Smart glasses are wearable devices that can connect to the internet and provide users with useful information in a hands-free format. Many smart glasses today also feature integrated cameras, allowing for augmented reality and footage recording.
Smart glasses and WiFi
The relationship between smart glasses and WiFi differs from one device to another, and is often dependent on the specific model and its intended purpose. Some smart glasses have been designed to connect to WiFi networks, while others rely on a Bluetooth connection to another device (such as a smartphone) to access the internet. Some smart glasses, such as certain models of the iconic Google Glass, feature an integrated WiFi module, allowing for independent connection to WiFi networks. In contrast, some smart glasses merely function as a wearable display for a paired smartphone, and completely rely on this device for internet connectivity via WiFi or mobile data.
Independent smart glasses
Smart glasses that can connect to WiFi independently can provide users with a truly hands-free internet experience. These devices are capable of accessing online content directly, streaming media, and even uploading augmented reality overlays onto a camera feed in real-time, without the need for a companion smartphone. This level of independence makes these smart glasses truly stand out, however, they often suffer from poor battery life and are considerably more expensive than their more restricted counterparts.
Smart glasses as accessories
On the other hand, we have smart glasses that are designed to accompany a separate mobile device, such as a smartphone or a tablet. These smart glasses are meant to augment the existing functionality of these devices by providing a wearable, hands-free display, often utilizing a WiFi or Bluetooth connection. Known commonly as “head-up displays”, these smart glasses are typically more affordable and offer considerably longer battery life than their independent counterparts. However, the true limitation of these devices is that most of them cannot connect to the internet directly, albeit some models with companion apps offering standalone basic functionality.
Future prospects
The world of wearable devices is evolving constantly, and smart glasses are no exception. Future models are expected to become more independent, slimmer, and more feature-rich, providing truly useful augmented reality and hands-free functionality. It can be inferred that these devices will continue to leverage WiFi connectivity for internet access, however, the emergence of new technologies such as the much-anticipated 6G network, IoT-dedicated protocols, and enhanced Bluetooth standards may well revolutionize how these devices connect to the internet.
