According to TechCruch, Google is preparing to enter the smart glasses market again with their version of AI glasses. It is among one of the tech companies including Apple who are looking to battle with their competitor Meta.
Statistics reports that Meta has already owned around 73% shares of the AI wearable global market. Moreover, the global market for AI glasses will grow at a rate of 10.51% by 2034.
Are you an avid user of AI technology? Do you take interest in using AI wearables for day-to-day assistance? In this guide, we will discuss AI glasses, their components, significance, features and principles.
Moreover, check out the disadvantages of smart glasses and the key contributors who’re investing in the technology.
Ready to learn the positive impact of AI wearables on your future? Let’s explore.
What are AI glasses?
AI glasses are wearables that are integrated with the modern technology of artificial intelligence unlike regular glasses. These smart glasses allow the users to connect with the internet, record things and manage the device with voice controls.
The best part about these AI glasses is that they are different from the previous version of smart wearables. Apart from having features like a camera, microphone and speakers, these devices are powered by AI assistants like Meta AI.
Why do we need AI glasses technology?
During the Meta Connect in 2025, Mark Zuckerberg stressed on the importance of limiting the usage of smartphones. He stated that the AI glasses are an effort by Meta to make people live in a moment.
The major need of this technology is to reduce the negative impacts of smartphones that block networking and socialising. With the help of these eye wearables, users can get quick and hands-free access to any sort of digital function.
Moreover, users can interact with foreigners easily with the help of live translations. They won’t need their phones and GPS tracking applications to reach the desired place. Smart glasses make it easier with navigational turns.
The use of AI glasses is essential for helping people to stay aware of their surroundings simultaneously using digital functions.
What are the major components of AI glasses?
The range of components in the smart wearables vary according to their manufacturing companies and models. However, almost all the smart glasses have the following components:
Processing
Smart glasses have a built-in processor that is required to connect the product with a user’s requests and AI assistants.
Input
Eye wearables use smart sensors with microphonic technology to assess the commands of a user. Moreover, smart glasses also analyse the movements of a user with accelerometers.
Output
The output components of smart wearable include speakers and virtual displays for delivering information.
Connectivity
The connectivity features include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi components to connect the user with their devices and the internet.
What are the three principles necessary for the success of AI glasses?
Google Glass failed because of the lack of data privacy and security features. Tech companies are focused on the following principles to ensure user-friendly and secure products:
Privacy
Many tech companies are focusing on developing glasses with no built-in cameras, following a privacy-first approach. Conscious product development decisions make the product acceptable and reliable for a user.
Data Security
Users are often concerned about the protection of their data while purchasing technical products. Tech companies that are investing on the production of smart wearable use cloud servers for data storage.
Moreover, after the awareness of data security and strictness of security regulations, businesses show transparency in data handling. However, it is recommended to read the data policy of any brand before buying something from them.
Social Acceptance
Previous efforts to bring smart glasses failed because of their unconventional styles and designs. The currently developed AI glasses by Meta, Xiaomi and even the upcoming Google’s one look trendy and stylish.
However, these models still look like any traditional eyeglasses. This enhances the social acceptance for this technology along with increasing the ease to wear it on a daily basis.
What do the AI glasses do?
Tech companies have invested on the AI technology to provide a wide range of smart features for users, including:
AI Assistant Integration
The ideal purchasing feature in these wearables is the integration of AI assistants and chatbots like Meta AI, Gemini and Siri. Users can easily access the settings of smart products or IoT devices in their home. Moreover, they can make and accept calls, ask for navigation, check weather updates and more.
Improved Accessibility
Visually impaired or people with disabilities can benefit from this smart product with the help of advanced assistive tools. They can use text-to-speech functions, audio descriptions, sign language interpretations, object identification and more.
Audio Recording
We discussed earlier that smart glasses have internal components like microphones that can assess user audio commands. Additionally, the product offers features to record your voice during meetings or important conversations for references.
