Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —

A number of technology giants at Silicon Valley began to develop sophisticated devices that are claimed to be replacing smartphone and touted as ‘The Next Big Thing’. What’s that?

The sophisticated device that is claimed to replace the smartphone is smart glasses based on artificial intelligence (AI). At least, there are five technology companies at Silicon Valley that developed the device, namely Google, Meta, Amazon, Apple, and Snap.

SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT

The five companies are all-in in developing smart glasses that can really see and answer questions around the user.

The boisterous development of smart glasses is based on the confidence of technology companies that smartphones are no longer interesting enough to encourage users to upgrade regularly, as well as the desire to take advantage of AI by developing new hardware around it.

The development of smart glasses is actually not new. Google, in 2012, has actually introduced their smart glasses, Google Glass.

However, the product did not sell in the market at that time. However, Google Glass failure is considered only because it appears too fast.

Therefore, it is now considered to be the right moment to develop smart glasses. Because the progress of AI in recent times is considered to be able to make smart glasses more useful than before.

Jitesh Ubrani, research manager in the market research firm The International Data Corporation, said that the developing AI model can process images, videos and sounds simultaneously, and answer difficult questions. It is considered to be able to make smart glasses finally worthy of use.

“AI makes these devices much easier to use, and also introduce new ways for people to use them,” Jitesh said, launching CNNSaturday (6/14).

How sophisticated is smart glasses?

Google, Snap, Meta, and Amazon have previously released glasses equipped with cameras, speakers, and sound assistants.

However, Google Glass released more than ten years ago was never popular. The screen is small, the battery durability is short, and the price is expensive and not fashionable.

Meanwhile, modern glasses such as Amazon Echo Frames, Meta Ray-Ban Stories, and the initial version of Snap Spectacles make it easy for users to listen to music or take photos without using hands.

However, the latest generation of smart glasses is far more sophisticated. Ray-Ban Meta Ai’s sunglasses, for example, with this device, users can do tasks such as asking whether the pepper they see in spicy grocery stores or translate conversations between languages in real-time.

Ray-Ban’s parent company, Essilorluxottica, said that since it was launched in 2023, 2 million pairs of glasses have been sold.

“It’s been an effort for years [mengembangkan kacamata pintar] it failed. But, now finally there are some good concepts that have succeeded, “said Andrew Zignani, Senior Research Director of the Abi Research Strategic Technology Team.

Market predictions

And market research shows that there is great interest this time for smart glasses. According to Abi Research the smart glasses market is expected to grow from 3.3 million units sent in 2024 to nearly 13 million in 2026.

International Data Corporation also estimates the smart glasses market as produced by Meta will grow from 8.8 million in 2025 to nearly 14 million in 2026.

Apple is also reportedly developing smart glasses that will be launched next year. This product will compete directly with Meta -made smart glasses.

Panos Panay, Head of the Amazon Device and Service Division, also does not dismiss the possibility of Alexa’s glasses equipped with a camera, similar to the one offered by Meta.

“But I think you can imagine, there will be many AI devices that will come,” Panos said in February.

AI applications, such as chatgpt and Gemini, have begun to build a basis for smart glasses using the user’s cellphone camera to answer questions about the surrounding environment.

Google said that they would expand the use of cameras in their search applications. This indicates that they see this technology as a new way for people to find information.

Apple last week announced an update to its visual intelligence tool that allows users to ask questions about content on their iPhone screen, in addition to the surrounding environment, using a camera.

Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, recently reiterated his belief that smart glasses can be a new way for people to use technology.

“The big bet we have at this company is that many ways people interact with future content will increasingly go through various medium AI, and in the end through smart glasses and holograms,” Mark said.

Big challenge

Although impressed innovative and promising, the development of smart glasses has a big challenge that they must face.

One of them is how the technological giants convince consumers to use smart glasses as daily devices. This includes privacy issues which are the main factors in the failure of Google Glass.

Recording videos with camera glasses more hidden than using a cellphone, although meta and Google glasses are equipped with lights on the front to tell others when the user is recording content.

The biggest challenge is to convince consumers that they need other technological devices in their lives, especially for those who do not need recipe glasses. These products must be suitable for use on the face all day.

And these devices are likely not to be cheap. Ray-ban’s glasses from Meta are usually sold for around $ 300 or equivalent to Rp4.8 million (assuming Rp16,313 per 1 US dollar).

Although the price is not as expensive as the Apple Vision Pro headset for $ 3,500 or around Rp57 million, this can still be a challenge because people tend to reduce expenses for additional technology products.

This is reflected in the decline in smartwatch sales. Counterpoint Research revealed the global smartwatch sales fell for the first time in March.

