It seems that the next great technological battle is being fought on a tiny terrain: on our face! Forget smartphones, tablets or smart watches, according to some the new Holy Grail of technology is smart glasses.
A decade ago, Google Glass came out with the promise of a portable digital revolution. The result, as we know, was rather a stumble. The glasses were clunky, intrusive and, let's face it, a little strange. The public was not ready, and Google Glass was relegated to specific niches.
But the idea never died. The dream of a powerful, versatile computer that is always connected to our vision continues to seduce the technological giants. In recent years, we have seen Meta, Apple, Xiaomi and countless startups launch their own versions of smart glasses.
The problem is that smart glasses, so far, have not managed to convince completely. Sales have been modest, and the general public still doesn't see the need to incorporate this gadget into their daily lives. Why?
The answer, as in so many other cases, is a mix of usability and price. For smart glasses to succeed, they must overcome two major obstacles:
1. The comfort barrier: Nobody wants to wear a heavy and uncomfortable contraption on their face all day. Glasses must be light, ergonomic and, ideally, indistinguishable from regular glasses.
2. The functionality barrier: They must offer a truly useful experience that is superior to that of a smartphone. It is not enough to replicate the functions of a mobile phone in a smaller format. Glasses must offer something new, a more fluid interaction with the digital world, to justify their existence.
Despite the initial setbacks, smart glasses may end up prevailing, especially in some activities. The potential is too great to ignore. Imagine a world where:
. Information superimposed on our vision in real time, guiding us through unfamiliar streets, translating languages instantly or showing us relevant information about our surroundings.
. Video calls become more immersive, with the sensation of having the other person in front of us.
. Entertainment takes a qualitative leap, with augmented reality experiences that merge the real and the virtual in a way never seen before.
Advances in miniaturization, batteries, screens and artificial intelligence software are paving the way for a new generation of smart glasses that are more powerful, lighter and more functional.
The battle to conquer our face has only just begun. The next few years will be crucial to determine whether smart glasses will become the next great technological milestone or, on the contrary, will remain an unfulfilled promise.
And what do you think about this?
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