Live Translations
Interacting with someone with a different native language is no more of an issue. The smart glasses technology offers live translations on the lenses in written form and through speakers in audio form.
Object Recognition
Many companies are investing in the object recognition feature to help visually impaired people. Moreover, other users can also use it for enhanced situational and contextual understanding.
Image and Video Capturing
Even though the video and image capturing feature in smart glasses cause privacy debates. It is a brilliant addition for creative people like content creators, video storytellers, journalists and more. The hands-free recording version helps the user in recording the moment without using their smartphones.
Health Monitoring
Many smart glasses models are introducing features like health monitoring that tracks a user’s heart rate and temperature.
Enhanced Navigation Assistance
Smart glasses technology is investing in turn-on-turn navigation updates using AI technology. It also uses augmented reality displays to show real-time navigation.
Improved Communication
The accessibility of talking to someone without holding a phone is ideal for busy users and multitaskers. Moreover, other features like notifications and messages appear on the user’s lens for encouraging smooth and quick conversations.
What is the difference between AI glasses and AR glasses?
The thing that distinct one smart glasses technology from the other is their core technology. AR glasses are mostly used to offer immersive virtual experiences for the user using spatial mapping and computer vision technology.
Meanwhile, wearables that use artificial intelligence focus on the intelligent interaction among users and the device. It uses AI technology to optimise a user’s day-to-day tasks.
The function of these glasses is to fulfil the user’s needs.
In contrast, AR glasses focus on enhancing spatial interactions with a user and providing engaging visual experiences. Moreover, AR glasses are mostly used in the gaming and visual designing industry.
AI glasses are used as a form of virtual assistants that identify objects, give routes, highlight context and more.
AI glasses models by Meta
Meta is among the first tech companies that successfully launched and sold more that 2 million sets of AI wearables. It partnered with Ray-Ban and Oakley to launch the following Meta glasses:
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1 and 2)
The Ray-Ban Meta glasses were released in September 2023 by Meta. It included two generations with models like Skyler Wayfarer and an additional Headliner in Gen 2.
The first generation offered 1080p video quality resolution with a 4-hour long battery life. The pricing of the generation one models starts around $224.5.
The second generation of Ray-Ban Meta offered a high-quality 3K display with double battery life than the previous generation. The models are trendy to wear with features like accessibility, privacy and AI assistance. The price range of the Gen 2 models is around $379.
Oakley Meta HSTN
Meta collaborated with Oakley to launch performance glasses for sports lovers. The model Oakley Meta HSTN offers features like hands-free video and audio capturing and AI assistance.
It has a prescription range starting from -6.00 to +4.00. Moreover, it offers a 100 percent field of view with 8-hour battery life, voice control and touch settings. The price range of the model is around $399.
Oakley Meta Vanguard
Meta released another version of AI wearables with Oakley known as Oakley Meta Vanguagrd in 2025. The model offers a 12 MP camera and advanced 122-degree field of view. It has a 9-hour battery life with IP67 water resistance.
Moreover, the model is built with Oakley Prizm lenses that can protect eyes from the sunlight. However, the model doesn’t include prescriptive lenses and cost around $499.
Meta Ray-Ban Display
The model Meta Ray-Ban Display was released on 30th September 2025. The AI glasses model is the most advanced version that is getting sold with a neural wristband. The model offers prescriptive glasses with a range between -4.00 to +4.00. Moreover, it has a 12 MP camera, 100-degree field of view and 3x zoom feature.
Meta Ray-Ban Display has a battery life of six hours with 4-way touchpad and voice controls for using Meta AI. The AI glasses can record two-way videos, give updates, notifications and reminders.
Moreover, it also offers discreet open-ear speakers that can adjust the volume according to the surroundings. The price of this model is around $799.
Google Glass Vs AI glasses with Warby Parker for 2026
Google first launched its version of smart glasses in 2013, under the name Google Glass. The design of that product included glasses made up of a wireframe along with a little camera installed at the right-side lens’s corner.
