Google's AI Smart Glasses Will Soon Take-Off
Michael Torneau, SmartGlassesOn
Published 10:03, Mon May 20th, 2024
AI Landscape Shift: Google's Quiet Glasses Launch Hints at Revival
During Google I/O 2024, alongside Project Astra’s innovative approach to on-demand AI assistance, a pair of glasses was quietly unveiled, hinting at the potential revival of Google Glass.
The landscape of AI-infused gadgets has seen its fair share of disappointments, with design playing a pivotal role in their everyday usability. Hand-projected interfaces and bulky pocketable devices have failed to gain traction. However, the discreet and comfortable form factor of smart glasses, exemplified by the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, has captured attention. Even before Meta’s recent AI update, these glasses have become indispensable, serving as headphones, cameras, and AI assistants all rolled into one. It’s this versatility that makes them stand out, and it’s a path Google should consider emulating. While there are alternative smart glasses available, a Google version leveraging the powerful Gemini AI for tasks like object identification could be groundbreaking.
Google’s Project Astra showcased the potential of real-time camera analysis, mirroring Gemini’s ability to deliver relevant search results. From assisting with homework to identifying landmarks, the possibilities are endless. While Project Astra initially targets phones with Gemini Live, it’s not a stretch to imagine a future iteration with smart glasses. The success of Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses highlights the effectiveness of eye-level cameras and ear-level microphones for AI interaction.
Given Google’s history as the go-to for information search, it’s likely that smart glasses adopters would favor Google over Meta. This speculation leaves Meta in a precarious position, as Google’s potential entry into the smart glasses market could disrupt the status quo.
Google co-founder Sergey Brin shows off Google Glass at an event in San Francisco
Co-founder Sergey Brin expressed hopes for consumer availability within a year. Google Glass, in development for over two years, features a discreet display situated above the right eye, integrating internet-derived information. A suite of sensors, microphones, speakers, cameras, and wireless connections enable users to send and receive audiovisual data seamlessly.
Brin demonstrated the device to thousands of developers, with skydivers equipped with the glasses transmitting video mid-air. Prototypes were offered to US-based event attendees for $1,500, slated for early delivery the following year.
This high-profile showcase of a device previously seen by a limited audience underscores Google’s ambition to revolutionize technology usage, akin to Apple’s advancements. Brin challenged the conventional computing form-factor, aiming to push boundaries and foster innovation.
Developers highlighted the glasses’ potential to capture fleeting moments, emphasizing its versatile design compatible with regular spectacles or sunglasses. A promotional video showcased everyday scenarios, aiming to humanize the product.
Just a prototype for now
Before we delve too deeply into this potential Google Glass resurgence, it’s essential to acknowledge that Google has not confirmed any successor or follow-up during its I/O developer conference. The company merely refers to the device showcased during the demo as a “prototype glasses device.” However, Google hinted at the future possibility of having an expert AI assistant accessible through either a phone or glasses, according to its blog.
When questioned by the media about Project Astra’s resemblance to Google Glass, Google co-founder Sergey Brin didn’t shy away from the comparison. As reported by CNET, Brin indicated that Astra was the “perfect hardware” for Gemini’s AI, suggesting it to be the “killer app” a decade later. He also expressed admiration for the smart glasses’ form factor, hinting at a potential comeback for Glass and acknowledging that Google could have timed its initial release better.
Reflecting on the original Google Glass, it’s evident that the concept arrived ahead of its time. Socially, society wasn’t prepared for wearable cameras or augmented reality integrated into daily life. However, with the advancement of AI and its integration into both hardware and software, the landscape has evolved significantly. There’s now potential for Google Glass to reemerge, especially with the intelligence of Gemini. A next-generation iteration could open doors for Google in a burgeoning product category, particularly as interest in LLMs (Large Language Models) continues to grow. Meta has already made strides with AI integration in its Ray-Ban Smart Glasses. However, the worst-case scenario could see Google Glass joining the ranks of the Google Graveyard if not executed effectively.
Source:
https://www.ft.com/content/ab339580-c08f-11e1-9372-00144feabdc0
https://www.phonearena.com/ar-vr/news/google-glimpse-of-ai-powered-ar-smart-glasses_id158334
https://youtu.be/nXVvvRhiGjI?feature=shared