According to them, this could be a signal that consumers no longer spend a lot of money for devices that they think are not essential.

However, technology companies are willing to take this risk to avoid missing from what might be the next blockbuster technology product.

“Many parties in this industry believe that smartphones will eventually be replaced by glasses or something similar,” Jitesh said.

“That will not happen today. That will happen for years from now, and all of these companies want to ensure that they will not miss the change,” he concluded.

date:2025-06-16 05:32:00

Smartphone substitute: The Future of Mobile Technology

The Giant Technology is Busy Making a Smartphone Substitute,What Is That?

The era of the smartphone,while seemingly unshakeable,might be approaching a pivotal shift. Tech giants, always looking ahead, are heavily investing in and developing what many believe will be the next paradigm in personal technology: a tangible and increasingly advanced smartphone substitute. But what exactly is this new form factor, and what makes these companies so sure that it will eventually replace the ubiquitous rectangular device we all carry?

Understanding the Driving Forces Behind the Smartphone Substitute

Several factors are fueling the intense research and development in this area.Consider these key motivators:

smartphone Saturation: The smartphone market is mature,with growth slowing down.Finding entirely new customers is proving tough.
Evolving User Needs: Users are seeking more seamless, hands-free, and immersive experiences that smartphones, in their current form, struggle to deliver.
Technological Advancements: breakthroughs in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and wearable technology are making choice devices increasingly viable and appealing.
“Screen Fatigue”: A growing awareness of the negative effects related to excessive screen time is starting to push users towards alternative solutions that offer more natural and less intrusive interaction paradigms.

Key Contenders for the Smartphone Substitute Crown

While the ultimate form factor remains to be seen, several technologies are emerging as strong contenders for the title of the next big thing in personal technology. Let’s explore some of the most promising options:

Wearable Devices (Smartwatches and beyond)

Smartwatches have already established a foothold, but their capabilities are rapidly expanding. future smartwatches will likely feature:

Advanced Health Monitoring: More accurate and comprehensive tracking of vital signs.
Enhanced Communication Features: Seamless integration with messaging and calling services.
Gesture control: Navigating interfaces with simple hand movements.
Augmented Reality (AR) Integration: projecting information onto the wearer’s field of view.
Standalone Functionality: Reduced dependence on a paired smartphone.

Beyond smartwatches, other wearable devices, such as smart rings or even embedded sensors, could also play a role in replacing certain smartphone functions.

Augmented Reality (AR) Glasses

AR glasses represent a notable leap forward in personal computing.These devices overlay digital information onto the real world, creating immersive and interactive experiences. The potential applications are virtually limitless:

Navigation: real-time directions projected onto the user’s view.
Communication: Hands-free video calls and messaging.
Entertainment: Immersive gaming and media consumption.
Productivity: Access to information and tools without needing to look at a screen.
Education: Interactive learning experiences with augmented visuals.

Companies like Apple, Meta, and Google are heavily invested in AR glasses, signaling their belief in the technology’s transformative potential.The key challenges remain in miniaturizing the technology,improving battery life,and developing compelling software applications.

AI-Powered Personal Assistants

While not a physical device, AI-powered personal assistants like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple’s Siri are becoming increasingly sophisticated and capable. They can already handle a wide range of tasks, from setting reminders and playing music to answering questions and controlling smart home devices. in the future, AI assistants will likely become even more integrated into our lives, potentially acting as central hubs for managing our digital interactions.

Proactive Assistance: Anticipating user needs and providing relevant information without being asked.
Personalized Experiences: Adapting to individual preferences and learning from user behavior.
Contextual Awareness: Understanding the user’s location,activity,and surroundings to provide more relevant responses.
seamless Integration: Connecting with a wide range of devices and services.
Natural Language Processing (NLP): More natural and intuitive voice interactions.

The convergence of AI with wearable devices could create a powerful synergy, allowing users to interact with technology in a completely new way, effectively acting as a smartphone substitute.

Projectors

Miniaturized projectors can potentially transform any surface into a display. Imagine projecting a keyboard onto your desk or a movie onto your wall,offering unparalleled flexibility. While still in its early stages, this technology has the potential to become a more mobile and versatile smartphone substitute compared to traditional screens. Challenges include brightness,resolution,and power consumption.

Neural Interfaces

The most futuristic and aspiring of these technologies are neural interfaces, sometimes referred to as brain-computer interfaces (bcis). These interfaces would allow users to control devices and access information directly through their thoughts. While still in its early stages of development,neural interfaces have the potential to revolutionize how we interact with technology,offering an entirely new level of control and connectivity. Ethical implications and long-term health concerns remain significant hurdles.

