Tech giants Snap and Meta are ushering in a new era of wearable tech by unveiling their latest augmented reality (AR) glasses. These innovations hint at a future where AR technology could replace smartphones.

In September, Snap announced its fifth-generation Spectacles. These glasses can overlay digital content onto the real world, but for now, are available only to developers for $99 a month. The goal? To encourage the development of apps tailored for this AR hardware.

Later in the month, Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced the company’s new AR prototype, Orion, at their annual conference. These lightweight glasses, equipped with AI, can analyze user behavior and offer proactive suggestions. The glasses can be controlled with hand and brain signals via specialized wristbands.

AR and VR on the Rise

PwC says the global AR and VR market will see explosive growth between 2019 and 2030. As more companies invest in AR technology, its potential impact on daily life grows significantly.

Focus on AR Glasses Technology

Both Snap and Meta aim to revolutionize how we interact with the world, blending 2D and 3D digital content seamlessly with reality. This step forward could signal the decline of the smartphone era, paving the way for immersive AR experiences.

Snap’s Spectacles and Meta’s Orion could become the foundation for a new class of wearable technology that changes the way we engage with digital content.