Smart glasses: The return of Google Glass 2.0? Back to the future with augmented reality reloaded – Image: Xpert.Digital
Google unveils its vision for the future: Smart glasses as accessories rather than standalone devices
New smart glasses concept: Google relies on smartphone connectivity for greater efficiency
A recently discovered Google patent for smart glasses, published on the website of the Chinese patent authority CNIPA, describes an innovative approach to developing smart glasses designed as an accessory 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 simultaneously providing a variety of advanced features.
Features of the new smart glasses
Google receives a new patent in China for smart glasses with integrated display, microphone, speaker and eye-tracking – Images: 91mobiles
The smart glasses described in the patent from Google 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 speaker
By integrating microphones and speakers, the glasses can receive voice commands and output audio. This facilitates interaction with digital assistants and enables hands-free communication.
Eye-tracking
The glasses are able to track the user's eye movements. This allows for a more natural and efficient interaction, as commands can be controlled by eye movements.
Versatile interaction options
In addition to eye tracking, the glasses also support interactions via touch, voice, and gestures. This offers the user a wide range of options for interacting with the device.
Technical Strategy
With these glasses, Google is pursuing a clever technical strategy to maximize performance while simultaneously optimizing battery life:
Outsourcing of processes
By offloading computationally intensive tasks to a connected smartphone, the glasses' energy consumption is significantly reduced. This not only extends the operating time but also enables a slimmer design without bulky hardware components.
Cost efficiency
Since the glasses do not need to be equipped with high-performance hardware, manufacturing costs can be reduced. This could lead to a more affordable final price for consumers and increase market acceptance.
Seamless integration
Using the smartphone as a processing unit enables seamless integration with existing applications and services. Users could utilize apps and functions already present on their smartphones, thus shortening the learning curve.
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Market potential and competition
Google is no stranger to the smart glasses market. The company launched 'Google Glass' back in 2013. 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 in the market
- Meta has made a foray into the smart glasses market with its Ray-Ban Stories. These glasses combine classic design with features such as taking photos and videos, as well as streaming music. Although they lack an integrated display, they demonstrate the interest of major technology companies in this sector.
- Rumors suggest that Samsung is 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 launching revolutionary devices like the iPhone and the Apple Watch, they could significantly impact the market.
Potential areas of application
Google's new smart glasses could find applications in various areas:
- Navigation and travel: Real-time directions displayed directly in the field of vision, information on tourist attractions or public transport.
- Communication: Instant notifications of incoming calls, messages, or emails, which can be answered via voice command or gesture.
- Information and education: Access to information about products in a store, translations of texts into foreign languages, or support in learning processes.
- Entertainment: AR games that incorporate the real environment, or streaming of multimedia content.
- Professional applications: Support for specialists, e.g. technicians who can directly view instructions or data about machines, or doctors who can view patient information.
Challenges and considerations
Despite the considerable potential, there are also challenges that need to be overcome:
- Data protection and security: The integration of cameras and microphones raises questions about privacy protection. 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 necessary to ensure that the glasses are practical for daily use.
- Design and comfort: Consumer acceptance depends heavily on the glasses being comfortable and fashionable. Clunky or unattractive designs could deter potential users.
- Pricing: To reach a broad audience, the glasses must be offered at an affordable price without severely limiting the features.
The launch of these new smart glasses could be a significant step for Google to reposition itself in the wearable technology sector. By combining advanced features with a strategy focused on efficiency and user-friendliness, Google has the potential to have a lasting impact on the market.
The next few years could be crucial, as several technology companies will introduce their own solutions. Competition is likely to drive innovation and offer consumers a wide range 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 aforementioned challenges, the new smart glasses could have a significant impact on how we interact with the digital world.
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Efficient and user-friendly solution
The discovery of Google's new patent for smart glasses with an integrated display, microphone, speakers, and eye-tracking demonstrates the company's continued interest in the further development of wearables. Offloading data processing to smartphones could create an efficient and user-friendly solution that offers practical advantages and paves the way for future innovations.
With the integration of features like eye-tracking and versatile interaction options, Google aims to create an intuitive and immersive experience. If they succeed in overcoming the challenges related to data privacy, design, and price, 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 upcoming developments in this area are eagerly awaited, and it will be interesting to see how Google and other market participants shape the future of smart glasses.
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