Instead of computer-generated environments to interact with as virtual reality does, augmented reality (AR) enhances the real physical world achieved through the use of digital elements, whether it is sound or other sensory stimuli. It is a growing trend among companies involved in mobile computing and business applications in particular. In simpler terms, augmented reality adds to the reality you would ordinarily see.
Alibaba's new Quark AI Glasses come in S1 and G1 models with bone-conduction audio, onboard cameras, Qwen AI integration, and a first-of-its-kind dual-battery system
Google and Magic Leap have previewed the first Android XR glasses prototype, built on Google's Raxium microLED technology and Magic Leap's optics
Samsung's Galaxy XR headset based on Google's Android XR platform could launch this month, featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Plus Gen 2 chip and a 4K micro-OLED display
At Connect 2025, Meta launched its first display-equipped Ray-Ban glasses, alongside upgraded Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2, Oakley Vanguard, and new features for Quest headsets
Meta is expected to debut Ray-Ban smart glasses with a built-in display, gesture-based wristband controls, and a new Oakley Meta Sphaera model at Connect 2025
The Snap OS 2.0 update brings browser upgrades, vertical video via Spotlight Lens, improved sharing tools, AR stabilisation, and gaming support for Snap Specs
Vivo Vision Discovery Edition headset is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip and features dual 8K Micro-OLED displays and a compact build to rival Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest
Vivo will debut the Vision Discovery Edition Glasses on August 21, featuring gesture-based controls and a design similar to Apple Vision Pro
Snap's next-generation AR glasses, simply called 'Specs', are set to launch in 2026 with a sleek design, built-in computing, and AI-powered features
Smart glasses are reportedly part of Apple's broader push into AI-enhanced hardware, though the company appears to have shelved plans for an Apple Watch model with a built-in camera
The processor for its glasses is based on chips used in the Apple Watch that require less energy than components in products like the iPhone, iPad and Mac
Apple is also working on a second-generation Vision Pro, focusing on improving enterprise uses such as viewing medical images during surgeries or for use in flight simulators
Samsung's XR smart glasses are not expected to have physical buttons; instead, they will likely rely on cameras and sensors capable of recognising movements
The Samsung XR smart glasses are expected to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Plus Gen 2 chip, the same processor that is likely being used in the Project Moohan headset
Samsung's Project Moohan headset is expected to feature 1.3-inch OLEDoS (OLED on Silicon) panels with 4K resolution, developed by Sony
Snap claims to have claims to has more than 375,000 creators worldwide in augmented reality (AR) ecosystem that have built over 4 million AR lenses
Bloomberg previously reported that Apple is shutting the programme for augmented reality (AR) glasses, which would have required a connection to a Mac for processing data
The now-canceled product would have looked like normal glasses but include built-in displays and require a connection to a Mac
Reportedly, Meta is expanding its partnership with EssilorLuxottica to develop Oakley-branded smart glasses and new Ray-Ban glasses with a built-in display
Reportedly, Samsung could unveil Ray-Ban Meta-like smart glasses alongside the XR headset at the anticipated Galaxy S25 series launch event on January 22, 2025