The future of technology is heavily tied to the concept of “smart” devices, and one of the most promising areas for this technology is in smart glasses. Smart glasses are essentially wearable computers that are integrated into eyewear, allowing for hands-free computing and augmented reality experiences. Cristiano Amon, the President and CEO of Qualcomm recently stated¹ at the Davos summit in Switzerland that the next major shift is the “merging of physical and digital spaces.” Amon said that smartphones have been held back by the limitations of screen size, and that smart glasses are a solution to these limitations. Apple CEO Tim Cook is on record² as saying that smart glasses could be as transformative as smartphones were.

One of the key drivers for the adoption of smart glasses is the increasing demand for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences. As technology improves, it is becoming increasingly possible to create immersive and realistic experiences using AR and VR, and smart glasses are a natural platform for delivering these experiences. For example, a worker in a factory can use smart glasses to access instructions and data overlaid on the machinery they are working on, allowing them to work more efficiently and safely. A doctor can use the smart glasses to check a patient’s medical records and vital signs while performing a surgery, reducing the risk of medical errors. In the field of education, smart glasses can be used to provide students with interactive and immersive learning experiences, allowing them to learn in a more engaging and effective way.

Another major driver for the adoption of smart glasses is the increasing demand for hands-free computing. As more and more tasks are being performed on mobile devices, there is a growing need for a way to access and interact with these devices without having to hold them. Smart glasses provide a solution to this problem, as they allow users to access and control their devices using voice commands and gestures, without having to take their hands off whatever task they are currently performing. This is particularly useful for professionals who need to multitask, such as surgeons, construction workers and technicians, as it allows them to access information and data while keeping their hands free to perform their tasks.

Additionally, smart glasses are also a great solution for the privacy concern of constant surveillance. As the world becomes more connected and data-driven, there is a growing concern about privacy and security. Smart glasses can help to mitigate these concerns by providing a way for users to access and interact with information and data without having to share it with others. For example, a smart glass user can access their personal information and data, such as emails, social media, and bank account, without having to take out their smartphone and potentially exposing their information to others.

Smart glasses also have the potential to revolutionize the way we communicate. Smart glasses can be integrated with voice and video communication technologies, allowing users to make and receive calls, as well as video conferences, without having to hold a device. This can be particularly useful for people who need to stay connected while on the move, such as business travelers and field workers.
Furthermore, smart glasses can be integrated with various sensors, such as GPS, accelerometer, and gyroscope, to track and record user’s movement and activity. This data can be analyzed and used to provide personalized recommendations, such as workout routines, and to monitor and improve user’s health and fitness.

However, there are still some challenges to overcome before smart glasses become mainstream. One major challenge is cost, as current smart glasses are still relatively expensive. Additionally, there are also concerns about the potential health effects of prolonged use of smart glasses, such as eye strain and headaches. There are also concerns about the potential distraction caused by smart glasses, as well as the risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches. But as technology improves and costs decrease, it is likely that these challenges will be overcome, and smart glasses will become a common sight in our everyday lives.

Smart glasses are the future of technology, as they will change the way we interact with the world around us, as well as how we access and use information. They will provide new opportunities for augmented reality, hands-free computing, and communication. They also offer solutions to privacy concerns and have the potential to improve various industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education. However, there are still challenges to be overcome such as cost, potential health effects, and concerns about distraction and security. As technology continues to advance and costs decrease, it is likely that smart glasses will become increasingly prevalent in our everyday lives and will have a significant impact on how we live and work. The future of technology is smart glasses, and it is an exciting prospect to see how they will continue to evolve and shape our world. “It’s going to happen,” Amon said.