Wearable Technology is Ready for Its Close-Up: Meta’s Smart Glasses Showcase the Future of AI-Powered Fashion

Remember the infamous Google Glass? The wearable tech that was once mocked for its futuristic design and $1,500 price tag? Fast forward to 2024, and the stigma surrounding AI wearables is finally lifting. At Meta Connect 2024, the company unveiled not one, but two types of smart glasses that could change the game.

The first, an upgraded version of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, prioritizes fashion and comfort over tech-heavy features. Designed for subtlety, these stylish glasses offer a non-intrusive AI assistant that can translate languages in real-time and capture images with its built-in camera. With a price tag of $330, it’s an affordable and functional option for those who want the benefits of AI wearables without the flashy design.

But it’s the second, prototype version of Orion, that truly showcases the potential of AI-powered fashion. This smart glasses model combines augmented reality (AR) with AI, offering an immersive experience that could be both useful and distracting. With hand and eye-tracking controls, Orion’s design may not be perfect, but it’s certainly bold. The only question is: can Meta find a price point that won’t scare off consumers? The company’s silence on pricing has sparked concerns that Orion might be too expensive to appeal to a wider audience.

The journey to creating the perfect AI wearable has been a long and winding one. Many wearable devices, including the Humane AI Pin, Rabbit R1, and Plaud.ai NotePin, have failed to deliver on their promises. But Meta’s commitment to wearable technology and its willingness to learn from past mistakes might just pay off.

As I take a closer look at these smart glasses, I’m reminded of North’s Focals smartglasses, which, in my opinion, offered the best design concept for wearable tech. Though Google acquired the technology, it’s since been shelved. Nevertheless, Meta’s persistence and investment in this field could lead to a breakthrough.

For now, the future of AI-powered fashion looks brighter than ever. Will Meta’s smart glasses revolutionize the industry, or will they falter like their predecessors? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: wearable technology is ready for its close-up.