Smart Glasses Combine Conventional Eyewear with Electronic Components

Their capabilities vary considerably. Camera-equipped glasses can capture photos and videos from the wearer’s perspective, while models with open-ear speakers can play music, handle calls and read notifications aloud. AI-enabled versions can respond to spoken questions, identify objects or help users interpret information about their surroundings, depending on the device and available software.

Display-equipped smart glasses take the concept further by placing digital information within the user’s field of view. Instead of looking down at a phone to check a direction or notification, a wearer may be able to see that information while continuing to look ahead.

The strongest case for smart glasses is not that they can perform every smartphone function. It is that they could eliminate the need to reach for a phone during many short, repetitive interactions.