Silicon Valley thinks it’s finally found the next big thing in tech: smart glasses – the same thing Google tried (and failed at) more than a decade ago. But Google Glass may simply have been ahead of its time. Now tech companies believe technology has finally caught up, thanks in part to artificial intelligence—and they’re going all-in on truly “smart” glasses that can see and answer questions about the world around you. The latest example: Snap announced this past week it’s building AI-equipped eyewear to be released in 2026. The renewed buzz around smart glasses is likely the combination of two trends: a realization that smartphones are no longer exciting enough to entice users to upgrade often and a desire to capitalize on AI by building new hardware around it. That’s why, although smart glasses aren’t entirely new, advancements in AI could make them far more useful than the first time around. Emerging AI models can process images, video and speech simultaneously, answer complicated requests and respond conversationally. And that could make smart glasses finally worth wearing. “AI is making these devices a lot easier to use, and it’s also introducing new ways people can use them,” said Jitesh Ubrani, a research manager covering wearable devices for market research firm The International Data Corporation. Meet the new class of smart glasses Google, Snap, Meta and Amazon have previously released glasses with cameras, speakers and voice assistants. But the Google Glass of a decade ago never caught on. The screen was tiny, the battery life was short and the “glasses” themselves were expensive and unfashionable. More modern glasses like Amazon’s Echo Frames, Meta’s original Ray-Ban Stories and early versions of Snap’s Spectacles made it easier to listen to music or take photos hands-free. Yet these still didn’t do anything you couldn’t already do with a smartphone. This newer crop of smart glasses is far more sophisticated. For example, when I tried prototype glasses based on Google’s software last year, I asked Google’s Gemini assistant to provide cocktail ideas based on liquor bottles I had been looking at on a shelf. The glasses will also remember what you’ve seen and answer questions based on that: During its I/O developers conference in May, a Google employee asked Gemini for the name of a coffee shop printed on a cup she has looked at earlier. With the Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses, users can perform tasks like asking whether a pepper they’re looking at in a grocery store is spicy or translate conversations between languages in real time. Two million pairs have been sold since their 2023 debut, Ray-Ban parent company EssilorLuxottica said in February. “There’s been several years of various failed attempts,” said Andrew Zignani, senior research director of ABI Research’s Strategic Technologies team. “But there’s finally now some good concepts of what’s working.” And market research indicates the interest will be there this time. The smart glasses market is estimated to grow from 3.3 million units shipped in 2024 to nearly 13 million by 2026, according to ABI Research. The International Data Corporation projects the market for smart glasses like those made by Meta will grow from 8.8 in 2025 to nearly 14 million in 2026. What’s coming next Snap didn’t reveal many details about its forthcoming “Specs” glasses but did say they will “understand the world around you. “The tiny smartphone limited our imagination,” Snap wrote in a blog post announcing the glasses. “It forced us to look down at a screen, instead of up at the world.” Apple is also said to be working on smart glasses to be released next year that would compete directly with Meta’s, according to Bloomberg. Amazon’s head of devices and services Panos Panay also didn’t rule out the possibility of camera-equipped Alexa glasses similar to those offered by Meta in a February CNN interview. “But I think you can imagine, there’s going to be a whole slew of AI devices that are coming,” he said in February. AI assistant apps, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Search and Gemini apps, are already laying the foundation for smart glasses by using your phone’s camera to answer questions about your surroundings. OpenAI is putting its tech in everything from a mysterious new gadget co-designed by Apple veteran Jony Ive to future Mattel toys. Google said last month that it would bring more camera use to its search app, a sign that it sees this technology as being key to the way people find information in the future. Apple this past week announced updates to its Visual Intelligence tool that let users ask questions about content on their iPhone’s screen, in addition to their surroundings, by using its camera. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently reiterated his belief that smart glasses could become critical to how people use technology during testimony in a federal antitrust case. “A big bet that we have at the company is that a lot of the way that people interact with content in the future is going to be increasingly through different AI mediums, and eventually through smart glasses and holograms,” he said in April. Do people actually want smart glasses? Still, tech giants need to get regular people to buy in. This includes potential privacy concerns, which played a big role in Google Glass’ demise. Recording video with camera-equipped glasses is more subtle than holding up your phone, although Meta and Google’s glasses have a light on the front to let other people know when a wearer is capturing content. Perhaps the biggest challenge will be convincing consumers that they need yet another tech device in their life, particularly those who don’t need prescription glasses. The products need to be worth wearing on people’s faces all day. And these devices likely won’t come cheap. Meta’s Ray-Bans usually cost around $300, roughly the price of a smartwatch. While that’s not nearly as expensive as the $3,500 Apple Vision Pro headset, it still may be a tough sell as people spend less on ancillary tech products. Global smartwatch shipments fell for the first time in March, according to Counterpoint Research, perhaps a sign that customers aren’t spending as much on devices they may not view as essential. Yet tech firms are willing to make that bet to avoid missing out on what could be the next blockbuster tech product. “Many in the industry believe that the smartphone will eventually be replaced by glasses or something similar to it,” said Ubrani the IDC analyst. “It’s not going to happen today. It’s going to happen many years from now, and all these companies want to make sure that they’re not going to miss out on that change.”
