The billion dollar race for truly smart glasses
TechAltar・22 minutes read
Apple Vision Pro and Quest 3 hint at mass-market potential for VR and AR devices, with challenges like creating see-through optics and fitting a supercomputer into slim glasses being addressed. Input methods in AR glasses vary, with advancements in battery technology, control technology converting thoughts into keyboard input, and compact eye tracking systems paving the way for the future of wearable tech.
Insights
- AR glasses present significant challenges due to the complexity of creating see-through optics and fitting powerful computing systems into slim designs, which impacts factors like display quality and form factor.
- The development of innovative input methods for AR glasses, such as neural interface bands that interpret brain signals for controlling devices, indicates a potential shift towards thought-controlled technology in the near future, revolutionizing how users interact with wearable devices.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
What are some challenges in creating AR glasses?
AR glasses face challenges like see-through optics and fitting a supercomputer into slim glasses. Solutions like waveguide systems and mixed waveguides are being explored to address these issues.
How do AR glasses differ from VR devices?
AR glasses are more challenging to create than VR due to the need for see-through optics and fitting a supercomputer into slim glasses. VR devices do not require the same level of transparency and compactness.
What technologies are being developed to improve AR display visibility?
Shading solutions like liquid crystals, local dimming, and electrochromatic dimming are being developed to address display visibility and contrast issues in AR glasses.
What is the role of Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips in AR glasses?
Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips, particularly the XR and AR series, are crucial for powering AR glasses with improved performance and power efficiency, enhancing the overall user experience.
How are input methods evolving for AR glasses?
Input methods in AR glasses vary, with hand tracking, neural interface bands, and dedicated hardware controllers being considered. Companies are exploring innovative ways to interact with AR devices beyond traditional methods.
Related videos
Summary
00:00
"Future of AR Glasses: Challenges and Solutions"
- The Apple Vision Pro and Quest 3 are promising VR and AR devices, hinting at future mass-market potential.
- Smart glasses becoming mainstream is a possibility, with Meta and Apple actively developing AR devices.
- AR glasses are more challenging to create than VR due to the need for see-through optics and fitting a supercomputer into slim glasses.
- Displays and optics in AR glasses pose significant challenges, with solutions like waveguide systems, bird bath designs, and mixed waveguides being explored.
- Transparent displays in AR glasses face issues like brightness, visibility artifacts, and the inability to show true black.
- Shading solutions like liquid crystals, local dimming, and electrochromatic dimming are being developed to address display visibility and contrast issues.
- Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips, particularly the XR and AR series, are crucial for powering AR glasses with improved performance and power efficiency.
- Battery limitations in AR glasses impact form factor and functionality, with advancements in battery technology being slow.
- Input methods in AR glasses vary, with hand tracking, neural interface bands, and dedicated hardware controllers being considered.
- Meta's focus on neural interface bands for input in AR glasses showcases a unique approach to interaction without physical controllers.
13:55
Future of Thought-Controlled Wearable Technology
- Nerve impulses can be generated by merely thinking about moving a hand, teaching a system to recognize thought as input for key presses.
- Control Lab, acquired by MAA in 2019 for $500 million to $1 billion, specializes in machines that convert thought into keyboard input, with plans for consumer availability.
- Mark Zuckerberg hinted at the imminent release of thought-controlled devices, expected to launch with Next Generation Rayband glasses in 2025, followed by VR device support.
- Double Point, a Finnish startup, already offers a basic version of thought-controlled devices using off-the-shelf SmartWatches sensors, while Apple showcases double tap actions on their watches.
- Eye tracking technology is another input method being developed, with companies like Toby and Zin Labs pioneering compact eye tracking systems using event-based cameras.
- Meta's roadmap suggests a full AR headset may not be mainstream until at least 2030, but advancements in compact smart glasses like Meta Raybands and Mau My View indicate a promising future for wearable tech.