The Benefits of a Smartphone Substitute

The potential benefits of a prosperous smartphone substitute are numerous and compelling:

Reduced Screen Time: Less time spent staring at screens, potentially improving eye health and reducing mental fatigue.
Increased Productivity: Hands-free access to information and tools, allowing users to be more productive on the go.
Enhanced safety: Easier and safer access to navigation and communication while driving or performing other tasks.
More Immersive Experiences: Augmented reality and virtual reality offer new ways to experience entertainment, education, and communication.
improved Accessibility: Providing new ways for people with disabilities to interact with technology.

practical Tips for Staying Ahead of the curve

here are some practical tips to ensure you’re ready for the shift away from the smartphone dominance:

Embrace Wearable Technology: Experiment with smartwatches and fitness trackers to get familiar with wearable devices.
Explore AI Assistants: Utilize voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa to streamline your daily tasks.
Stay Informed: Follow tech news and industry trends to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in AR, VR, and AI.
Consider AR/VR Apps: Download and explore AR and VR applications to experience the potential of these technologies firsthand.
Reflect on Your Smartphone Usage: Identify tasks you perform on your smartphone that could be better handled by an alternative device or technology.

Smartphone Substitute: Case Studies

Although widespread replacements aren’t fully realized yet, a plenty of companies are making huge steps forward. A closer look might prove useful:

Google Glass Enterprise Edition: Targeted at industry, demonstrates AR’s utility in specialized tasks like manufacturing and logistics.
apple Watch Series: its health tracking features are increasingly relied upon, moving beyond simple notifications to crucial health monitoring for many users.
Amazon Echo Frames: discreet smart glasses leveraging Alexa to provide hands-free information access and notifications.
Meta ray-Ban smartglasses: Camera and voice assistant functionality built into everyday eyewear to give hands-free photo and video.

First-Hand experience and the User’s Perspective

The transition to a smartphone substitute requires a shift in mindset. early adopters frequently enough report a period of adjustment, learning new interaction paradigms and discovering the unique benefits of each technology. However, the increased freedom, efficiency, and immersion offered by these devices often outweigh the initial learning curve. For example, consider switching to a smartwatch for basic notifications or using AR glasses for navigation while cycling.

Real World Usage Examples

Healthcare: Doctors using AR glasses for real-time access to patient information during rounds.
Manufacturing: Technicians using wearable devices to access schematics and instructions while repairing equipment.
Education: Students using VR headsets to immerse themselves in ancient events or explore complex scientific concepts.

The Challenges Ahead

Despite the immense potential, significant challenges remain before a true smartphone substitute can achieve widespread adoption:

Battery Life: Improving battery life is critical for wearable devices and AR glasses to be practical for everyday use.
Form Factor: Designing devices that are cozy, stylish, and socially acceptable.
Connectivity: ensuring seamless and reliable connectivity.
Software Ecosystem: Developing a rich and diverse ecosystem of applications and services.
Privacy and Security: Addressing concerns about data privacy and security.

The Future is Upon Us

The smartphone as we know it is not going away overnight. However, the momentum towards a more diverse and personalized ecosystem of personal technology is undeniable. The tech giants are investing heavily, and the pace of innovation is accelerating. As these technologies mature and the challenges are overcome, we can anticipate a future where the smartphone is no longer the dominant force in our digital lives, replaced by a range of specialized devices and AI assistants that seamlessly integrate into our daily routines.

What Happens Next?

The development of a practical smartphone substitute is an ongoing story. Continued advancements in component miniaturization,battery technology,and the maturity of AI will be critical. As these innovations evolve, we can anticipate more seamless integration between existing technologies and entirely new approaches to how we interact with the digital world.

WordPress Table: Exploring Smartphone Substitutes

Device Type	Key Features	Potential Benefits
Smartwatches	Health tracking, notifications, communication	convenience, health monitoring
AR Glasses	Augmented reality overlay, hands-free access	Immersive experiences, enhanced productivity
AI Assistants	Voice control, task management, information retrieval	Efficiency, personalized assistance
projectors	Flexible display, on-the-go versatility	Shareable display, portable productivity

WordPress Table: User Adoption Scenarios

User	Current Smartphone Use	Substitute Solution
Athlete	Tracking fitness, listening to music	advanced Smartwatch
Traveler	Navigation, translation, photography	AR Glasses with AI Assistant
Professional	Email, scheduling, presentations	Lightweight laptop
Student	Research, note-taking, communication	Tablet with Stylus

AI technology Alexa Amazon Apple artificial intelligence big ChatGPT CNN development device Gemini Generation Google Google Glass language Mark Zuckerberg META Music replacement silicon valley smart glasses technology company thing video

The giant technology is busy making a smartphone substitute, what is that?