Users will be able to use PCs and smartphones in AR, on the road, and with visual privacy, thanks to small portable and wearable smart glasses that also allow PC and smartphone users to access their PC-based work, social media, and game software remotely, as inspired by Lenovo’s AR Concept Glasses and NReal Light AR smartphone glasses. As a result, this AR smart glasses or Augmented Reality Glasses tutorial will help you grasp the many sorts of AR headsets and glasses or devices, as well as the industry’s leading AR glasses and headsets and manufacturers.
Types Of Augmented Reality Glasses
Heads Up Displays Or HUDs
It’s a transparent display that projects data onto the user’s screen directly in front of their eyes, eliminating the need for the user to shift their gaze away from their regular vantage points. Routes, location, plans, black areas, interactions with other device users, and even 3D photos and films might be shown as additional data.
Holographic Displays
Augmented Reality glasses based on this technology deliver a mixed reality experience to the user by overlaying 3D holograms on the real world where the user is located. Light diffraction techniques are used to create the hologram image. Microsoft’s HoloLens is an example.
Smart Glasses
AR Smart glasses are computer-capable spectacles that overlay computer-generated or digital information on the user’s real-world sceneries to provide extra information, ideally 3D visuals and information such as animations and films, to the user’s real-world situations. It supports WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS and can retrieve data from PCs, smartphones, and other devices. Vuzix M100 and Google Glass Explorer Edition are two examples.
Handheld
Handheld AR is using handheld devices such as smartphones on which AR apps are installed to access and apply AR. They are in contrast to AR headsets, which are worn on the head and are simple to use and inexpensive. For example, on the IKEA app, you can try out virtual models of furniture on your house floor, or with an AR app on your smartphone, you can play Pokemon Go. There are also the following types: Smartphone AR headsets: These AR headsets build AR environments using the smartphone. A smartphone can be inserted into a holder on the wearable AR headset, which also contains visors through which the user can see the real environment while smartphone-generated projections are superimposed on top. Smartphone AR glasses or headsets, which are inspired by smartphone-based AR, make AR more accessible and affordable by eliminating the need to purchase the more expensive computer-capable AR smart glasses and headsets. The Ghost smartphone AR headsets, which run on iOS and Android, use Ghost OS to float apps in front of the user’s real-world surroundings. Tethered AR headsets: These are wire or cable-tethered on the smartphone or PC and made for a faster, more reliable, and more secure connection. Ghost smartphone AR headset: Wireless AR headsets: Even most of those in other categories would fall in this as long as they have wireless connectivity via WiFi, Bluetooth, and other methods.
List Of Top 10 Augmented Reality Glasses
Here is a list of the best AR Smart Glasses:
Oculus Quest 2
Features:
The new Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM XR2 Platform and 6GB RAM in the Oculus Quest 2 will ensure flawless performance. It has the highest display resolution, with 1832x1920px per eye. The Oculus Touch Controllers have been modified to allow you to directly transmit your movements into virtual reality using simple controls. A high-speed fibre optic connection connects the Oculus Quest headset to a compatible gaming PC. It has built-in speakers for 3D positional audio that is cinematic. It can be projected directly to a compatible TV or through the Oculus app. It comes in two storage capacities: 64 GB and 256 GB. The Oculus Quest 2 offers a high-resolution display, complete control, and 3D cinematic sound. The VR Headset, two touch controllers, a charging cord, two AA batteries, a power converter, and eyewear spaces are all included in the bundle.
Pros:
The Oculus Quest 2 is simple to set up with the help of a smartphone app. It’s an all-in-one virtual reality headset with advanced features. It sports a 5.46-inch LCD screen and a touchpad for operation. From the greatest seat in the house, you’ll be able to see live concerts, films, and other special events. The Oculus Link Cable can be used to connect it to a compatible gaming PC.
Cons:
You’ll need to sign in with your Facebook account.
