Apple's Smart Glasses Only Make Sense If These Two Things Are Fulfilled

Apple is likely to release a device similar to Meta's Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. (photo: x @ubergizmo)

JAKARTA - A report from Bloomberg last weekend stated that Apple is likely to release smart glasses as a first step before presenting a fully AR-based Apple Glasses.

However, according to Ben Lovejoy of 9to5Mac, Apple's plan to release smart glasses will only make sense if the two main conditions are met.

According to Lovejoy, Apple is likely to release a device similar to Meta's Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. The glasses do not have an AR display, but are present as regular sunglasses equipped with cameras, microphones, speakers, and touch controls. He considered that if Apple only imitated the Meta approach without adding more value, then the product would be less attractive.

Lovejoy explains that the experience of using Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses shows that AI features that are able to identify objects and answer real questions are not very useful in everyday life.

In fact, two other features that are used more often are the ability to send voice messages and take hands-free photos or videos. This feature is very useful especially when walking or cycling.

Furthermore, Lovejoy mentioned two important conditions so that Apple Smart Glasses can become a relevant and usable product:

First, Apple must significantly improve the capabilities of Siri's virtual assistant. Currently, Siri is considered one of the most limited virtual assistants compared to its competitors.

In order to be reliable in smart glasses, Siri must be able to carry out various orders with only two-way voice interactions and provide a more practical experience than using an iPhone.

Second, hands-free photo and video capture features must be available. Despite concerns from Apple about privacy, Lovejoy thinks this feature is the core of smart glasses.

He also argues that concerns about privacy are no longer relevant, considering that people are now used to people recording videos using smartphones secretly. Therefore, removing the camera feature will actually reduce the value of the product.

Lovejoy insists that without these two main features a smart AI and Apple Smart Glasses photo/video capabilities will not be able to meet expectations and will only be expensive accessories without any meaningful function.

He closed his review by stating that Apple is likely to release this product in the future, but there is no sign that the company is ready to answer the two main challenges in the near future.