The worldwide market for smart glasses hasn’t taken off despite a few years of pilots, implementations, and a lot of hype, according to market intelligence firm Tractica. Many are frustrated because the technology has not met end-user expectations. The market experienced a roller coaster ride as pioneers exited and newcomers and a wide array of platform and software providers expanded their offerings. However, the for AR glasses is still growing at a slow but steady pace as it inches away from being a niche product to becoming an industrial and enterprise problem solver. The market is building its ecosystem, refining hardware, and taking a more realistic approach for the long-run ramp-up of smart AR glasses, reports Tractica.

Augmented reality glasses enable information about the user’s environment displayed in front of their eyes on their glasses. Additionally, AR glasses effectively superimposes the virtual objects on to the real world. Smart augmented reality glasses enable efficient interactions with holographic objects, as well, because of the presence of sensors and position trackers.

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Innovations in augmented reality glasses has led to the introduction of mixed reality glasses comprising of enhanced functions. Mixed reality continues to demonstrate a more immersive experience for users.

Tractica expects an inflection point to hit for both assisted and mixed reality glasses in the 2021-2022 timeframe. The supporting ecosystem will be at a more mature level, which will boost production and making the price cheaper, according to the Tractica report. Mixed Reality will be the main driver for smart AR glasses in the longer term. Large market players, including Apple, are expected to introduce offerings that will spur consumer adoption.

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This Tractica report covers the various types of smart AR glasses, from simple assisted reality glasses to mixed reality holographic displays. The different application markets for smart AR glasses that are covered in depth include consumer, enterprise, industrial, public safety, sports, and healthcare. More than 20 profiles of hardware and software vendors are provided, with an additional 50-plus companies included in extended lists of industry participants. This report also provides market forecasts from 2018 to 2025 for smart AR glasses with data segmented by region, application market, and connectivity technology.

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