During Meta’s second-quarter earnings call, CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared his belief that AI glasses will soon become the primary way people interact with AI.
Furthermore, he warned that individuals without such devices could face a significant cognitive disadvantage in the future.
This statement builds on his recent blog post focused on the future of superintelligence. Zuckerberg emphasized that smart glasses would give AI the ability to see and hear as humans do.
As a result, users could benefit from real-time assistance and seamless integration with digital tools.
AI Glasses
According to Zuckerberg, glasses offer a practical form factor. They sit naturally on the face, allowing AI to access visual and audio inputs without added friction.
Adding a display would expand their capabilities even further. This could include holographic projections, as planned in Meta’s upcoming Orion AR glasses, or more basic displays suitable for daily use.
In his words, “If you don’t have glasses that have AI, or some way to interact with AI, you’re probably going to be at a pretty significant cognitive disadvantage.”
Early Success
Meta has already made progress in this space. The company’s Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta glasses offer several useful features.
Users can take photos, record videos, listen to music, and ask questions using Meta AI. They can even receive information about what they are currently seeing.
These products have performed well. Sales of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses more than tripled year-over-year. EssilorLuxottica, a global eyewear leader, confirmed this increase.
Financial Struggles
However, Meta’s progress has come at a cost. Reality Labs, the division behind the glasses, has lost nearly $70 billion since 2020.
In the most recent quarter alone, it reported an operating loss of $4.53 billion. Despite these financial challenges, Zuckerberg remains confident.
He described the losses as necessary for long-term innovation. This is evidenced by Reality Labs’s research and development support for advanced wearables, augmented reality, and AI, over the past decade.
Zuckerberg framed these investments as essential. He sees them as foundational for future computing platforms, particularly those that blend physical and digital experiences.
Also read: Meta Projects $1.4T in Generative AI Revenue by 2035
Consumer AI Devices
Meta is focusing on AI eyewear, but other companies are exploring different approaches. Earlier this year, OpenAI acquired a startup led by former Apple executive Jony Ive.
The $6.5 billion deal will aid the development of a new consumer device centered on AI interaction.
Startups such as Humane, Limitless, and Friend have also entered the space. These companies offer products like wearable AI pins and pendants.
However, many have struggled to achieve commercial success. For instance, Humane’s AI pin failed to gain traction in the market.
At present, glasses appear to be the most practical and socially acceptable option. Many people already wear them, and their design allows for subtle technological integration.
Still, the future remains open. As history shows, revolutionary devices often begin as unexpected innovations.
The Metaverse
Zuckerberg also believes that smart glasses will play a central role in merging digital and physical environments. This, in turn, supports Meta’s goal of building the metaverse.
He stated, “The other thing that’s awesome about glasses is they are going to be the ideal way to blend the physical and digital worlds together.”
In his view, AI will accelerate the development of the metaverse. By offering real-time insights and guidance, glasses could allow users to interact with both worlds more efficiently.
