life, the need for attractive design and privacy concerns. However, the technology is developing rapidly.

Market leaders and models

Leading manufacturers of AR glasses include Microsoft (HoloLens), Magic Leap, Meta (Orion) and Apple (Vision Pro). These models are pioneering a range of applications including industry, medicine, and education.

Comparison with VR glasses

Unlike VR glasses, which offer a fully immersive experience, AR glasses overlay digital information on top of the real world and allow you to interact with both. However, it should be noted that many glasses labelled as 'mixed reality' are actually designed for both AR and VR.

The future of AR glasses

AR technology is expected to continue to improve over the coming years, making AR glasses lighter, more powerful and more suitable for everyday use. Companies such as Apple and Meta are already working on new models that could revolutionize the way we work, learn and play. AR glasses have the potential to be the next great digital medium.

Key facts and features

• Interactive controls: Many AR glasses allow users to control digital content through gestures or voice commands without the use of physical devices.
• Transparent displays: The displays of AR glasses are often transparent, so that the real environment remains visible, and the digital content is superimposed on it.
• SLAM technology: Many AR glasses use SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) to determine the user's position in the real world and accurately place virtual objects.
• Integration with smartphones: Some AR glasses require a connection to a smartphone or other computing device to perform complex calculations.
• Use in art: AR glasses open up new creative possibilities for artists, allowing them to insert digital artwork directly into physical space.
• Augmented reality games: In addition to commercial and industrial applications, there are numerous games being developed specifically for AR glasses to create an immersive gaming experience.
• Collaborative applications: AR glasses allow multiple users to work in the same virtual environment or view digital content at the same time, which is particularly useful for teamwork and training.
• Eye tracking: Advanced models offer eye-tracking capabilities that allow the device to detect the user's focus and adjust information or actions accordingly.
• Cross-industry applications: In addition to industry and medicine, AR glasses are increasingly being used in tourism, sports, and entertainment.
• Usability and adaptability: Modern AR glasses are designed to adapt to different head sizes and visual requirements, often including corrective lenses for spectacle wearers.

FAQs

How do AR glasses work technically?
AR glasses use cameras, sensors, and computer processors to capture the real world and overlay it with digital content. They calculate the user's position in real time and place virtual objects in the field of view.

Can AR glasses be used without an internet connection?
Yes, many AR glasses can be used without an internet connection. However, some features, such as cloud-based services or downloading content, require a connection.

Do AR glasses have built-in speakers?
Yes, many modern AR glasses have built-in speakers or use bone conduction technology, which uses vibrations to transmit sound directly to the skull bone, eliminating the need for earbuds.

What types of AR glasses are available?
There are different types of AR glasses, including glasses for professional use in industry, glasses for the consumer market focused on entertainment, and specialized models for medical or educational use.

What are the privacy implications of AR glasses?
AR glasses have the potential to collect sensitive data because they use cameras and microphones. Therefore, there are privacy and security concerns, especially when used in public spaces.

Industry Standards

• ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 24 - This standard covers computer graphics, machine vision, and augmented and virtual reality environments. (Source)
• WebXR Device API - This API enables the integration of AR and VR directly into web browsers and is supported by the W3C. (Source)

Numbers and statistics

• The market for AR glasses is estimated to be worth around $15.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $72 billion by 2033. (Source)