TECH REPORT - SMARTPHONES VS SMART GLASSES

Since the first mobile phone in 1973 - the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X - invented to make more convenient long distant calls, phone technology has evolved into a whole new world of demand and supply pushed by the craving for more non-call communication.

This is what the IBM Simon - the world's first smartphone - came in 1994 to resolve, offering text and fax messaging capabilities for more robust communication and seamless information sharing.

Today, we have the sleeker iPhones and Samsungs smartphones offering ultimate communication edge through improved texting, real-time picture, audio and video sharing, and in combination with software technologies and AI, can touch on all areas of human life.

Life seems perfect and hooked on smartphones at this point. But despite the high of 30 years, and the methodical shift of people to non-call communication to contrast our original constitution, tech enthusiast know this is just the start of an era of smart things and more is set to evolve in this space.

So I ask - "What's next for smartphones?"

The Rise of Smart Glasses

If what folks like Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's boss, are saying is anything to go by, then smartphones might be seeing their end days, and smart glasses, set to take over the space. This is why tech giants such as Meta and Apple have been the first to run with the idea. They have created openings for transition to a more hands-free experience for smartphone users in the next couple years.

They have created smart glasses that project real-time information into your line of sight, to signal the end of hand-held phone devices and complete the switch to comfort and ease of navigation into truer-than-life mobile experiences. They believe smart glasses with call capabilities will absolutely rock. But will they?

What Do Smart Glasses Do?

Though the first smart glass - Google Glass - created in 2011 by Google heralded the launch of a new technology, it didn't quite make desired impact. However, 12 years later, smart glasses are gaining ground, and may soon cover the full functionality of smartphones by 2035, to relegate phones to mere accessories.

Smart glasses combines AR - augmented technology into wearable devices to offer hands-free access to the internet, allowing audio and video functions via voice control. Some apps have joined in the chariot already. Apps like Netflix.

What are Smart Glasses Expected to Do?

Smart glasses are set to change how we interact with digital content. It will offer more functionalities and apps compatibility in the future, allowing the phone to be almost useless in public. Also, smart glasses will allow access to the internet on a wider screen, bringing web-steaming experiences into your physically surroundings.

Imagine getting your news updates in front of you, or watching your favorite movies, or not having to pull out your phone for a virtual meeting. Smart glasses are expected to introduce the make and receive calls functionality too.

What do you think? Would predictions be right this time? Would the lovely smartphone right now in your hand soon become mere accessories?