# The State of Smart Glasses in 2021

- Link: https://chatterblast.com/blog/the-state-of-smart-glasses-in-2021/
- Published: 2021-01-22T14:57:53-05:00
- Author: chatterblastteam

In late 2020, [**Facebook** recently announced](https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/16/21439929/facebook-ar-smart-glasses-ray-ban-announcement)
that its first pair of **smart glasses** will be released sometime in 2021. We’re
not exactly sure of the date yet, but we’re hearing “sooner than later” for the 
release. While I was initially excited for the announcement, that feeling quickly
diminished when I read these glasses will _not_ include augmented reality capabilities.

Here’s the official announcement from **Mark Zuckerberg**, which contains pretty
much no real information about the smart glasses’ capabilities: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdj9U0pyem4

Sure, the partnerships with **Ray-Ban** and [**Luxottica**](http://www.luxottica.com/en/facebook-and-essilorluxottica-announce-collaboration-smart-glasses)
are cool, but if I can’t integrate digital objects into the world around me, what’s
the point? I’ve seen similar reactions to this announcement all around. Since the
full capabilities of the new Facebook smart glasses haven’t been released yet, let’s
take a look at some of the product’s competitors that are already on the market.

## **Microsoft HoloLens 2**

The [HoloLens 2](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens/hardware) is Microsoft’s
smart glasses offering. Released in late 2019, these glasses are focused on creating
mixed reality experiences. This is the strongest of the options and also the most
pricey at $3,500. These smart glasses feature a 2K display and are capable of eye
tracking, accurate hand tracking, spacial audio, detecting real-world objects, and
projecting holograms into your space for an immersive experience.

##### _Now this is how you do a product release video._

The HoloLens 2 can be used for virtual training, as a hands-free interface in physical
work environments, and for developing apps or games in Unity. This product is definitely
geared towards the professional, not the standard creator. The lenses also feature
a front-facing camera, allowing for video conferencing. [Widely regarded](https://medium.com/echoar/the-best-augmented-reality-glasses-in-2020-so-far-3a1f0ea4fd42)
as the most advanced pair of smart glasses, the Microsoft HoloLens 2 is a powerful,
yet costly device. 

## **Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2**

I remember when Google Glass was first introduced—and how its moment of popularity
felt more like novelty than tech innovation. (Perhaps it was a bit too early for
its time.) Now, the most current version of Google Glass is functional, applicable,
and still sleek in its design, featuring 720p video and voice control.

Priced at $999, the [Enterprise Edition 2](https://www.google.com/glass/start/) 
is geared more towards the healthcare and manufacturing industries than personal
use. Mainly, Google Glass is used to offer peripheral vision and notifications to
people working physical jobs where both hands are required. It also can provide 
streaming video showing what the user is doing to others.

In the release video, Google highlights their glasses as a utility to enhance the
healthcare and industrial professions, providing a better experience for all.

## **Snapchat Spectacles 3**

The [Snapchat Spectacles](https://www.spectacles.com/) enter this list as the most
affordable option—but still at a pricey $380.

I tried out the original version of these years ago, and while the product was fun,
it didn’t have many capabilities. Compared to previous versions where the augmented
reality asset existed on a 2D plane within the world, the new glasses have a second
camera which allows for real-time 3D processing and depth perception. One can apply
their snap filters to the real world through these lenses and have them interact
with the space in front of them. (Users must use must use Snapchat’s Lens Studio
to create experiences within their platform.)

With their reveal, Snapchat kept things quick, vibrant, and a little vague. Personally
I appreciate how the visuals and capabilities speak for themselves, but I can see
this being a bit confusing to someone who isn’t as familiar with the platform.

While I can’t see these ever being used in the same industries as Google Glass, 
it’s by far the strongest option for creatives. Being almost 90% cheaper than the
HoloLens 2, the Spectacles 3 will allow creators to dive into creating immersive
experiences without the hefty cost up front.

For now, I don’t plan to buy the new Facebook smart glasses. As a [creator interested in AR](https://chatterblast.com/virtual-art-galleries-are-here-to-stay/),
I’ve had my eye on the Snapchat Spectacles, but ultimately I think I’ll stay away
from smart glasses for the time being.

When researching these products, I often found the general sentiment that smart 
glasses won’t become fully realized for another ten or so years—the hardware is 
just not fully possible with portable lenses yet. While the ideas are incredible,
a lot of the immersive functionality is just not available compared to a full VR
device like the [Oculus Rift](https://www.oculus.com/rift-s/).

I’m excited to see how this trend changes as the technology becomes more accessible,
but for the time being I’ll stick to using my smartphone.