Voice assistant and augmented reality: what modern smart glasses offer
'16.03.2021'
Olga Derkach
Every year, smart glasses threaten to be the next big thing in technology. They can be created by both giant companies and smaller market players. New products of this year were reported by the edition Fox News.
Smart glasses are a tempting prospect. Imagine seeing and doing on your glasses everything that you usually see and do on your smartphone.
This is all the near future.
Glasses from Vuzix
Vuzix, which has been selling smart glasses since 2011, is planning a major update this year with new glasses. These glasses will offer smartphone integration, immersive audio, and tiny LED micro-LED projectors that deliver the image you see.
They will also offer augmented reality (AR), probably the biggest feature of the next generation glasses. AR combines what you see in the real world with virtual data that you can see in three-dimensional space.
It's important to note that the future Vuzix smart glasses look more beautiful, which is a feat in itself, as many of the smart glasses on the market look awkward and look very different from regular glasses.
“It is very difficult to fit the image that the user sees into small, unobtrusive smart glasses,” said a Vuzix spokesman.
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According to market researcher IDC, this has become one of the problems for manufacturers.
“Brands can choose either a thin and light design that looks like regular glasses but with limited functionality, or a bulkier design that isn't very consumer-friendly but has sophisticated features,” said IDC analyst Jitesh Ubrani.
Vuzix Blade Upgraded Goggles sold for $ 799,99.
Facebook is also working on augmented reality (AR) smart glasses.
“Imagine a world in which light and stylish glasses can replace your computer or smartphone,” reads a Facebook post.
Facebook says you will be able to "physically feel close to your friends and family - no matter where they are." Facebook also talks about "context-sensitive AI" for navigating the world around you and "rich XNUMXD virtual information at arm's length."
Facebook is touting one of the biggest benefits of smart glasses: no more bad posture. Instead of bending over your smartphone, "glasses will allow you to look up and stay in the world around you, and not distract your attention to the periphery in the palm of your hand."
Facebook plans to launch Ray Ban smart glasses this year, which the company is working on in partnership with Luxottica. But according to reports, they are not expected to have any of the mind-blowing augmented reality technology that will appear in future glasses.
Apple is reportedly also working on AR glasses. But the company is still silent on this matter, and the project remains highly secret.
Audio glasses from Amazon and Google
Amazon sells its Echo Frames Smart audio glasses with Alexa. These glasses allow, among other things, to make calls, set reminders, receive news and control your smart home. They are retailing for $ 249,99.
Google was one of the first to release smart glasses back in 2013. But these glasses were not ready for prime time use and were heavily criticized for possible violation of privacy laws.
Google currently sells its Glass brand to “corporate” customers. These rimless glasses (can be purchased separately) are available at CDW retail for $ 1166,99.
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Smart glasses It should be
Anzu glasses for $ 199,99 will be available in both rectangular and round frames, and each option will be in two sizes: small and large. The Verge.
There are two sets of lenses in the retail package: a regular clear pair that provides 35 percent blue light blocking and a 99 percent UV protection sun lens.
But Razer has deviated from the competition in its approach to audio glasses: the company has adopted a true wireless design that completely separates the left and right speakers. On the other hand, it can lead to some weird charging situations: you need to charge both speakers at the same time and in theory you can sometimes run into problems such as audio dropouts on one side.
The glasses have touch-sensitive frame touch controls that allow you to change tracks, answer calls, or activate the voice assistant. Anzu goggles are IPX4 waterproof, so you should avoid heavy rain, but they should handle light splashes just fine.
Anzu glasses automatically disconnect when closed when folded - up to two weeks in standby mode - and then reconnect to the last connected device. Battery life is rated for up to five hours. Regarding audio leakage, which is always a side effect of these audio goggles, Razer said that people at arm's length are likely to pick up on your music.
The included leatherette case has a magnetic catch and a cover for storing the charging cable or extra lenses. Anzu Points are available exclusively on the website Razer.com and at regular RazerStore stores. In North America, they can be purchased from Best Buy US and Best Buy Canada.
