The Smart Glasses Resurgence

After the initial buzz around Google Glass faded into the background, smart glasses are making a serious comeback in 2025. Today’s augmented reality (AR) wearables are not only more advanced and useful—they’re also far more stylish and socially acceptable, thanks to renewed investment from tech heavyweights like Google and Meta.

Google is rumoured to be working on new Android XR smart glasses, blending AI and spatial computing for a much more natural user experience. This time, though, they’re taking design seriously—partnering with eyewear brands like Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to create frames that people are actually happy to wear out and about. It’s a clear sign that for AR to go mainstream, the technology has to fit seamlessly into everyday life, not just stand out as a gadget.

Meta, meanwhile, has already seen strong uptake with its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, selling over a million pairs by the end of 2024. These lightweight specs offer voice-activated AI, photo and video capture, and real-time AR overlays—putting digital content right in your line of sight. Meta’s push to get these glasses into retail stores has also helped, letting people try them for themselves and get a real sense of what’s possible.

What we’re seeing is a real shift: AR is moving from being a novelty to something genuinely useful. As these wearables become more tightly integrated with AI and spatial computing, they have the potential to transform the way we navigate, communicate, and connect—both online and in the real world.

Here at Worldspace, we’re paying close attention. The blend of fashion, functionality, and immersive tech is the next big step—not just for AR, but for the whole metaverse landscape.

So, the question remains: are smart glasses finally ready for the mainstream? And just as importantly - are we?