AR Glasses 2023: Latest Updates from Tech Companies

Glasses or no glasses. That is the question. Let’s hear from tech giants. Is 2022 going to be the year of AR Glasses?

As technological advancements increase our access to what we actually do not have in daily life, our routines and daily norms lose popularity. We used to talk about flying elephants or purple trees when we talked about the impossible. But, at this point, we can even experience all of these scenarios, and so much more.

When it comes to bringing 3D assets to the real world, smart glasses are one of the best options. Developing a new sense of reality in the freedom provided by augmented reality (AR) is one of the most powerful forces we have as we continuously construct our future. AR glasses, which assist us with our daily work without interrupting the flow of life or getting away from reality, are seen as an area today where many brands, including technology giants, can create meaningful, immersive experiences. 

After our article in which we focused on the best and most innovative AR glasses on the market, now let's take a look at the further updates and developments in 2023.

Google AR Glasses

I/O conferences are where Google announces new developments and upcoming projects in sessions. At the I/O conference in 2012, Google announced that they were working on AR glasses and that they wanted to be a leader in this market. Today, exactly 10 years later, at the 2022 I/O conference, Google gave details about the AR glasses they plan to launch with progressive add-ons.

In the short video shown by the company, the AR glasses are also used for simultaneous translation. Google, which aims to solve the language difficulties between people with instant translation, puts practicality first with this new hardware with a customer-oriented approach. Beyond language translation, this could be a game-changer for people with hearing impairment. 

We have previously seen Google Glass Enterprise and Google Glass Enterprise 2 developed by Google for businesses. Let’s see if Google will be able to bring mass adoption for AR Glasses this time.

Meta AR Glasses

In April, we saw the news in The Verge that Meta is working on three standalone AR glasses that are planned to be released in the next few years. While explaining his long-term plans, Mark Zuckerberg mentioned smart glasses as a product that will redefine their relationship with technology.

Meta gave up on bringing the first version of Orion, which was planned to be released in 2024, to the general public. It has been reported that the manufacturing of the device costs thousands of dollars and the basic elements such as screen brightness are not yet suitable for consumers. The initial version will only be accessible to developers. Meta is now working on Artemis, which they describe as the second version of Orion. Artemis is rumored to have a less bulky design and a more advanced display technology.

The third version is the Hypernova smart glasses, which are planned to be cheaper. Unlike the other two, Hypernova will be a simpler model that will allow you to see notifications while you are wearing your glasses.

Apple Glasses

When it comes to hardware design, Apple is one of the first companies that comes to mind. It is safe to say that people are waiting impatiently for them to announce their latest developments for the augmented reality market.

Apple is currently working on an AR/VR headset and those mixed reality glasses will be capable of operating on their own without the need for a station such as a computer. Calling the technology to be used in smart glasses “RealityOS”, Apple has already entered the radar of Hollywood directors. Smart glasses, which are at the forefront of facilitating our corporate and daily life, seem to have a profound effect on our content consumption habits too.

Apple's AR/VR headset will be introduced to the consumer after the developer conference WWDC 2023. The reason for this is shown as Apple's desire to convey the RealityOS operating system in detail at the conference.

Apple is aiming for the ultimate mixed reality hardware. Do you think they will dominate the AR glasses market soon?

Lenovo Think Reality A3

First announced by Lenovo at the CES 2021 event, the Think Reality A3 smart glasses mainly target businesses (just like Google Glass Enterprise).

According to the statements made by Lenovo, their AR glasses promise comfortable to use on one hand, and on the other hand, it seems that they will not be loved by everyone due to their wired design. But the most crucial feature of Think Reality A3 is that it can work not only with Windows computers but also with Android smartphones.

The glasses, which can be used as sunglasses without the need for any equipment, come with a half-lens half-camera design. In addition to Google Glass Enterprise 2, which is prone to in-field work, it also allows screen sharing with your friends with whom you do not share a physical office.

“A3 is a light, powerful and versatile next-generation augmented reality solution. ThinkReality A3 will add to their ability to do more than they can, wherever they are and whatever they are doing.”

Jon Pershke, Vice President of the Smart Devices Group at Lenovo

From a different perspective, can smart devices act as both an intermediary and a scapegoat for employers to increase their dominance over employees? We will have to wait and see.

Nreal Air

Nreal Light glasses, which Nreal offered for sale in the Asian market before releasing it to the US market in 2021, were a reasonably priced option suitable for personal use. Users could easily use them while watching movies or playing games. Although they stood out for their low price, their relatively advanced features such as AR stabilization and hand tracking were also highlighted. Plus, their not-so-hidden camera was quite helpful when it comes to accusations of privacy violations. They successfully passed those security claims (unlike Meta’s collaboration with Ray-Ban).

Nreal Air, which is designed for video streaming and has a lighter design, has two main modes: Air Casting and MR Space. Air Casting allows users to view their phone screen on a 130-inch virtual screen while standing four meters away from it. MR Space merges digital objects with the space around the user. While Google’s and Lenovo's glasses focus on corporate use, let us remind you once again that Nreal AR glasses are focused on the entertainment industry mainly.

Make virtual items a part of your business as well

AR Glasses are soon set to be the new way of interacting with our environment. So why shouldn’t your business step up to this 3D version of the internet?

As artlabs, we are here to provide 3D & AR solutions to your business. If you want to follow the tech giants jumping into the augmented reality market, contact our professional team today.