Throughout the years, the public perception of smart glasses has constantly evolved.

In pop culture, smart glasses have often been portrayed as spy tools and sci-fi gizmos – cool toys for Klingons and international men of mystery.

The reality is very different. Smart glasses are cool and they do look futuristic – but they're far from silver-screen novelties. Many are serious, ruggedised business tools that can boost productivity and enhance collaboration across a wide range of sectors.

Are you intrigued about smart glasses? Do you have more questions than answers? This one's for you.

In this article, we answer some commonly asked questions about the hardware so you can buy with confidence.

Q. What are smart glasses?

A. Smart glasses are a type of eyewear that layers information onto a user's field of view.

In general usage, the term "smart glasses" is used to distinguish this category of hardware from its beefed-up cousin, the augmented reality (AR) headset.

Like AR devices, smart glasses layer digital elements on top of lived reality. However, AR headsets emphasise the interaction of the real and digital – allowing a user to conjure up a 3D houseplant, for instance, and place it on their real-world desk.

Smart glasses, on the other hand, are more about providing key information when it's needed. You're more likely to use them to conduct video calls or access digital documentation than interact with a virtual fern.

The emphasis is on distraction-free, hands-free assistance. That's why this category of tech is also known as "assisted reality" (aR).

Q. What is assisted reality?

A. The clue's in the name: assisted reality devices are wearable computers that provide digital assistance. Most smart glasses can be used as assisted reality devices.

Usually, they include a screen positioned just outside of the wearer's eye-line. They also often allow for hands-free interaction with features such as voice control.

Assisted reality is proving particularly revolutionary for deskless workers – that subset of the modern workforce that still lacks the luxury of a desk, PC and collaboration tools.

aR devices connect these workers to their peers and office counterparts. They promise to make their lives easier, accelerate problem-solving and allow for safe, seamless collaboration. 

Q. When were smart glasses invented?

A. Ultimately, it depends on who you ask. Smart glasses as a concept have existed for decades, with many projects being explored by tech giants and passionate innovators. 

Smart glasses arguably entered public discourse with the introduction of Google Glass in 2013. While that device was a notable failure, other consumer-focused hardware has gained traction – including stylish models from Ray-Ban and Bose.

Q. What smart glasses are available?

A.  Today, there are dozens of smart glasses to choose from. They fall into two broad categories: devices aimed at consumers and devices built for industrial use.

At Expand Reality, we specialise in enterprise extended reality (XR) technology – including smart glasses. Here's a taste of what's available in our online XR store:

Vuzix Blade 2

These smart glasses have a traditional form factor – unlike many enterprise devices, they actually look like a pair of glasses. They're a smart, self-contained aR solution that packs some impressive tech into a lightweight package.

Blade 2 comes with all the features you'd expect from an industrial device. It has an eight-megapixel camera, see-through waveguide optics and voice-control capabilities. And thanks to its slim, self-contained design, there's no need for clunky battery packs or add-on modules.

RealWear Navigator 520

The Navigator 520 is the latest aR headset from industry-leader RealWear. It's a ruggedised, voice-controlled device that's built for demanding industrial environments.

The 520's flagship feature is its HyperDisplay screen, which promises total clarity even in outdoor environments. Another unique feature is its ability to use add-on modules, such as a thermal camera and LTE modem.

mōzıware cımō

cımō is one of the most affordable – and capable – devices on the market. It comes fitted with two HDR cameras, a boom-mounted screen and a fingerprint scanner for user authentication. Uniquely, it also features a laser pointer, which allows for easy identification of problem areas on video calls.

cımō is extremely compact. The device folds up neatly and can be carried easily in a pocket or bag.

Q. Who uses smart glasses?

A. Smart Glasses and similar aR devices are being used by businesses across many different industries, all around the world.

Some adopters of these devices include DHL, Airbus, GE and AGCO. These companies use the hardware to – among other things – improve operational efficiency, minimise error and enhance training and user performance.

The technology has also enjoyed widespread adoption in the education sector – especially since the pandemic. With COVID keeping students at home, several universities deployed smart glasses to keep classes connected and engaged.

The use cases are endless. Even the NHS has recently trialled the use of aR devices for note-taking and recording, with a view to making interactions with patients more productive. 

Q. Can smart glasses record video?

 A. Yes – it's one of their primary functions and a huge selling point for many organisations that use them.

Q. Can smart glasses use prescription lenses?

A. Yes. Several brands offer prescription inserts for their smart glasses. Vuzix even offers an easy-to-follow guide to make sure your prescription lenses will make your aR experience crystal-clear. 

Q. Do smart glasses have Bluetooth? 

A. Most smart glasses are Bluetooth- and WiFi-enabled. The very nature and purpose of smart glasses demand a level of connectivity that only these specifications can accommodate. 

Q. How do smart glasses work?

Smart glasses are effectively portable, wearable computers. Just like your laptop or smartphone, they feature a processor, memory, cameras, microphones and so on.

You can also expect features that are specially designed for the form factor, such as noise-cancelling and voice-recognition technologies.

Of course, the most significant difference between smart glasses and traditional computers is the display. Some smart glasses use small, boom-mounted LCD screens, which can be manoeuvred out of view when they're not needed. Others use waveguide optics – see-through screens that integrate directly into the lenses.

Q. What are smart glasses used for?

A. In the consumer space, smart glasses are most often used for entertainment and socialising. They offer an easy way for users to watch videos or connect with friends on the go.

Industry use cases are more varied. Businesses use smart glasses for remote assistance, digital document delivery, training, data collection and a whole host of other tasks.

Remote assistance is perhaps the most widely adopted use case. This is where users dial into a video call with a remote expert, who can provide step-by-step guidance thanks to the hardware's "see-what-I-see" technology.

Q. Where can I buy smart glasses?

A. We may be biased, but we'd always recommend you buy your smart glasses from a trusted supplier like Expand Reality.

Why? Because not only have we curated a selection of the best smart glasses on the market, but we're also industry experts. If you need help deploying this transformative technology in your business, just get in touch and one of our specialists will be happy to help.

In the meantime, why not browse our online store and learn more about the models we offer?