Next-Gen AR Glasses: Capabilities and Future Expectations
When people talk about smart glasses, Meta's Ray-Bans are often front and center, though this will likely change as Meta starts to face more competition, especially from Google.
Meta's Ray-Ban AI Glasses
Currently, Meta's Ray-Ban is capable of:
- Translation: This includes live translation (i.e., the glasses audibly translate what someone right in front of you is saying).
- Object Identification: Identifying and providing information about objects in response to a question. In other words, while looking at exotic fruits, you can ask Meta AI for the name of a fruit or how to tell when it's ripe, and it will identify the fruit, search for relevant information, and give you an audible answer.
- Video Recording and Image Capture: Take photos and videos on command.
- Voice Controls: Control device features as well as limited phone features such as calling, texting, and media-related settings.
The next generation is set to come out in 2026 with significant improvements in battery life and more helpful features, such as reminding you to bring your keys if you leave the house without them, and possibly facial recognition technology, which (this is only speculation) could theoretically make the childhood dream of taking photos by blinking come true.
Meta's end goal is to build a "super sensing" wearable that is just as capable as a personal assistant, if not more so.
In 2025, Meta also released the Oakley Meta glasses, aimed at enterprise and outdoor use. These glasses offer better battery life, louder speakers, and improved voice input.
Google's AI Glasses
Google's up-and-coming smart glasses have similar capabilities to Meta's, but with some notable differences:
- Android XR: An Android platform built for mixed and augmented reality products.
- Gemini: Google's own AI.
- Integrated Screen: Unlike Meta's current glasses, Google's will have an integrated screen that allows information to be consumed visually. In other words, users can see a live translation rather than hear it (the latter is an option as well). This also enables a number of perks, such as being able to see a preview of a photo when it is taken, which isn't possible on Meta's.
Google is partnering with Warby Parker to design these glasses, offering a more premium, fashion-forward look than past Google Glass attempts. Expected in late 2025, these glasses are built for professionals and enterprise users alike.
Alibaba's Quark AI Glasses
One of the biggest surprise entries of 2025 has been Alibaba's Quark AI Glasses, powered by the company's Qwen AI assistant. These smart glasses include live translation, real-time meeting transcription, product recognition, and integration with Alipay and Taobao.
The design is minimalist and suited to everyday business use, making the glasses especially popular in China and parts of Southeast Asia. Enterprise adoption is rising fast in the logistics, customer service, and education sectors.
Notable Mentions
Samsung's Project Moohan is essentially the Android version of the Apple Vision Pro, but it is much lighter and will likely be more affordable when it is released before the end of 2025.
Apple is planning to launch its own version of Meta's Ray-Bans and Google's AI Glasses with similar features but with the "Apple premium touch."
Leaks suggest the upcoming Apple Smart Glasses will be compatible with Apple VisionOS and include ultra-secure data processing, iMessage integration, and exclusive AI Siri enhancements. Expect an announcement by early 2026.
Final Thoughts
Apart from Meta's Ray-Bans, these devices aren't yet ready for mass rollout, but they are something to look forward to as a new era of wearable smart tech enters the picture. A hands-free, extremely knowledgeable, and useful personal assistant is the goal, and it is already a reality on a smaller scale. The race is on, and with Alibaba, Apple, Google, and Meta competing, smart glasses are no longer just a niche gadget; they're shaping up to be the next smartphone.
Want to see how these next-gen features stack up against what you can buy today? VR Expert AI stocks the leading AI glasses for business and supports pilots and rollouts across the EU and US.
