What Are Smart Glasses? Background, Functionality, and More!

Smart glasses are here to stay. But before you run out and buy a set, it’s important to understand what you need to know about smart glasses. These glasses will give you a second screen and allow you to interact with them. You’ll be able to use them for all purposes that we will discuss in the following article.

Others can be combined with a computer, and so much more. Because of that, Smart Glasses are becoming more and more popular among people.

These devices are like a near-future technology experience. If you are looking for a way to keep up with the smart glasses trend, then this blog is for you.

What are Smart Glasses?

Smart glasses are electronic glasses that add information to what the user sees in front of their eyes. Similar to a computer, smart glasses can collect information from internal or external sensors.

They can control or download data from other tools or computers. Likewise, they can support wireless technologies such as:

Some models support mobile operating systems and act as portable media players to send audio and video files to users via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi headsets. 

They can be used for various purposes, such as navigation, getting weather forecasts, or playing games.

Because of their digital nature, they don’t have physical buttons. They are also more comfortable to use than other digital devices.  

Also, they have incorporated microphones, speakers, and cameras.

History of Smart Glasses

In 2014 Google launched the first AR glasses on the market: Google Glass. Its main purpose was to show users smartphone information without the need to use their hands, through voice control and the screen visible on the lens.

The operating system was Android. Project Glass was part of the company’s Google X division, which was working on other top-notch technologies such as self-driving cars. 

Babak Parviz, an electrical engineer working on lenticular display installations from Google launched the project; Steve Lee, project leader, and positioning expert; and Sebastian Thrun, who developed the online university Udacity and worked on the Google Car Autopilot project. 

On January 15, 2015, the company announced that it had completed production of the Glass prototype.

However, either by design or price, this model was not as successful as they expected. Since then, brands like Apple, Xiaomi, Microsoft, and Huawei have launched their smart glasses allowing the user to take photos and videos, post them directly to social networks, listen to music or make phone calls.

Functions of Smart Glasses

Smart glasses have the potential to change the way we use our smartphones and the way we interact with the world around us. They can help us with:

How Does a Smart Glass Work?

Smart glasses are built to have sensors on their frame. Some of them even have Augmented Reality technology, which allows them to be smart and offer a multitude of functions. 

These glasses look very similar to regular glasses but can be thinner on the sides. Here’s what makes them so special.

Microphone

In most smart glasses there is an embedded microphone that can be used to answer calls on command to a voice assistant and more. You will also find a very small processor in the frame.

Speakers

At the bottom of the earpiece, there’s a speaker for wireless audio input and cell phone reception. Sound is transmitted to the ear by conduction through the bones, not by air conduction through the ear canal.

Lens

Placed on top of the lens, this projection method, known as a curved mirror or curved combination mirror, provides a partially transparent digital display without blocking your view of the real world. 

Some manufacturers now offer an alternative version called holographic waveguide optics.

Camera

The camera is usually placed on the sides of the frame, making it as unobtrusive as possible and able to capture photos or videos in just a blink of an eye.

Materials

Smart Glasses are designed with different materials. According to that, their prices in the market could be higher or lower.

Here you can see some materials that Smart Glasses are built with:

Types Of Smart Glasses

There are many different types of Smart Glasses versions and all of them may have something that the other won’t. 

But you don’t need to worry. The best thing about this type of product is that it can be customized to your needs. You can choose from different types of lenses and frames. But be careful, because they have a specific type of use.

Here you can see the most common.

Monocular Smart Glasses	A smart monocular is a head-mounted display in which the optical engine is located in one of the lenses, from there you get the name  “monocular”.
Binocular Smart Glasses	HMD binoculars come with 2 transparent LCD screens to provide users with a stereoscopic view.
Audio AR Glasses	AR glasses are augmented reality devices that you can use for gaming.
Immersive or Mixed Reality Smart Glasses	These devices are fully immersive and use inclusive standalone systems that have the best displays and allow you to show 3D objects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrap Up

Smart Glasses can be quite useful when you have one and you don’t have a smartphone or a way to get fast information about a product, service, or place.

These glasses are one of the simplest forms of technology that you can find. Throughout the years, they have evolved from the simple form of reading glasses to the more advanced form of smart glasses. 

Within the last few years, these devices have been one of the most breathable and advanced forms of glasses. 

They are a great form of technology because they are easily accessible and can easily be purchased at a variety of prices – according to materials and usability.

Particularly, I wouldn’t buy one. But if you want to have an immersive experience and the possibility to feel like you are a special agent, this gadget is for you.