Rating: Scores a rating of 5/5 Pricing: $399
Lenovo Star Wars: Jedi Challenges, Smartphone Powered Augmented Reality Experience
Features:
Lenovo Star Wars: Jedi Challenges is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. It will allow you to start your adventure with epic events like as Lightsaber Battles, Holochess, and Strategic Combat. Lenovo Mirage AR Headset, Lightsaber Controller, and Tracking Beacon are included in the kit. There will be six planets with varied levels of difficulty for the Lightsaber Battles, and you can tactically defeat foes by using force powers. Holochess is the ultimate strategy and concentration game. There are direct holographic alien components in it. There are eight distinct species to acquire, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In large-scale warfare, strategic combat is about military strategy and leading armies against enemy troops. There are severe obstacles to overcome. Lightsaber Versus Mode will also allow you to engage in heated 1-on-1 local multiplayer bouts with other players. You may take advantage of this option by downloading the free Star Wars: Jedi Challenges app. Your location is accurately tracked by Tracking Beacon. The immersive AR universe expands and fills your area. The Lenovo Mirage AR Headset is ergonomically built to maximise game immersion.
Pros:
Lenovo Star Wars Jedi Challenges is an augmented reality activity. You will be able to watch all-new Star Wars from the comfort of your own home. It’s simple to use; simply open the app and put on your headset. It makes use of Bluetooth technology for connectivity. It has a battery life of 5 hours.
Cons:
Only smartphones with a screen size of less than 6.5″ are compatible with Lenovo Star Wars Jedi Challenges.
Ratings: 5/5 Pricing: $171.98
MERGE AR/VR Headset
Features:
iPhone and Android phones are compatible with the Merge AR/VR Headset. There are hundreds of virtual field trips to choose from. 360-degree videos are available to watch. It works in conjunction with the Merge Cube tool. Merge Cube is a fantastic STEM and scientific tool. The children will be able to hold virtual things as a result of this. Popular businesses such as National Geographic, Discovery, BBC, NASA, and others provide virtual field trips. Merge AR/VR Headset is recommended for people aged 10 and up. Students will feel a strong connection to the subject because to the device’s immersive experiences.
Pros:
Merge AR/VR Headset is made of pleasant and durable foam and can be worn on any face. It will allow you to travel the world from the comfort of your own home. It aids kids with their studying by focusing their attention. Most recent iOS and Android smartphones are supported, so there is no need to purchase new ones. It’s simple to clean. It can withstand regular bumps and drops. It’s simple to use.
Cons:
When compared to its competition, the Merge AR/VR Headset is pricey.
Microsoft HoloLens 2
Features:
Edition 1 has 34 degrees of freedom; 47 pixels per degree, or 2048 x 1080 pixels each eye. Transparent lenses, an HD 8 MP camera, many sensors to track the user’s position from all sides, and a microphone for speech inputs are all included. The revised HoloLens 2 contains two 2K 120 Hz (refresh rate) displays that project 3D colour 3D pictures over natural surroundings, allowing users to engage with virtual 3D models and holographs in mixed reality. To properly arrange mixed reality content and allow proper interaction by the user, eye and hand movement tracking is used. Remote training, remote collaboration, logistics, assembly lines, and other businesses use it frequently. For free trials, HoloLens 2 was used to construct mixed reality apps with Unity and Azure. Data sharing and cooperation are possible with the remote assist option. 64 GB storage, 4 GB RAM It weighs 20 ounces. Qualcomm Snapdragon 850; custom-built Microsoft Holographic Processing Unit (HPU Generation 2).
Pros:
Comfortable, has gesture recognition, and has an extensive field of view.
Cons:
Expensive and not so good for home use.
Rating: Scores a rating of 4/5 Pricing: $3,500
Magic Leap One
Features:
With a 4:3 aspect ratio, the HoloLens 1 has a 50-degree field of view (which is larger than the HoloLens 2 and HoloLens 1). 1300 pixels per eye; 120 frames per second refresh rate; 16.8 million colour support Vibrating haptics, a hand-held controller with 6 degrees of freedom tracking, a rear trigger, and a button in the front, just like the desktop VR controllers. LED lights can be turned on to show where to press in apps. 8GB RAM (four of which is available for programmes); 128GB storage (of which only 95GB is free); audio input; and ambient audio. Real and virtual spatial audio are supported. 2x Denver 2.0 64-bit cores, 4x ARM Cortex A57 64-bit cores, Nvidia Tegra X2 processor Bluetooth 4.2, 802.11ac/b/g/n Wi-Fi, USB-C From 14.6 inches to infinity, it can see. There are prescription inserts available.
