Apple is gearing up to unveil its first pair of smart glasses next year, according to a Bloomberg report. These glasses are expected to come equipped with cameras, microphones, and speakers, allowing them to analyze the external environment and process requests through the Siri voice assistant.
The glasses will reportedly offer several features, including the ability to take phone calls, control music playback, perform live translations, and provide directions. Additionally, they will include an in-house chip, although augmented reality functionality is not expected for several more years.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s acquisition of io, the AI hardware design company founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive. Altman and Ive have plans to launch their own AI devices in 2024, with rumors pointing to a screenless device featuring built-in cameras and microphones.
Sources suggest that Apple’s smart glasses will resemble Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses but with improved build quality. Meta sold over 1 million pairs of its smart glasses last year. Meanwhile, Google has teamed up with companies like Xreal, Warby Parker, Samsung, and Gentle Monster to create AI-powered smart glasses based on its Android XR platform.
Alongside the smart glasses project, Bloomberg reports that Apple has decided to cancel plans to develop a smartwatch with a built-in camera and AI features, such as Visual Intelligence. However, Apple is still working on AirPods equipped with cameras.
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