Entering a smart-glasses era?

                                                                                                                                                                                       For more than a decade now, the smartphone has dominated consumer technology.  Several major technology companies are, however, considering wearable smart-glasses  (Augmented Reality (AR) glasses) as the next major platform. Meta, Apple, and other industry players are investing heavily in augmented and mixed reality technologies, aiming to integrate communication, information, and digital  services directly into the user’s field of view. Research is also ongoing on smart-glasses for aiding visually impaired people.

Today’s smart-glasses already support functions such as voice assistance, photography, video calls, audio
streaming, and AI-based interaction. The technology is, however, still at an early stage. Limitations related to battery life, ergonomics, cost, and everyday usability mean that smartphones are likely to remain the primary consumer device for the foreseeable future.

The market is therefore characterized by both genuine innovation and considerable hype. Some industry leaders apparently suggest that smart-glasses could eventually replace certain smartphone functions, but there is currently limited evidence that they will fully replace smartphones in the near term.

Also, the technology raises important concerns regarding privacy and security. Integrated cameras, microphones, sensors, and continuous data collection have already triggered debate about acceptable use in public spaces and the need for clearer regulatory frameworks.

For the testing and certification industry, smart-glasses introduce new challenges related to EMC compliance, wireless performance, cybersecurity, data privacy, battery safety, and overall product reliability. These devices combine multiple advanced technologies within extremely compact form factors, increasing both testing complexity and regulatory demands.

Whether smart-glasses become “the next big thing” will likely depend on how quickly the technology matures, and whether consumers perceive clear practical value in daily use. For now, the sector appears to represent a combination of meaningful technological progress and high market expectations.

Further information may be seen e.g. here and here.

(This article is based on an article in Consumer Electronics Magazine; edited by T.Sollie)