“Smart glasses” have been a relatively new concept in the technology landscape for some time. A few years ago, most people viewed smart glasses as little more than a futuristic idea, akin to teleportation or holograms. However, as technology advances, these concepts are becoming increasingly commonplace and accessible.
Smart glasses have the potential to take the expanding world of augmented reality to the next level by removing the technology from the standard smartphone and placing it in a head-worn wearable. With smart glasses, industry professionals are already accessing critical information and collaborating with team members at work to reduce errors and improve efficiency.
Now that Meta, Microsoft, Apple, and countless other vendors are beginning to invest in the future of smart wearables, the market for smart glasses is bigger than ever.
Where can UK businesses get smart glasses?
As the number of available smart glasses grows, thanks in particular to the development of smaller screens and better network connections, some countries are ahead of others. In the UK, there are still only a handful of reputable smart glass suppliers offering solutions for businesses and executives. The right solution for each business depends on its specific use cases, goals, and functional requirements.
The good news is that availability is growing. Westbase.io inked a distribution deal with Vuzix in August 2022 to bring their smart glasses to UK and EU customers. Vuzix smart glasses offer everything from fully integrated micro-LED displays to multilingual content access.
NReal, one of the leaders in AR wearables, also partnered with British telecom giant EE in April 2022 to bring its devices to the UK. The NReal portfolio includes smart glasses like the Air headset with 5G technology, a 45-degree field of view and exceptional streaming capabilities.
Points to consider when buying smart glasses
As demand for AR-infused technologies continues to grow across the UK, we’re likely to see an influx of additional developers bringing their tools to market. It is then the responsibility of buyers and IT business executives to make the right tool purchasing decision. Some points worth considering for any brand are:
Portability: For AR glasses to be effective, they must be comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time. Solutions that provide an ergonomic experience without compromising user safety will be essential for every business leader. Integration: The best AR smart glasses already work with the tools companies use to empower employees. Innovative solutions should provide access to everything from knowledge bases to virtual assistants and collaboration tools. Performance: To optimize adoption, organizations need to invest in technologies that deliver exceptional performance. 5G network connectivity will help eliminate lag, while fantastic graphics should ensure that every user can easily access important content. Design: Wearable devices don’t always have to be fancy, but they have to be appropriate for the environment in which they are used. For industrial companies, for example, it will be important to choose data glasses that can withstand different conditions.
The market for AR data glasses is growing at a phenomenal rate worldwide. Soon every company will have access to the ultimate AR headset for their employees.