The camera was used by the product users to record images and videos of their environment which raised privacy concerns. The endless debates on data privacy led to the end of Google Glass in 2015.
Google also released a rebranded version of their previous product Google Glass enterprise which was also deemed as a failure.
According to the keyword, the company announced the release of Google glasses in 2026. They shared that they’ve partnered with Warby Parker, Samsung and Gentle Monster to produce their upcoming AI wearables.
Moreover, they will release two kinds of AI glasses, including a screen-free version that will allow audio interactions with Gemini. The other version of Google glasses includes a display version that shows navigational keys and live translations on its lenses.
Rumoured Apple’s AI glasses for 2027
According to the rumours and leaks, the tech giant Apple is going to release the first version of smart glasses. It is among one of the most evolved technical products for Apple’s CEO.
Mark Gurman shared that Apple would release the first version of the AI wearable in 2027, under the name N50. According to Gurman, these glasses are among the top priority of 2027’s product launch. Moreover, he shared that another version of AI wearable is expected to be released in the year 2028.
MacRumors reported that Apple is expected to offer a variety in the design of AI wearables like the Apple Watch. The platform also shared that Apple is testing the manufacturing of 3D printing technology.
However, the weight of the product depends on the components utilised in it. It is expected that Apple glasses will use Siri as the AI assistant using voice controls.
Moreover, the product will also have a touch feature for image and video recording.
Apart from this, the glasses will have almost the same key features in any smart wearable.
It will use a custom SoC for the AI wearables that is similar to the chip used in Apple watch. Moreover, the camera in the glasses will be integrated with the AI assistant to benefit visually impaired users with visual intelligence.
There’s no major confirmation regarding the price range of Apple glasses while some sources report it to be around $300. However, one can estimate it considering the price range of Apple watches.
AI glasses by Chinese tech giant Xiaomi
The Chinese tech giant Xiaomi announced the AI wearables on 26th June 2025. The Xiaomi glasses were released to compete with the Meta glasses. The company launched the glasses with three different colours including Black, Parrot green and Brown.
The design included a D-style eyeglasses frame along with colour-changing and monochromatic lenses. Moreover, it also offers a range of prescriptive lenses.
The ideal feature of the Xiaomi glasses includes their fit with lower nose bridges, especially for Asian faces. Meta glasses lacked this factor, since they offered a range of AI wearables that were ideal for high nose bridges.
Moreover, Xiaomi has used the Snapdragon AR1 Generation 1 processor in their glasses with up to 32 GB ROM. The product offers a 12MP camera for decent image photography and video recording. The AI assistant, Xiao AI, is good for handling simple tasks.
Even though the device offers two open-ear speakers, they lack in front of the speakers used by Meta. The Xiaomi glasses are around 1,999 Chinese yuan which is around $278.
What are the drawbacks of using smart glasses?
We’ve discussed the features of AI glasses, making them a smarter choice for the future. However, there are also some disadvantages that are linked with the use of the smart glasses’ technology.
Privacy Issues
The issue with AI glasses is the lack of privacy because someone with such gadgets might be recording others. Since these glasses have built-in cameras with features like image and video recording, individual privacy is a big concern.
Moreover, another concern is the access of those recordings. Companies like Meta, Google have already been under fire for privacy concerns. Meta stores the conversations of users with their AI assistant, which can be used to train the AI algorithms.
Apart from that, the company also faced lawsuits from Europe and Brazil for harvesting user data without their permission.
Limited Apps Availability
Unlike smartphones, the smart glasses technology lacks when it comes to offering a range of Apps ecosystem. However, this drawback is limited to the adoption of such smart gadgets by a wide range of users. Once the scale of user adoption is enhanced, application developers will offer extensive applications for smart glasses.
Moreover, the availability of more applications and the success of this new technology depend on their usability. The more usable the product, the better the adoption.
