VR headsets are out, and AR glasses are in. Research from analysis firm Counterpoint shows that the global VR shipments trended down through 2024 despite proliferation cheap headsets like the Meta Quest 3s. Worse, VR sales numbers may not improve any time soon. The next step for these companies are glasses—with or without augmented reality capabilities. Big tech now needs to convince consumers thin glasses filled to the brim with AI are better than shoving a heavy piece of plastic on their noggins.
Beyond smart sunglasses, the next step for lighter, feature packed wearable devices is augmented reality visuals like a heads-up display scrolling in front of your eyes. CES 2025 was flooded with these kinds of devices, some of which with integrated AI chatbots and screens with blazing green text. I’ve put on plenty, and all of them still don’t feel like usable products. They lack a solid use case without capabilities that go beyond a typical smartphone.
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