It’s always been full steam ahead when it comes to technology. Just when you’ve gotten used to the latest, the tech world comes up with something new and exciting for you. Or worse. Most of us don’t even have a smart watch…and now enter the smart glasses.
It seems that every device is taking a ‘smart’ direction, from smartphones, to smart speakers (like Google Home and Sonos One), smart watches, and even smart homes and cars!
Similar to smart watches, smart glasses are little wearable computers that connect to your phones, allowing you to go handsfree for things such as taking photos, videos, and calls. Some even go as far as offering navigation and real-time text translation on the lenses.
So we’re calling it—the next ‘IT’ advancement to enter the mass market will be smart glasses.
1. Rayban Stories
In a momentous first for the social media giant, Facebook collaborates with Ray-Ban to introduce Ray-Ban Stories. On top of listening to your favourite music and podcasts, and taking a phone call, what this pair of smart glasses in particular is offering is an authentic way to capture photos and videos, thanks to its dual integrated 5MP cameras.
Price starts at US$299.
2. Huawei x Gentle Monster Eyewear II
This perhaps has the largest offering when it comes to style—with nine choices to fit any individual style and facial structures. Priced at about US$400, they feature a customised arc design that also provides the wearer with a snug fit, simultaneously reducing pressure on your nose and ears.
While the brand aims to bring its consumers better sound level and clarity, Huawei also promises a level of privacy for when you go into conversation mode. Audio controls are better with this version too. Simply slide and tap your way through music playlists and calls!
3. Razer Anzu Smart Glasses
This Singaporean-American brand has released their take on wearable technology. Dubbed the Razer Anzu Smart Glasses, they come in two designs—rectangle and round—that are offered in two sizes.
These do not have much features to offer, but for US$199.99, it’s reasonable. For the lenses, consumers can choose between blue light filtering lenses, or polarised sunglass lenses. And if you require prescription lenses, Razer partners with Lensabl to cater to that.
For those still working from home, it’s a terrific integration. The smart glasses offer long battery life—more than five hours!—and allows you to take those virtual calls with their built-in mic and speakers.
4. Xiaomi Smart Glasses
Just last month, the Chinese manufacturer announced the Xiaomi Smart Glasses. The wearable device is able to display messages and notifications, make calls, navigate, capture photos and translate text (in real time!) right before your eyes, making it the most competitive option in this line up.
While the company has not announced a launch date, or the price, we bet it would be an affordable option, judging by how their other items cost.
5. Apple AR Glasses
It’s no secret that Apple has a slew of technological advancements in the works. An Apple car is still in the works, and we can expect to see it roll out in about three to six years.
As for their smart glasses? Well, according to Apple analyst Mong-Chi Kuo, we can set our eyes on 2022. They are said to look like your average pair of glasses, with both lenses to feature interactive displays.
Starting prices are rumoured to be at US$499, and those that require prescription lenses can get theirs at an additional cost.
6. Google
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you’re excitedly eyeing these ones for personal use, Google’s Glass Enterprise Edition 2 is made with industrial work in mind. Brands like Volkswagen, Samsung, and DHL utilise the Glass for their tasks, with the latter implementing the use to improve operational efficiency.
For these businesses, the Glass is a small, lightweight wearable computer that allows their workers to do hands-free work. Voice-activated assistance has proven to be a total time-saver for them. The tech may be sophisticated, and therefore assumed fragile, but it is resistant to water sprays and offers limited dust ingression, two ruggedisation that make for a sturdy ware.
When will Google be offering these for the everyday person? We’ll keep an eye out for that.
