Spatial Computing Shift: The Transition from Mobile Devices to Augmented Reality Glasses
In the realm of technology, a significant shift is on the horizon with the development of augmented reality (AR) glasses. These innovative devices, poised to revolutionise our daily lives, are the focus of Japanese engineer Satoshi Shiraga's work at Sony, as well as at Cellid, where he leads advancements in AR waveguide technology for smart glasses.
The choice between glass and plastic lenses for AR glasses carries strategic implications. While glass offers superior optical quality at wide fields of view, it is heavier, potentially affecting all-day wearability. On the other hand, plastic lenses, though scoring lower in wide FOV, can match the optical quality of glass lenses for initial consumer use cases with an optimal field of view around 30 degrees.
AR glasses could potentially replace the need for phones or smartwatches, offering hands-free, always-on access to contextually relevant information. They are also designed to withstand impacts without protective covers, though additional reinforcement may be necessary for glass lenses.
Due to current battery limits, focusing on targeted functions like notifications or translation, coupled with hardware-software codesign for efficiency, is crucial to conserve power in AR glasses. Speedy charging is also a feature that can resonate with users.
Designing for AR glasses necessitates a different mindset compared to smartphones. It involves determining where and when information should appear, how it should respond to user actions, and what should be displayed based on real-time context and surroundings. A new UX paradigm is required to blend digital content seamlessly into the physical environment.
While hardware is essential, long-term market success will likely be determined by the applications and solutions built on top of the hardware. Ensuring that the software is user-friendly and intuitive for business models, services, and workflows in the spatial computing era is crucial for competitive advantage.
The convergence of lightweight design, optical miniaturization, and AI-driven capabilities can position AR glasses as a potential successor to smartphones. Lightweight design, attractive styling, and social acceptability are crucial for mainstream adoption of AR glasses. The mass production of waveguide lenses allows for the projection of high-quality visuals in a thin and light form factor.
Successful examples of display-free AI glasses (Ray-Ban Meta) and AI-powered AR glasses (Rokid) indicate consumer readiness for eyewear-style devices. For leaders and investors, it is recommended to shift focus from whether wearable AR will be transformative to when it will cross into the mainstream. Now is the time to begin developing strategies, offerings, and processes for tech development where the primary interface is the environment, not the screen in your hand.
In conclusion, the emergence of AR glasses represents a pivotal moment in technology, with the potential to reshape our daily lives. As we move towards mainstream adoption, it is crucial to consider numerous factors, including commercial viability for daily use, user experience, and software development. The Forbes Business Council, a growth and networking organisation for business owners and leaders, serves as a platform for discussions and strategies surrounding this exciting new frontier.
