Smart glasses are wearable devices that can connect to the internet and provide users with hands-free access to various types of content, including videos. While there are a few options available on the market today, currently, Netflix does not explicitly provide support for smart glasses as a streaming platform.

Netflix on Smart Glasses: Current Options and Limitations

Until recently, smart glasses manufacturers have primarily focused on the enterprise and occupational applications of the technology, such as hands-free access to information or augmented reality (AR) for training purposes.

Smart glasses, like the Amazon Echo Frames, offer a similar experience to listening to music on Bluetooth headphones, but with the advantage of voice control. However, the small display size and audio-only experience make them less ideal for streaming content such as Netflix, which typically requires a more visually immersive experience.

In 2021, Facebook (now Meta) released the Ray-Ban Stories, which were marketed as “smart glasses for capturing photos and videos, listening to music, and making phone calls,” with the option to add prescription lenses. These smart glasses allow users to take phone calls, listen to music, and capture photos and short videos with voice commands, all via Bluetooth connectivity.

While these glasses provide some entertainment value, they are more focused on integrating with Facebook’s other platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, rather than dedicated streaming services like Netflix.

Future Potential: Augmented Reality and Project Iris

Facebook’s Project Iris, announced in 2019, is a long-term project aimed at developing augmented reality glasses that would support multiple applications, including entertainment. These would be similar to the AR glasses seen in the movies, allowing users to view the real world overlaid with digital information and entertainment.

However, Project Iris is still in the development phase, and there is no official release date or confirmation of Netflix integration. Given the project’s ambitious goals, it may take several years before these become consumer-ready.

Alternative Options for Netflix Streaming:

For the ultimate Netflix experience, conventional devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs remain the primary options. These devices provide comfortable viewing angles, vibrant displays, and a user experience optimized for Netflix’s streaming service.

However, if you’re looking for a more hands-free approach, you might consider streaming Netflix on smart headphones, such as the Sony WH-1000XM5, which supports Google Assistant and Alexa voice commands for playback control.

In the future, as smart glasses technology evolves, advances in display technology, battery life, and connectivity could lead to more sophisticated options potentially suitable for streaming Netflix. For now, if watching Netflix is your primary goal, there are better alternatives available.

Conclusion

While smart glasses have evolved significantly, they haven’t yet reached the point where they can reliably stream Netflix videos optimally. With a focus on enterprise and lifestyle applications rather than entertainment, smart glasses manufacturers have overlooked this aspect. However, with projects like Meta’s Project Iris in the works, we might see augmented reality smart glasses that could revolutionize entertainment and offer a viable way to watch Netflix in the future.

This could lead to new and immersive ways of enjoying entertainment, but until then, traditional devices will remain the standard choice for Netflix streaming.