I Tried Real Augmented Reality Glasses!

Summary

This video explores the current state and potential future of augmented reality (AR) glasses. The presenter discusses the limitations of existing AR technology, like Meta's and Snapchat's glasses, and imagines two futuristic use cases: AR glasses for music practice, where virtual piano notes assist users, and glasses that provide real-time landmark information when looking out of an airplane window. While acknowledging the technological challenges, the speaker highlights the promise of AR glasses in reducing our reliance on smartphones and offering immersive, interactive experiences in the near future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker introduces the concept of augmented reality (AR) glasses that could transform everyday experiences by providing useful overlays and interactive features.
• 😀 The idea of using AR glasses for music is explored, where the glasses could display piano notes or other instruments, enabling users to play along and match visuals with sound.
• 😀 Another key concept is using AR glasses while flying, where the glasses could outline states or territories and highlight landmarks visible from the airplane window.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes how these concepts would provide an immersive experience for the user, combining entertainment and education.
• 😀 The AR glasses could potentially replace phones for certain tasks in the future, offering a more integrated and hands-free way to interact with information.
• 😀 The Meta AR glasses are mentioned as having a separate computer in your pocket, with a two-hour battery life and a high price tag of $25,000 due to the use of premium materials.
• 😀 Snapchat glasses are also discussed, with a shorter 45-minute battery life, but are more compact in design and focus on simpler functionalities.
• 😀 Both Meta and Snapchat glasses are still in early development stages, with current limitations in terms of technology and battery life preventing them from being viable for everyday use.
• 😀 Despite the challenges, the speaker is optimistic about the future potential of AR glasses and imagines a world where these glasses could become a common, everyday tool.
• 😀 The concept of AR glasses is framed as a futuristic innovation that may reduce dependence on smartphones and revolutionize how we interact with digital information in our daily lives.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video regarding AR glasses?

The video focuses on the exploration of augmented reality (AR) glasses, specifically comparing Meta's Orion glasses and Snapchat's AR Spectacles, while discussing their potential, current limitations, and future applications.

What makes Meta's Orion glasses unique compared to other AR glasses?

Meta's Orion glasses are unique due to their advanced features, including a wireless computing puck, gesture-based control via an EMG wristband, and the ability to overlay multiple app windows in the user's line of sight. They are designed for a fully immersive experience but are still in development.

What are some of the current limitations of the Meta Orion glasses?

The current limitations of Meta Orion glasses include a short battery life (around 2–3 hours), a high estimated price tag of $25,000, a relatively narrow field of view, and issues with overheating due to the complex hardware packed into the lightweight design.

What role does the EMG wristband play in Meta's AR glasses experience?

The EMG wristband tracks electrical impulses in the user's arm to control the AR glasses. It enables gesture-based interactions, allowing users to perform actions like scrolling through apps without physically touching the device.

How do Snapchat's AR Spectacles differ from Meta's Orion glasses?

Snapchat's AR Spectacles are more developer-focused, with a standalone design that doesn't require a separate computing device. They also offer features like a smaller field of view (46 degrees), electrochromic tint for light adaptation, and tools for developers to experiment with AR applications.

What is the field of view of Snapchat's AR Spectacles and how does it compare to Meta's glasses?

Snapchat's AR Spectacles have a field of view of 46 degrees, which is smaller than the 70-degree field of view offered by Meta's Orion glasses. This difference affects how immersive the AR experience feels when using the glasses.

Why are the Meta Orion glasses not available for public purchase yet?

The Meta Orion glasses are not available for public purchase because they are still in the prototype stage. Meta is using them as a tech demo and plans to refine the design and technology before releasing them as a consumer-ready product.

What challenges do both Meta Orion and Snapchat AR Spectacles face in terms of battery life?

Both Meta Orion and Snapchat AR Spectacles struggle with limited battery life. The Meta glasses last about 2–3 hours on a single charge, while Snapchat’s glasses only offer around 45 minutes of use, which is insufficient for extended, real-world use.

What are some potential applications for AR glasses as mentioned in the video?

Potential applications include learning to play musical instruments through visual cues, enhancing the travel experience by displaying landmarks and state outlines when looking out of an airplane window, and reducing reliance on smartphones by integrating key functionalities directly into the glasses.

How does the pricing of the Meta Orion glasses compare to Snapchat's AR Spectacles?

The Meta Orion glasses are significantly more expensive, with an estimated retail price of $25,000 due to the advanced materials and features, while Snapchat's AR Spectacles are more affordable but are intended for developers and not yet available for general consumer use.