Low Durability
Since the technology is new, it is prone to get affected by environmental issues. The smart glasses that are currently in the market don’t have a high level of durability or enhanced weather resistance.
Many glasses can’t work properly in conditions like rainstorms or extreme dust. They can easily malfunction or corrupt the entire system of the digital product making it useless.
However, according to Meta, their AI glasses models Oakley Meta glasses, Meta Ray-Ban Display and general model are IPX4 water-resistant. This means that a mild rain won’t affect the glasses.
However, Meta also warned that the glasses aren’t durable for long-term exposure to any kind of liquid.
Eye Strain
An extreme drawback that is connected with the use of smart glasses is having eye strain. According to the study of National library of Medicine, research participants over the age of forty years were more affected.
The study stated that using smart glasses in the logistics industry resulted in symptoms like, burning, eye fatigue and rubbing.
Limited View
Many AR glasses that offer augmented displays have a limited view for the users. Smart glasses have a restricted field of views due to various menus or navigational keys.
Users can’t enjoy an expanded view like their original view without the eyeglasses. This drawback also decreases the level of immersion during a virtual experience.
Users who work in highly critical fields that require an instant decision-making process, should avoid such wearable devices.
User Interaction Issues
Achieving a great level of user experience with smart glasses is the biggest concern for tech companies. Meanwhile, interacting with these devices offer various limitations for the users.
They can’t access many controls due to the hands-free version and voice controls that won’t work oftentimes. Moreover, lack of speech accuracy and noise cancellation, makes the AI assistant misinterpret user commands.
Moreover, the limited field of view in such wearables restricts developers into adding menus and navigational options in one place. The cluttered screens make it difficult for users to interact efficiently with the device.
How to find the best AI glasses model?
Let’s explore the best ways to help you figure out the best smart glasses model for yourself:
Focus on Budget
The first thing while considering the best fit for yourself is to analyse the functionalities offered in smart glasses models. Ensure whether the pricing aligns with your budget to make a smarter purchasing decision.
Generally, the basic models are available within the range of $300. Meanwhile, the models with advanced features like virtual displays might cost up to $1000.
Avail Virtual Try-on
It is significant to analyse whether the model looks good on your face or not. Many tech companies like Xiaomi recommend users to try-on the glasses for accurate fit in-stores.
Apart from this many companies offer virtual try-on features on their online stores like Meta. This virtual free try-on feature helps a user in assessing how the AI wearable will look on their face.
Check Prescription Compatibility
Many users wear corrective lenses due to eyesight issues. The majority of tech companies are offering prescription lenses for the smart glasses. However, the range of prescriptive lenses vary, so it is crucial to ensure the compatibility with your eyesight’s range.
Is it worth getting AI glasses?
Yes, many of the AI glasses models are worth using that are offering data privacy and security. Moreover, smart wearables can personalise a user’s day-to-day experiences with AI assistance and intuitive features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can AI glasses help people with macular degeneration syndrome?
Yes, according to Macular society, the Ray-Ban glasses are equipped with enhanced assistive features for people suffering from vision loss. Macular degeneration is a sight loss issue that mostly occurs in adults who are beyond 60.
The smart glasses by Meta offer features like a microphone, camera and speaker that connects with its AI assistant Meta AI. Moreover, the best part about these glasses is that they are modern in design and don’t make someone stand out.
Q. How much do Oakley AI glasses cost?
Meta offers two versions of smart glasses through its collaboration with Oakley, particularly known as performance glasses. According to Meta’s official pricing, the model Oakley Meta HSTN costs around $399.
Meanwhile, the price range of the model Oakley Meta Vanguard is around $499, which is the best-suited for sporty people or athletes.
Q. Do meta-AI glasses work without Wi-Fi?
Yes, smart glasses by Meta can work without Wi-Fi, but with lower functionality and limited choices. According to Meta, the users can capture images or videos and manage the voice controls. However, the AI assistant, Meta AI can only be accessed with Wi-Fi.
