Prototypes indicate that they will look quite similar to regular eyeglasses and not some futuristic wearables.
BY DAVID ONJILI
The most reliable of global tech reviewers have been whispering about it for the past few years, but now it is just a matter of when and not if. Apple will be releasing the Apple Glasses most likely between March and June 2021. But what are some of the rumoured features that Apple is likely to incorporate in them?
The Google glasses that were to revolutionize the wearable segment of tech devices failed miserably. According to Tech reviewer, Clara Yoon, the creators neglected to define and validate to the users what problems it would solve. They simply believed that the product’s hype would propel sales without offering value. The devices too were uncomfortable wearables with front cameras that made people uncomfortable facing those who wore them. They also were only able to take photos and browse, with an unimpressive three-hour battery life.
How different will the Apple Glasses be?
The Apple AR (Artificial Reality) Glasses will simply be known as Apple Glasses. Leaked prototypes indicate that they will look quite similar to regular eyeglasses and not some futuristic wearables that you would associate with tech companies. This is to ensure that they appeal to the majority of consumers. Their frame could be made of plastic although a group of reviewers believe that Apple will go for some premium material like Aluminium or some composite material. The frames could also take the model of Apple Watches which offers consumers a variety to choose from in terms of the straps they buy.
Instead of an intimidating camera on the frames, the Apple Glasses will incorporate Lidar Sensor technology expected to be at the top of the glasses’ frame. This technology is a system that freely maps an area by calculating the distance between various points. Apple already uses this technology on its latest iPad Pro. Lidar technology eliminates the need to scan an area before focusing an object to see it clearly. It will also scan QR codes and read hand gestures then transform them into 3D images for the wearers.
However, users are cautioned not to expect cameras or photographic features on the glasses for the first releases. This is from the fact that people will always be cautious to talk to someone wearing a device with the ability to take their pictures or even record them. There is speculation, however, that cameras may make their way to the Glasses in later releases as they begin to become popular.
Charging of the glasses will be from a designated charging case or a wireless charger. There will be no inbuilt speakers or headphones for the glasses but users should be able to pair it with the Airpod Pro.
Since the glasses will have no software system, pairing it with your iPhone through a wireless network will do. This will help reduce the physical footprint the glasses will need and will also transfer to its lower pricing as not much software will be needed on the glasses. You can view this as a way of Apple simple wanting you to join their ecosystem through your Apple device.
The glasses will feature embedded displays only visible to the wearer as opposed to projected ones that the failed Google Glasses had.
With the first generation expected to retail at Sh40,000, the glasses are a device many tech lovers look forward to seeing. (
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