Google, Meta and Snap think this tech is the next big thing
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Tech Giants Reinvest in Smart Glasses as AI Enhancements Revive Interest"
CNN
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
Silicon Valley is once again turning its attention to smart glasses, a technology that has previously seen attempts, notably with Google Glass over a decade ago. The perception now is that advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have finally caught up to the vision of smart glasses, enabling them to perform tasks that make them genuinely useful. Recently, Snap announced plans to release AI-equipped eyewear in 2026, highlighting a growing trend among tech giants like Google, Meta, and Amazon to develop sophisticated smart glasses that can interact with the user and their environment. The renewed interest in smart glasses is largely driven by the realization that smartphones have become less exciting for consumers, prompting companies to explore new hardware that leverages AI capabilities. Jitesh Ubrani, a research manager at the International Data Corporation, noted that AI is simplifying the user experience and introducing innovative functionalities that could finally make smart glasses appealing to a broader audience.
The new generation of smart glasses is significantly more advanced than earlier models, which often failed due to limitations such as poor battery life and unappealing designs. For instance, prototype glasses using Google’s software can provide information based on what the user is looking at, enhancing interactivity. Meta's Ray-Ban AI glasses have already gained traction, with reports of two million units sold since their launch in 2023. Despite the potential for success, there are challenges to overcome, including consumer concerns about privacy and the need to convince users that these devices are necessary. Additionally, the price point for smart glasses, like Meta's Ray-Bans at around $300, may deter some buyers, especially in a climate where spending on non-essential tech is declining. As tech companies push forward, there is a consensus that the future of technology may lie in wearables like smart glasses, which could eventually replace smartphones, although this transition may still be years away.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the resurgence of interest in smart glasses, a technology that failed to gain traction over a decade ago with the introduction of Google Glass. With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), companies like Google, Meta, Snap, and Amazon are exploring the potential of a new generation of smart glasses that could integrate seamlessly with our daily lives and provide enhanced functionalities.
Intent Behind the Publication
The piece aims to inform readers about the renewed interest and potential of smart glasses, suggesting that the technology may finally be ready for mainstream adoption due to improvements in AI. By discussing the failures of previous iterations and the advancements that could make these devices more attractive, the article attempts to generate excitement about the future of wearable technology.
Perception Management
The article seeks to create a perception that smart glasses, fueled by AI capabilities, are an exciting frontier in technology. It emphasizes the improvements over past models, suggesting that consumer readiness and technological advancements have aligned to make this a viable product category. This narrative aims to position smart glasses as the next logical step in tech evolution, particularly as consumers grow weary of smartphones.
Information Omission
While the article is primarily focused on the optimistic outlook for smart glasses, it downplays the potential privacy concerns and social implications associated with wearable technology. The mention of AI capabilities in processing images and responding to queries could raise questions about data security and surveillance, which are not addressed in detail.
Manipulative Elements
The article has a moderate level of manipulative potential as it employs optimistic language and focuses on the positive aspects of smart glasses without adequately addressing the challenges or ethical concerns associated with their use. The framing of smart glasses as "the next big thing" could be seen as an attempt to generate hype and interest, potentially influencing public perception and investment in this technology.
Trustworthiness of the Content
While the article presents factual information regarding the development of smart glasses and AI advancements, the lack of critical analysis regarding privacy and social implications may affect its overall reliability. By focusing on the positive aspects without presenting a balanced view, the article could mislead readers about the readiness and implications of adopting such technology.
Connection to Broader Trends
This discussion on smart glasses reflects broader trends in technology where companies are looking for new devices to captivate consumers, especially as the smartphone market has stabilized. It ties into the current emphasis on AI and machine learning, which are becoming integral to many consumer technologies.
Community Support and Target Audience
The article likely appeals to technology enthusiasts, investors, and consumers interested in the latest innovations. It specifically targets audiences who are eager for new tech experiences and are interested in the integration of AI into everyday products.
Market Impact
The news could influence stock prices of companies involved in developing smart glasses, particularly those mentioned in the article like Google, Meta, Snap, and Amazon. Positive sentiment around the potential of smart glasses may encourage investment in these firms, reflecting optimism in their future product lines.
Geopolitical Implications
While the article does not directly address geopolitical aspects, advancements in technology such as smart glasses can shift global power dynamics, particularly in terms of data collection and surveillance capabilities. As tech companies race to dominate emerging markets, this development could contribute to discussions about privacy and regulation on a global scale.
Potential Use of AI in Writing
It is possible that AI tools were employed in crafting parts of the article, especially in generating engaging language and organizing information. The structured presentation and focus on AI advancements suggest that AI may have influenced how the content was framed. However, no explicit mention of AI-generated content is evident.
In summary, the article articulates a hopeful narrative about the future of smart glasses while glossing over potential risks associated with their integration into daily life. It presents an optimistic view that could manipulate perceptions and drive interest in this evolving technology.