Pros:
Weighs 415 grams for the Lightpack, and a 325 grams Lightwear.
Cons:
Poor battery life–only 3 hours. Pricy.
Rating: Scores a rating of 5/5 Pricing: About $2295 at the Magic Leap store.
Epson Moverio BT-300
Features:
23-degree field of view, OLED display with 720p HD quality, 5MP camera, dedicated controller, app store, virtual screen size support of 80″, 24-bit colour reproduction The resolution is 1280 x 720 pixels. Camera with a resolution of 5 million pixels. It includes five different types of sensors. Remote help is one of the most popular applications, and drone operators love it since it gives them a bird’s-eye view right on their smart glasses. Android 5.1; Intel Atom x5 1.4 processor. Drone edition enables the use of augmented reality smart glasses to operate drones, such as DJI drones. 2GB RAM, 16GB user memory, 120g weight, and a battery life of 6 hours. Unlike the HoloLens and Leap Magic, which show floating visuals in the actual world, the Moverio BT 300 shows a virtual display floating in the real world in front of the user’s eyes. The display moves in response to the position of the eyes and head.
Pros:
HD display resolution. Battery life is long and weighs very light. Lesser cost than other best in the category.
Cons
Limited storage of 32 GB max on microSD, and limited processing power, narrower field of view than HoloLens or Magic Leap One.
Rating: Scores a rating of 3.4/5 Pricing: $699 at Epson website.
Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2
Features:
720p video is supported, and the camera has an 80-degree field of view. With aided GPS, faster and more dependable dual-band WiFi networking, a speedier processor, and an updated 8MP camera for HD photographs and movies, this phone is ready to take on the world. Glass Pod is removable from the main frame and can be attached to safety glasses for use on factory floors; 2GB RAM and 32 GB memory; Camera functions as a release switch; Glass Pod is removable from the main frame and can be attached to safety glasses for use on factory floors. A hinge sensor is used to determine whether or not the hinge is open. Built-in earbuds and voice commands The Enterprise edition is designed for businesses and organisations. Snapdragon XR1 710 CPU chip from Qualcomm. Support for USB-C, Bluetooth 5, and Wi-Fi 5. Support for Android 8.1 Oreo and the Glass O operating system.
Pros:
Light in weight (36 grams), has voice commands making it easier to use, the processor is fast, camera is also upgraded. A battery life of up to 8 hours.
Cons: Expensive and less useful for home applications. Rating: Scores a rating of 3.5/5 Pricing: $1,167, Google’s hardware resellers CDW, Mobile Advance, or SHI.
Raptor AR headset
Features:
Optional controller, intuitive touchpad, users can switch between different visor tints depending on weather, 2 GB of RAM, and 16/32 GB internal memory, 13.2 MP front camera that can capture 1080p HD videos and photos, optional controller, intuitive touchpad, users can switch between different visor tints depending on weather, 2 GB of RAM, and 16/32 GB internal memory The Polycarbonate visor is impervious to dust, water, and minor impacts. The field of view is 43 degrees. It uses Beam technology, a WVGA+ technology, to project a very simple wireframe display over an area similar to a 65″ screen positioned 12 feet in front of a user’s eye, according to the claims. Directly from the device’s lens, real-time graphic data is presented. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ANT+, GPS, and Glonass are all choices for connecting to other devices. Users can track their heart rates, speed, and cadence, as well as share routes, photos, videos, and other content with other users. Support for Android and iOS. For the AR headset, there is a separate controller. Its controller includes wide buttons that make it easy to control even while riding a bike. Outdoor sportsmen and road cyclists, as well as mountain bikers, prefer it. The AR display is provided via an OLED-based projector system.
Pros:
A long battery life of up to 8 hours, an HD front camera, and various visor tints are also available. When compared to most AR smart glasses, this is a bargain.
