Smart Glasses: Another Wearable to Watch Out For

by Arvi Marie Dacuba (Content Editor)

Image Source: Facebook

Facebook and Xiaomi have announced their own pairs of smart glasses offerings. Facebook's version is already available in the US, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, and the UK, and retails at US$299, whereas Xiaomi's Smart Glasses, which takes innovation a step further by incorporating an actual imaging system into the device, remains a concept product for now.

Facebook teamed up with Ray-Ban's parent company EssilorLuxottica to produce the Ray-Ban Stories. It lets users snap photos and videos up to 30 seconds, listen to music and podcasts, plus take calls. These can also be done hands-free through voice commands via Facebook Assistant. The pictures and videos taken are then automatically uploaded to the Facebook View app, which is available on both iOs and Android.

Image Source: Facebook

The Ray-Ban Stories' hardware includes a Snapdragon processor, capacitive touchpad, a battery, two 5MP cameras on either side of the frame, an LED light, which lights up to let nearby people know that the device is recording, open-ear micro-speakers, plus three microphone audio drivers for calls and videos. The pair is charged through the contact point of its hinge or via the charging case. Facebook claims a full charge can last three days of use. These smart glasses are mainly designed to keep users connected by allowing them to share photos and videos, take calls and listen to audio. In its press release, Facebook states "we're committed to delivering innovative technology and fashion-forward style - while helping people better connect with friends and family." In her recent review, tech content creator Isa Rodriguez states that the footage and stabilization are already good on the glasses.

Facebook claims to have designed the Ray-Ban Stories with "privacy in mind." Such features include a power switch to turn off the mic and cameras, the LED that lights up during recording, plus the privacy customization settings in the Facebook View app. The company says that the smart glasses won't collect users' data for personalized ads. The photos and videos taken by the glasses are also encrypted. The glasses can only be paired with one account. On the occasion that the smart glasses might be misplaced and someoneelse tries to pair them with another account, all data files will be deleted for security.

Aside from the ability to take photos and videos, Xiaomi's concept Smart Glasses, on the other hand, is said to be able to display messages, notifications, support calls, provide navigation and translate text in real time. It uses MicroLED imaging technology into the glasses' lenses to create a compact monochrome display that will show users important notifications, maps and directions plus callers' numbers right before their very eyes.

Image Source: Xiaomi

Xiaomi's display is "roughly the size of a grain of rice" at 2.4x2.02mm with up to 2 million nits of brightness. Ideal for travelers, Xiaomi's proprietary translating algorithm can provide real time translation both on written text and photos captured through its camera. Although these smart glasses are still in concept, previous Xiaomi concept devices have eventually turned into real products in the market. If this is so, then Xiaomi's Smart Glasses takes a step further into the AR development of smart wearables.

Image Source: Xiaomi

Image Source: Xiaomi

PR Newswire estimates the smart glasses market to have a 15 percent annual growth rate from 2021 to 2025, with revenue to reach US$69 million. However, the key drivers are mostly AR (Augmented Reality) devices meant for gaming. Facebook's Ray-Ban stories is mostly designed as an extension to smartphone connectivity, while Xiaomi's Smart Glasses is for practical day-to-day usage.

Either way, with more manufacturers focusing on developing smart glasses, it's worth to keep an eye out on this market in the wearables industry. Asian manufacturers, known for their innovations, currently offer more affordable alternatives and provide similar functions such as playing music and supporting calls. Smart glasses offered by verified suppliers on Global Sources are ready for sourcing today.