The Fuzzy Frontier of Smart Glasses

Smart glasses are no longer a novelty for tech enthusiasts; they’re on the cusp of becoming a major breakthrough in wearable technology. With Meta and Samsung entering the market, the terminology surrounding these devices is expanding rapidly.

The terms XR, AR, MR, and VR are often used interchangeably by manufacturers, but upon closer inspection, each has its own distinct definition. Augmented reality overlays digital information onto the real world, allowing users to interact with virtual objects in a tangible environment. This concept is familiar to anyone who’s used their smartphone to measure furniture or try on virtual makeup looks.

Mixed reality combines elements of both AR and VR to create a seamless experience. Pokémon GO is a prime example of this – it overlays digital objects onto the real world while also allowing users to interact with them in a virtual environment. However, most MR functions still rely heavily on VR uses, such as imposing characters in video games.

eXtended reality (XR) is perhaps the most confusing term of all. Manufacturers use XR to describe their specific product line, while also claiming it’s an industry-wide umbrella term. For instance, Viture labels its display glasses as XR, but they functionally differ from Xreal’s Project Aura spectacles, which are also labeled as XR.

In reality, XR refers specifically to wearable technology that integrates sensory inputs from smart rings, smartwatches, and gesture controls. The current use of the term is ambiguous at best, making it difficult for consumers to understand what XR-labeled glasses actually do.

One area where smart glasses are making significant strides is in AI audio technology. Meta’s Ray-Ban Display and Samsung Intelligent Eyewear utilize apps and artificial intelligence via cameras, microphones, and speakers to help users navigate the world. These features include live translation, music listening, and chatbot interactions. What sets these glasses apart is their subtle integration of technology – they look eerily like normal sunglasses or eyeglasses.

As we move forward into the world of smart glasses, it’s clear that manufacturers must do a better job communicating what their products actually do. The current terminology is confusing and often misleading, leading consumers down a rabbit hole of technical jargon and marketing speak. It’s time for companies to provide clarity around these different “realities” so we can begin to appreciate the potential of smart glasses as more than just a novelty item or luxury good – but as a game-changer in wearable technology.