Latest Advances in Smart Glasses and Wearable Technology
Intelligent wearables continues to transform, particularly in the sphere of smart glasses and the emergence of extended and augmented reality. Only a few years ago, the idea of everyday smart glasses was often met with scepticism, as early innovations such as Google Glass remained largely limited to developers and enterprise clients. Many wondered what practical benefits smart glasses could offer the average consumer, beyond serving as another reason to view indoor sunglasses wearers with suspicion.
This year has seen significant progress, with the introduction of Android XR as a new operating system for wearable devices. Although consumers are not expected to access Android XR until the beginning of next year, anticipation is building. Designed to function through audio as well as internal lens displays, it is the latter feature that has generated the most interest, with the first hardware powered by Android XR anticipated for release in 2026.
It is important to differentiate these upcoming XR glasses from earlier models. Traditional XR glasses function by projecting a compact display onto the inside of the frames, effectively creating an enormous digital screen that appears several feet away. These models are particularly useful for scenarios such as air travel, where users can watch films or complete work tasks. However, their design is not intended for use while on the move.
Industry observers have noted that Apple’s recent Liquid Glass design, which draws inspiration from the seamless interface of the Apple Vision Pro, is paving the way for operating systems built around glasses interfaces. As Apple experiments with transparent and layered visual elements, speculation has grown that the company’s software could soon be tailored for wearable displays. Meanwhile, Google is reportedly developing its own Vision OS-inspired platform, which is expected to be accompanied by dedicated hardware. In addition, Google has announced a collaboration with the American eyewear brand Warby Parker, signalling its intent to bring new smart glasses products to market and license the underlying technology to third parties.
Smart glasses now appear in a wide variety of formats. Some devices focus on delivering extended or augmented reality experiences, following in the footsteps of Google’s earlier innovations. Others prioritise interaction with smart digital agents, offering functionality such as fitness tracking, enhanced hearing, or serving as hands-free tools for making phone calls and listening to music. The rapid pace of development in this sector is leading to an ever-wider range of options for consumers.
One notable example currently available is the latest generation of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. With prices beginning to fall as anticipation grows for an upcoming model, these glasses are now in their second generation and have been widely promoted, including through prominent advertising campaigns. Ray-Ban originally partnered with Meta in 2023 to embed Meta’s chatbot technology directly into the glasses.
Presently, users can choose between popular Wayfarer and Skyler frame designs, with various tints and finishes offered, including prescription lens options. The audio component is managed by open-air speakers integrated into the arms of the glasses, and a built-in 12-megapixel camera works alongside the Meta AI app on a smartphone. This AI capability enables users to issue spoken commands, identify music, record videos and messages, and interact with other features, although such uses have prompted some debate regarding social norms and privacy.
As the market for smart glasses continues to mature, developments from major technology companies indicate that wearables are becoming increasingly sophisticated and diverse. With new operating systems, partnerships between tech and eyewear brands, and a focus on both practical and entertainment applications, the wearable technology sector is set for further growth and mainstream acceptance in the coming years.
