Technology is something that will always continue to grow irrespective of how many setbacks it had. Today we will be talking about an integral part of Augumented Reality (AR) which is the smart glasses of Smart glasses.

The main goal of glasses has been to improve vision for generations. But recently, internet inventors and eyewear manufacturers are working together to make improve our vision but just on a whole new level? 

So, what are Smart Glasses or Smart Goggles? 

Simply defined, they represent an effort to integrate wireless networking and images into the frames and lenses of our eyewear, much as we do with our home computers and smartphones. Smart glasses are eye or head-worn wearable computers that offer useful capabilities to the user. Many smart glasses include displays that add information alongside or to what the wearer sees. Alternatively, smart glasses are sometimes defined as glasses that are able to change their optical properties, such as smart sunglasses that are programmed to change tint by electronic means.

Pose tracking functionality enables a pair of smart glasses to qualify as an augmented reality tool.

Using an optical head-mounted display (OHMD), wireless glasses with an embedded heads-up display (HUD), or an augmented reality (AR) overlay, information can be superimposed onto a field of view. In addition to allowing the user to see through it or see better with it, these systems have the ability to reflect projected digital images.

While early generations of smart glasses that used cellular technology or Wi-Fi could only carry out rudimentary functions like acting as the front end display for a distant system, newer smart glasses are really wearable computers that can run standalone mobile apps. Others employ touch controls, while some are hands-free and can connect with the Internet via voice instructions in natural language.

Smart glasses, like other computers, may gather data from both internal and exterior sensors. It has the ability to command other devices or computers or obtain data from them. Most of the time, it is compatible with wireless technologies like GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. A small number of devices can transfer music and video files to the user through a Bluetooth or WiFi headset while running a mobile operating system and acting as portable media players. Additionally, certain smart glass versions include complete lifelogging and activity tracker functionality.

Smartphone functionalities could also be included in smart glasses gadgets. Certain have capabilities seen in certain GPS watches, such as activity tracker capability (sometimes called as “fitness tracker”).

Google was first to launch this new vision of eyewear in 2013 with the introduction of Google Glass Explorer, hoping to build on the popularity of smart watches and other wearable wireless devices. 

CONTROLS

Instead of using the keyboard and mouse, smart glasses can be operated by touching, tapping, or swiping controls built into the frame, speaking commands to Alexa and Siri, and/or controlling their displays through our phone or wearable technology’

Additionally, gesture detection of head, eye, and hand motions like nodding or gazing up or down, directing via eye tracking, and even controlling our glasses with our thoughts (seriously!) are possibilities offered to manufacturers of smart glasses.  

What can Smart Glasses do? 

There are features that make the smart glasses an outstanding technology.

Smart glasses feature some of the simple but elegant technology to bring ease and flair to the design. Basically, a smart goggle features a camera to enable the user see better, a microphone for sending voice commands, an embedded speaker, for playing sounds and hearing response to command and a GPS tracker for location. Some smart glasses may be used to capture historical data in addition to a GPS tracking device and a digital camera. For instance, following the conclusion of a workout. 

Smart glasses also have Heads Up display. The heads-up display (HUD) or remote control can be used to notify the user of communication data including calls, SMS messages, emails, and calendar invitations.

APPLICATIONS 

As a body camera, smart glasses can come in handy. Chinese police in Zhengzhou and Beijing in 2018 used smart glasses to collect images that were checked against a government database using face recognition to identify suspects, get an address, and follow individuals travelling outside of their local locations.

Smart glasses have also been used in Healthcare. It has been applied during surgical procedures through teleconferencing. It is not at its very best but improvements are being made.

Remote help will be feasible with smart glasses that are integrated with these platforms. Because smart glasses make it simple to access checklists and complete chores hands-free, remote maintenance is quicker and more economical.

 Additionally, the technology may be utilized for training, either by recording their work for later instruction or by employing smart glasses to watch films of the equipment repair process in real-time.

Also, smart glasses may be utilized for audits and inspections. Using just voice instructions, the inspector may take pictures and videos, create documentation from visual data, and communicate with other professionals in real-time. The expert may then use the digital images and visuals offered by AR to examine the data and regulate quality. All of which contribute to shorter audit times overall. Additionally, it is possible to guarantee that data is accurately processed and preserved for later use.

LIMITATIONS

There is a reason that smart glasses aren’t very popular. This is because of its challenges and limitations as with every other piece of tech.

The first challenge is that it will take for the public to learn how to operate this new tool literally right before their eyes. It might take quite a while to adapt and respond to the influx of wireless data, imaging and audio right in front of their eyes. 

Also, the cost of these glasses will be something to think deeply about before purchase. For example, the Google smart glasses sold for $1,300. This contributed to the failure of the Google product. 

Users of smart glasses have a lot of potential to become distracted, which might make them and others more dangerous, especially when driving. Even before Google Glass hit the roads, Great Britain outlawed its usage while driving.

There is the possibility that any personal information you share with your smart glasses may not be protected. Additionally, it may be difficult socially if you are capturing pictures or videos of people without their knowledge or agreement.

For the nerdy-looking Google Glass, appearance proved to be a significant barrier. Since wireless technology has advanced, smart glasses should be able to be both thin and fashionable.

Our interactions with technology, our environment, and even ourselves are being revolutionized by smart glasses. They are set to replace traditional tools in our daily lives because to advantages including seamless augmented reality experiences, hands-free connection, increased accessibility, greater safety features, and individualized health tracking. The future possibilities are extremely intriguing as technology develops and becomes more accessible.