Cons: Not much applicable beyond outdoor athletics and cycling. Rating: Scores a rating of 3.5/5 Pricing: $599
ThirdEye Generation
Features:
The field of view is 42 degrees. 1280 x 720 pixels is the resolution. HD video and image capture using a 13MP camera. All-in-one SLAM system with 3D tracking, image detection, and occlusion. Many sensors, two 13-megapixel wide-angle cameras for greater environmental mapping, dual noise-canceling microphones, and 32 GB of data Users can use video communication to share their points of view with others from afar. For remote support applications, it has live audio. Many AR and VR apps produced using multiple platforms, such as Android Studio and Unity, are compatible. Users of the AR headset can utilise the VisionEye SLAM SDK to create VR and AR content.
Pros:
A battery life of up to 8 hours is possible. If users want, they can use external batteries. Small in size, low in weight, and adaptable to any working situation.
Cons:
Pricy for commercial use. Small FOV–field of view.
Rating: Scores a rating of 2.5/5 Pricing: $1,950 through the ThirdEye Generation store.
Kopin Solos
Features:
The camera has a field of view of 10.6 degrees and a resolution of 400 240 pixels. Visual data displays, microphones, and earphones for communicating–calls, music listening, and device monitoring with voice control, as well as audio guiding. Compatible with augmented reality apps. A spare lens is included. It is possible to adjust the fit. Design that is light in weight. Designed primarily for athletes such as bikers, runners, and triathletes. It tracks the user’s progress in terms of time, speed, power, and heart rate. Bluetooth (BLE) sensors, ANT+ sensors, and a micro USB charging connector are all included. In a frame, there are three tactile input buttons and two digital microphones.
Pros:
Affordably priced, with a variety of user performance trackers and a big number of AR applications to choose from. When compared to the other AR smart glasses on this list, this one is a bargain.
Cons:
Limited 5-hour battery life. Limited field of view.
Rating: Scores a rating of 3/5 Pricing: $499
Toshiba dynaEdge
Features:
1280 x 720 pixels resolution; 5 MP camera. Works with a Mini Windows 10 Pro PC with 3 processors, Intel Pentium and Intel Core. Built-in speaker, dual microphones, USB Type-C. 6 sensor types. Noise-canceling mics. 3 programmable control buttons allow the user to personalize on how to navigate the software. 4 different frame mount options. Weighs 47gms.
Pros:
The AR glasses can be fitted over most traditional glasses and features noise-canceling effects.
Cons:
Costly, and must be tethered on the mini PC to work.
Rating: Scores a rating of 2.5/5 Pricing: Costs $1,899; including all accessories at $2,399
Vuzix Blade AR
Features:
The field of view is 10 degrees. 1080p videos are captured with an 8MP HD camera. It provides haptic feedback. Noise-cancelling microphones are included. It contains a touchpad and motion tracking devices for the head. Waveguard optics are also used to display a see-through image in front of the user’s eyes. UV-protective lenses are available in a variety of colours and can be customised with prescription inserts. VUZIX Basics–which comes with a mobile app and an app store with a selection of apps and content–works with smartphones (both iOS and Android) since it has a built-in Android and iOS. Instead than having a separate display on the side, it has one in the centre. There is a micro-SD card slot. Alexa is used to perform basic tasks. The presence of a red light indicates if the camera is turned on–no shooting images without users’ knowledge, as was the situation with Google Glass. Eyeglasses that may be worn in a variety of ways.
Pros:
8MP HD camera, noise-canceling effects on mics, a growing number of apps on the device’s app store. 64 GB of memory space. Batteries are rechargeable.
Cons:
Expensive compared to the other top-listed devices here. Limited applications compared to smart glasses at the top of the category. Poor battery life of just 2 hours.
Rating: Scores a rating of 3/5 Pricing: $499
Snap Spectacles 3
Features:
Snap Spectacles 3 shoots movies at a resolution of 1216 by 1216 pixels; 2D has 105 degrees of freedom, while 3D has 86 degrees of freedom. 4GB of storage, built-in GPS, and a weight of 56.5 grammes Both iOS and Android are supported. Two cameras are used to capture 3D at 60 frames per second. There are four built-in microphones for recording spatial sounds. It works by combining photos from the two cameras to generate a geometric map of the user’s surroundings. The Snapchat app syncs photos and videos. They can be edited in 3D by the user. Share photographs and videos on Snapchat, YouTube VR, and other social media platforms. Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity are available.
Pros:
On a full charge, the battery can record 70 videos. Spectacles 3 can be obtained by trading in older models. Return period is 30 days.
