AR glasses

AR smartglasses have long been discussed and teased at, with one-fifth of the topics identified by SparkAmplify’s AR/VR trending topic analysis model addressing AR/VR smart glasses, but few concrete and successful results have emerged and prevailed. Since Google Glass was released almost a decade ago, tech companies have had ample time to head back to the drawing board and continue the research and development process for the industry’s next best AR smartglasses. 

This June, a patent has been obtained by Apple indicating “an adjustable opacity system” for a new head device - fixing worries about unclear image projection in AR glasses. However, AppleInsider pointed out that a patent does not necessarily guarantee a specific product launch since patent applications are filed as part of the research and development process.

Qualcomm joins tech industry leaders Apple, Facebook, and Samsung in the development of AR smartglasses as a new challenger. In February 2021, the smartphone chip manufacturer announced its own design for an AR smartglasses: Qualcomm XR1 AR Smart Viewer Reference Design. In a video released by the company, the product responds to hand and arm gestures, tracks head movement, and allows users to interact with virtual 3D objects and images around the room. The AR glasses also project digital content onto multiple large virtual screens by connecting the smartglasses with an attached device. 

What are the top virtual reality companies operating out of Taiwan? With HTC accounting for about 13% of the current VR headset market, it’s only natural that an ecosystem of XR companies and startups would bloom in Taiwan.

The award-winning Taipei startup ChaseWind is poised to disrupt the cycling world with its augmented reality glasses. The glasses display important information for cyclists who can enjoy a data-enhanced ride without having to constantly check for information on a cycle-mounted display.