Google is no stranger to smart glasses, having introduced Google Glass in 2013. Although the product failed to become mainstream, it is expected to make a big comeback in the near future. Based on a recently published patent at CNIPA, the search giant is considering developing smart glasses with better assistant support.
A new patent filed by Google with the National Intellectual Property Administration of China indicates that it is working on smart glasses with a display, microphone, speaker, and built-in eye tracking system. The “smart glasses” mentioned in the document mainly rely on contextual data, such as location, and provide relevant suggestions or accept commands based on the environment.
Potential features of Google’s new smart glasses
Users can interact with these glasses through touch, voice, or gesture input, including support for “eye tracking”. Built-in cameras are used to recognize the environment, and displays are used to provide information and navigation. For example, users can see ratings and menus by looking at a number of restaurants in their surroundings.
An interesting point in the patent application is the mention of how these smart glasses will use a connected device, such as a smartphone, to perform more resource-intensive tasks. Perhaps Google is considering making the next smart glasses not a separate product, but a wearable device or accessory.
Integration with apps
Smart glasses could integrate with third-party applications on the phone to extend functionality, access the cellular network, and offload heavy data processing. This approach will help to save battery life, which is a serious problem for such form factors, and also make the device more affordable.
It is not yet known when Google will demonstrate this technology to the general public. Meta’s second-generation Ray-ban smart glasses have brought new hope to this segment due to their popularity, but the device lacks a display to achieve a more affordable price.
Meta also demonstrated its Orion prototype, similar to what Google is working on. Samsung is rumored to unveil its XR device and augmented reality glasses next year.
