Smart Glasses

They enable the wearer to see digital content directly in their field of vision and to interact with the real world.

They often come with features such as a camera, microphone and internet connection to enable seamless integration into everyday digital life.

The Technology Behind Smart Glasses

The technology built into smart glasses includes a variety of components. These include microprocessors, cameras, microphones, displays and sensors. These components work together to create a seamless user experience. Particularly noteworthy are microdisplays, which display digital information directly in front of the wearer's eye without blocking the field of view.

Types of smart glasses

Smart glasses come in a variety of forms, each designed to meet different needs and experiences. At one end of the spectrum are AR smart glasses, which overlay digital information onto the real world. These glasses, such as Meta's Orion AI Glasses, give users hands-free access to information such as notifications, navigation and even real-time foreign language translation.

At the other end of the spectrum are VR headsets, such as the Oculus Rift, which offer complete immersion in virtual reality. These are primarily used for gaming and entertainment, but are increasingly being used for training simulations and education.

There are also mixed reality glasses, such as the Microsoft HoloLens and the Apple Vision Pro, which combine elements of AR and VR. These glasses not only display digital information, but also allow you to interact with virtual objects as if they were part of the real world. MR glasses are particularly promising for professional and industrial applications, offering innovative solutions in fields such as engineering, design and medicine.

Each type of smart glasses has unique features and functions. While some focus on clear, high-resolution displays, others prioritise ergonomic design and user comfort. The choice of smart glasses depends largely on the intended use, whether for casual everyday interactions, professional tasks or specific industry applications.

Technological components

The most important component is the display technology, which can range from small projectors that project images directly onto the retina to conventional small screens. This technology is developing rapidly, with newer models delivering sharper and more vivid images.

Another important component is sensor technology. These include accelerometers, gyroscopes and compasses that track head movements and enable the glasses to understand and respond to the wearer's movements and gaze. Some models also have ambient light sensors and touch pads for additional functionality.

The processing power of smart glasses is similar to that of a smartphone, but in a much smaller package. This includes a CPU, memory, battery and sometimes a dedicated graphics processor. Connectivity is also critical, and most smart glasses have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities that allow them to connect to the Internet and other devices.

Possible uses for smart glasses

Smart glasses can be used in many areas:

• Workplace: They can be used in industry and maintenance to display technical instructions or blueprints directly in the user's field of vision.
• Medicine: Doctors can access patient data or view surgical instructions during operations without using their hands.
• Leisure: In the leisure sector, they can be used as a navigation aid, for games or as a fitness tracker.

History and development

• Sword of Damocles (1968): Often cited as one of the first virtual reality (VR) systems, the Sword of Damocles was a head-mounted display developed by Ivan Sutherland and his student Bob Sproull. Although it was not actually a pair of glasses, its significance lies in its pioneering approach to immersive 3D graphics.
• Private Eye (1989): Reflection Technology's Private Eye displayed monochrome text and graphics on a small screen. Although it lacked augmented reality (AR) capabilities, it was an important step towards portable displays.
• KARMA (1990s): The Knowledge-based Augmented Reality for Maintenance Assistance (KARMA) system, developed at Columbia University, was one of the first AR systems. It was designed to assist users with maintenance tasks by overlaying simple digital graphics on the real world.
• Various AR glasses (early 2000s): With advances in computer graphics and the miniaturisation of electronics, several companies and academic institutions began to develop AR glasses. Although these prototypes were often bulky and had limited functionality, they laid the groundwork for more advanced designs in the future.
• Google Glass (2013): Google Glass was one of the first models to actually look like 'normal' glasses.

Challenges and the future

Despite the many benefits, there are challenges to the development and widespread use of smart glasses. These include miniaturisation of the technology, battery life and privacy. However, the future looks promising.

As the technology continues to develop, smart glasses could become even more versatile and user-friendly in the coming years.

Facts and features

• Augmented reality (AR): superimposing digital content on the real world. Can be used for navigation, gaming and education.
• Built-in cameras: allow you to take photos and videos. Useful for live streaming and documentation.
• Microdisplays: Display information directly in front of the wearer's eyes. High resolution and transparent displays for clear vision.
• Hands-free operation: Control by gesture, voice command or head movement. Increases usability and safety, especially in industrial environments.
• Connectivity: Connect via WLAN, Bluetooth and cellular networks. Synchronisation with smartphones and other devices.
• Sensors: Built-in gyroscopes, accelerometers and GPS. Enables precise motion tracking and location.
• Battery life: Varies by use and model. Often several hours of continuous use.
• Privacy: Concerns about data collection and use. Need for strong security and privacy policies.
• Market leaders: Companies such as Google, Microsoft, Apple and Vuzix are leading the way. Constant innovation and new models on the market.

Smart Glass Models

Vuzix Blade

• One of the lightest AR smartglasses on the market with a sunglasses-like design.
• Displays notifications and instructions and connects to Alexa for voice-controlled tasks.
• Website

Snap Spectacles

• Popular with Snapchat users, these glasses allow you to quickly take photos and videos from a first-person perspective.
• Record 10-second videos directly in Snapchat, with newer models incorporating basic AR functionality.
• Website

Ray-Ban Stories

• Created by Facebook (Meta) in collaboration with Ray-Ban, a mix of fashion and technology.
• Equipped with cameras for taking photos and videos and built-in speakers for audio.
• Website

Xreal Light

• Widely acclaimed for bringing affordable mixed reality experiences to consumers.
• Connects to smartphones to enable immersive AR experiences such as games and virtual media.
• Website

Magic Leap 1

• Renowned for delivering a high-quality mixed reality experience, primarily used in business sectors such as healthcare and design.
• Advanced spatial computing with precise placement of 3D objects in real-world environments.
• Magic Leap 1 | Website

Google Glass (Enterprise Edition)

• Originally launched for consumers in 2013, it is now being used in industries such as healthcare and manufacturing.
• It enables workers to access real-time data hands-free, improving productivity.
• Google Glass

Figures and statistics

• Market size and growth: The global smart glasses market is expected to reach $10.5 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.1 percent between 2023 and 2030. In particular, augmented reality (AR) for smart glasses is in high demand in various industries, including industrial and healthcare. (Source)
• Sales figures: Global sales of augmented reality glasses are expected to increase from 0.17 million units in 2019 to 3.9 million units in 2024. These increasing sales figures reflect the growing interest in and widespread adoption of the technology. (Source)