Cons:
Too expensive for that simple use. Limited application.
Rating: Scores a rating of 2.5/5 Pricing: $380 Honorable Mentions Optinvent ORA-X wearable AR device in the form of headphones with a retractable display, Lenovo Mirage Star Wars Jedi Challenges, Mira Prism smartphone AR, K-Glass, and Optinvent ORA-X wearable AR device in the form of headphones with a retractable display. ICIS connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone (iOS, Android, and Windows) and allows users to browse through AR apps as widgets. Another headset, GlassUp, projects a display in your field of vision that you may use to view notifications, RSS feeds, send and read emails, or even use as hearing aids. Atheer One uses a smartphone connection to display 3D visuals in front of your eyes that you may interact with with your hands.
How Do AR Smart Glasses Work
AR smart glasses are worn over the eyes like regular eyeglasses, but unlike regular eyeglasses, they enhance the user’s vision by generating and/or overlaying computer-generated or digital graphics, images, videos, animations, and three-dimensional holograms over real-world scenes or environments seen by the user at their points of view.
Unlike virtual reality, augmented reality smart glasses do not totally replace the user’s environment or scenarios with virtual ones, but rather overlay 3D visuals on top of real-world situations to enhance the user’s experience. It could employ a camera, sensors, or other environment or object recognition technologies to find a pre-loaded marker (the picture of the marker is pre-loaded on the app, and the camera searches for comparable images in the user’s real-world scene) on which to overlay the pre-defined digital 3D images. These glasses may also use geolocation methods like GPS or SLAM (algorithm-based simultaneous localization and mapping technology that also gets data from sensors), or a combination of two or all three, to determine the user’s location and thus which user’s environments to overlay with digital 3D images or holograms.
Applications Of Smart Glasses
Gaming
Take, for example, the famous PokeMon Go game, which allows users to play and take photos with Pokemons in their real-life environments.
Troubleshooting, remote support, and maintenance and repair
Engineers can assist technicians remotely to execute intricate and advanced instals and repairs on manufacturing floors without having to go or wasting time, which is a very competent use case for VR and AR headsets. These can remotely collaborate using live videos, chat, and AR annotations to clarify what has to be explained in the process, with or without AR headsets.
Education, learning, both in the classroom and online
AR apps allow students in the learning process to see historical landmarks with data and facts overlay. Virtual AR educational tours can also be used to assist students explore sites while teachers explain facts and figures, allowing them to learn Geography, History, Religion, and a variety of other courses/subjects, not to mention what AR can do for virtual learning.
Tourism via the internet
Customers can wander around historical landmarks with information and figures overlayed on top of them without needing to take a tourist there or before shopping. Data, information, and figures regarding these sites can be found in internet databases using AR headset applications. Some apps may simulate the appearance of historical sites in the past, such as over 100 years ago.
Military
Real-time flight information such as altitude, airspeed, and the horizon line are displayed on virtual AR displays in front of combat pilots. Ground forces can acquire real-time info regarding enemy location, etc. via their visual screens. It’s also used in military training simulations.
Medical education and training
Visualizations are utilised to illustrate complex procedures, concepts, and practises using Augmented Reality and AR smart glasses in surgery. It may or may not be used in conjunction with X-ray and MRI imaging.
Getting Around
Routes and places can be displayed in real time on AR screens.
Promotion and advertising
AR headsets, devices, and AR smart glasses can be used with apps that allow users to explore restaurants, companies, and other places in their immediate vicinity. On ad platforms, AR advertising can also be layered on the user’s view.
Conclusion
This AR smart glasses tutorial covers the basics of augmented reality headsets, including how they function and the key alternatives available to you as a buyer or as someone looking to manufacture or sell and conducting research. We focused on tethered, smartphone-based, PC-based, and cordless Augmented Reality smart glasses. If you want the best AR experiences, you’ll need to spend more money on devices like the HoloLens 2, Moverio BT-300, Magic Leap 2, and Google Glass Edition 2. Smartphone AR gadgets allow for lower-quality experiences at significantly cheaper costs. Nonetheless, the device you choose is determined by the application you wish to use. Aside from that, all of the options addressed in this tutorial provide a lot of AR stuff to appreciate.
