Published on: December 14, 2024 / Update from: December 14, 2024 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
Smart glasses: the return of Google Glass 2.0? Back to the Future reloaded with Augmented Reality – Image: Xpert.Digital
Google unveils future vision: Smart Glasses as accessories instead of standalone devices
New Smart Glasses concept: Google relies on smartphone connections for more efficiency
A Google patent for smart glasses recently discovered in China has been published on the website of the Chinese patent authority CNIPA. This patent describes an innovative approach to the development of smart glasses that are designed as an accessory product rather than a standalone device. The glasses are intended to offload energy-intensive processes such as data processing to a smartphone to extend battery life while providing a variety of advanced features.
Features of the new smart glasses
Google receives a new patent in China for smart glasses with an integrated display, microphone, speaker and eye tracking - Images: 91mobiles
Google's smart glasses described in the patent are said to be equipped with various advanced features that enable a seamless and intuitive user experience:
Integrated display
A built-in display projects information directly into the user's field of vision. This allows notifications, navigation, translations and other relevant data to be displayed without the user having to take out their smartphone.
Microphone and speakers
By integrating microphones and speakers, the glasses can receive voice commands and output audio. This makes it easier to interact with digital assistants and enables hands-free communication.
Eye tracking
The glasses are able to track the user's eye movements. This allows for more natural and efficient interaction as commands can be controlled through eye movements.
Versatile interaction options
In addition to eye tracking, the glasses also support interactions through touch, voice and gestures. This offers the user a variety of options to interact with the device.
Technical strategy
With these glasses, Google is pursuing a clever technical strategy to maximize performance while optimizing battery life:
Outsourcing of processes
By outsourcing computing-intensive tasks to a connected smartphone, the glasses' energy consumption is significantly reduced. This not only extends operating time, but also allows for a slimmer design without bulky hardware components.
Cost efficiency
Since the glasses do not have to be equipped with powerful hardware, manufacturing costs can be reduced. This could result in a more affordable final price for consumers and increase market acceptance.
Seamless integration
Using the smartphone as a computing unit enables seamless integration with existing applications and services. Users would be able to use apps and features that already exist on their smartphone, reducing the learning curve.
Suitable for:
Market potential and competition
Google is no stranger to smart glasses. The company launched 'Google Glass' back in 2013. However, despite the initial hype, the product failed to achieve significant success. Reasons for this included privacy concerns, a high price, and a lack of compelling use cases for the average consumer.
However, in recent years, interest in augmented reality (AR) and wearable technology has increased significantly. Advances in display technology, improved sensors and more powerful mobile processors have expanded the possibilities for innovative products.
competitors on the market
- Meta has made a foray into the smart glasses market with the Ray-Ban Stories. These glasses combine classic design with features such as taking photos and videos and streaming music. Although they do not have an integrated display, they show the interest of major technology companies in this sector.
- Samsung is rumored to be working on its own XR devices and AR glasses, which could potentially be unveiled as early as next year. Samsung's expertise in manufacturing displays and mobile devices could give them an advantage.
- Apple has been rumored to be working on AR glasses for some time. Given their track record of introducing revolutionary devices like the iPhone and Apple Watch, they could have a significant impact on the market.
Potential areas of application
Google's new smart glasses could be used in various areas:
- Navigation and travel: Display real-time directions directly in the field of vision, information about attractions or public transport.
- Communication: Instant notifications of incoming calls, messages or emails that can be answered using voice commands or gestures.
- Information and education: Access to information about products in a store, translations of texts in foreign languages or support in learning processes.
- Entertainment: AR games that incorporate real-world environments or streaming multimedia content.
- Professional applications: Support for professionals, e.g. B. Technicians who can see instructions or data about machines directly, or doctors who can view patient information.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the significant potential, there are also challenges that need to be overcome:
- Privacy and security: The integration of cameras and microphones raises questions about privacy. It is crucial that strict data protection guidelines are adhered to and communicated transparently.
- Battery life and performance: Although outsourcing processes improves battery life, it is still important to ensure that the glasses are practical for everyday use.
- Design and comfort: Consumer acceptance depends heavily on the glasses being comfortable and fashionable. Clunky or unaesthetic designs could turn off potential users.
- Pricing: In order to reach a wide audience, the glasses must be offered at an affordable price without restricting the functions too much.
The launch of these new smart glasses could be a significant step for Google to reposition itself in the wearable technology space. By combining advanced features with a strategy focused on efficiency and ease of use, Google has the potential to have a lasting impact on the market.
The next few years could be crucial as several technology companies will unveil their own solutions. Competition is expected to drive innovation and provide consumers with a variety of options.
It remains to be seen how and when Google will present this technology to the public. However, with careful development and consideration of the challenges mentioned, the new smart glasses could have a significant impact on the way we interact with the digital world.
Suitable for:
Efficient and user-friendly solution
The discovery of Google's new patent for smart glasses with an integrated display, microphone, speakers and eye tracking shows the company's continued interest in advancing wearables. Outsourcing data processing processes to smartphones could create an efficient and user-friendly solution that offers both practical benefits and paves the way for future innovations.
By integrating features such as eye tracking and versatile interaction options, Google strives to create an intuitive and immersive experience. If the privacy, design and price challenges can be overcome, these smart glasses could be a significant step towards a futuristic and connected world where the boundaries between physical and digital reality continue to blur.
The coming developments in this area are highly anticipated, and it will be interesting to see how Google and other market players shape the future of smart glasses.
Suitable for: