Will Augmented Reality Glasses Become The Next Smartphone?

Since the '90s, mobile phones have become something more than simply making a quick call or sending a text. The most simplistic of 2D games like solitaire always proved hugely popular, and the camera has grown to be potentially more of a powerful tool than the phone itself.

It's hard to remember a time when the mobile phone didn't exist, especially these days where just about every person on the planet has a smartphone. But it might already be time we start looking at the smartphone as an old, outdated piece of technology. Wouldn't it be faster, easier and less hassle to check your phone without actually needing to check your phone?

Yeah, I confused myself for a minute there. But what I am referring to is augmented reality glasses.

AR glasses are majorly in development. Apple has made it known that the company has a clear interest in AR technology and is working on AR glasses as we speak. Plus there are a bunch of others with some even due to be released this year such as mixed reality device Nreal Light.

Why would anybody prefer this over the smartphone?

AR glasses would allow for holographic overlays to appear in front of your eyes without needing to reach for your phone. In this society, people are seeking to consume information in the fastest way possible. Netflix recently introduced a feature where viewers can watch movies at 2x speed, and social media platforms like Tik Tok offer clips that last just a few seconds long.

Speed and content are in demand so augmented reality glasses just make sense. Wearing them all the time means the information that you want is just a movement of your eyes or a voice command away. The next time a Whatapp message comes through, you won't have to stumble upon it ten minutes after you received it, fumbling around in your pockets. You'll simply see the notification appear in front of your eyes.

There's no doubt AR glasses will make things faster and easier. The only question is, will people wear them like its the norm? Replacing the smartphone with glasses would require people to wear them all the time. Having them tucked away in a case in your pocket makes them pointless, or at least about as much use as the smartphone.

The only way I see this happening is if they're stylish and lightweight. If anybody can do it, I think Apple can. Time will tell!