The study, codenamed Atlas, led by Apple’s Product Systems Quality team, began last week. Tests are intended collecting opinions from company employees about smart glasses, Bloomberg found out. Apple plans to expand the study with additional focus groups in the near future, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the work is secret.
Competition for Ray-Ban from Meta
Recent activity suggests that Apple continues to work on its own smart glasses. Bloomberg previously reported that the iPhone maker was considering entering the market — potentially challenging Meta’s Ray-Ban device.
The research will likely help Apple determine what features to include in your own glasses and how you can use this technology.
Creating a successful face-worn device is quite a challenge. Apple has not had the best experience with this type of products. Apple’s $3,499 Vision Pro headset is considered too bulky and expensive to become a mainstream product. For years, Apple tried to create a lighter version of the augmented reality device, but work on this project was interrupted due to numerous technical challenges.
Apple wants to follow Meta’s lead
Meta has a slightly different approach to a new type of device, which achieved success thanks to a more simplified formula. Meta glasses, created in cooperation with Luxottica Group SpA, are not true AR glasses. Meta’s $299 product does not apply information to the glass, however, it allows users to record video, answer phone calls, and ask questions to the AI assistant.
Now Apple wants to create something similar. His approach may include creation smart glasses that work like his already popular AirPods earbuds. The glasses version would allow for longer battery life, sensors and improved audio technology.
The competition is moving forward
But Apple’s rivals are also moving forward. In recent months, Meta and Snap Inc. presented AR glasses – models that can combine the real world with digital overlays of games, text messages and applications. But neither product will be ready for consumers for at least several years. Current prototypes are more about convincing app developers to buy the concept.
