Facebook to launch its own AR-activated smart glasses

Facebook to launch its own AR-activated smart glasses

Seems like Facebook has its finger in too many pies. The revelation of a patent application filed by Oculus on USPTO shows the company is working on AR powered smart glasses. As you may know, Oculus is the VR division of Facebook.

The name of the patent application is "Waveguide display with two-dimensional scanner". The patent puts "computer generated elements" over a real world background. The display would be set inside the frame used for eye-wear in such a way that "presents media to a user's eyes." According to the patent, the display will be equipped with waveguide technology to let a wave of light enter the lens. The display would also be able to show images and videos. While the audio would be controlled by speakers or a headphone. Currently, it is hard to say if we will ever see these smart glasses getting launched. We have previously seen many devices being patented but they seldom take the form of reality. Having said that, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has previously said he thinks VR and AR are the next big computer platforms. Another point to ponder on is whether consumers are ready for AR-powered smart glasses. For example, the Google Glass failed to generate interest among people. So if Facebook is planning to launch the smart glasses anytime soon, the product should offer something out-of-the-world to its users. Then the social network giant has to face competition from other companies as well. Apple is also said to be developing its smart glasses. What's more, tech analyst Gene Munster believes the iPhone maker will launch its smart glasses by the year 2019. While we have heard no word from Apple on this matter, it does sound feasible. For now, we have no option but to wait.