Apple, Facebook and Google in order of battle

Augmented reality glasses (which are superimposed in the field of view of alphanumeric elements) could eventually become an alternative to smartphones. The digital giants seem in any case to believe hard as iron. And the offensives are beginning to multiply on the GAFA side.

On the side of Apple, it's been over a year since rumors evoking the development of a dedicated product are multiplying. But today, the often well-informed Ming-Chi Kuo, analyst of TF Securities, announced that a model would be presented during the second quarter of 2020. Without giving technical details, he said that the augmented reality glasses Apple would be manufactured in collaboration with third parties.

The move could be strategic for the firm at the apple that sees its iPhone sales decline quarter after quarter. Above all, the giant could with this product take back the hand of innovation, field where it is today distanced by Huawei or even a Microsoft. Still, Apple has never confirmed the existence of such a project – true to its policy of discretion.

Apparently more advanced, Facebook unveiled in September an augmented reality glasses model project developed with the world's giant frames, Luxottica (now part of the Franco-Italian group Essilor Luxottica). They should be able to take pictures, make calls and display various information.

Google wiped the plasters

Mark Zuckerberg's company wants to launch them between 2023 and 2025, explaining that many technical challenges are to be taken to integrate all the technology of a smartphone to a pair of glasses.

Google, meanwhile, was hit by the plaster with its Google Glass, launched in 2014. A first model aimed at the general public, but which did not find his audience precisely. In 2017, the firm launched a new version clearly oriented Companies.

The technology remains the same and we find the functionality of Google Glass, able to display information or notifications in the field of vision of the user.

Google points out that he never really doubted the value of his connected glasses in business. For many trades, it's about providing the ability to keep both hands free while viewing information related to current tasks.

Because the industry appears as a target of choice for this type of devices: technicians, maintenance, training, logistics … Microsoft has also understood, its HoloLens (more dedicated to virtual reality) know a very nice success in companies and are only intended to serve them.

Productivity gains exist. Workers equipped with Google Glass in an agricultural machinery manufacturing plant would have saved 25% of time on their usual tasks. "Employees are now working smarter, faster and safer because they have the information they need, always in front of them," says the company's manager, quoted by the Mountain View giant.

Another lever of takeoff of these devices, the 5G which can significantly reduce latency (response time) when connected, an essential point for comfort of use.

"The emergence of a new technology leads to the development of new uses.New screens and devices will be introduced with the arrival of 5G.The smartphones will still exist but we will wear augmented reality glasses by 2025, according to 45 % of French users we interviewed, "says a study ConsumerLab Ericsson. Note that this share climbs to 76% in China …