Julie Clover
Apple is surveying its employees about smart glasses as it continues to consider releasing its own version of Meta's Ray-Ban glasses, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports. Apple has launched an internal study of products currently on the market and is currently collecting feedback from Apple employees.
In an email sent to employees, Apple's product systems quality team called for participants for “an upcoming user study using advanced smart glasses.” Apple typically uses focus groups when deciding whether to enter a new market, Gurman said. Using employees for focus groups allows Apple to keep its plans under wraps in a way that would be impossible if it were a public recruitment drive.
While the product is still a few years away, Apple is considering making smart glasses similar to the Meta Ray-Bans. The Meta glasses come with a camera and built-in AI so users can ask questions about their surroundings.
Apple could potentially develop a simple set of glasses with a camera, Siri integration, and built-in speakers for listening to music, and could also include health features. Essentially, the glasses would be a beefed-up version of AirPods with additional capabilities.
It would be easy for Apple to make smart glasses that only combine a camera, speakers, and AI, and this could be a way to increase profits from wearables while work continues on augmented reality glasses. Apple has been unable to create augmented reality glasses due to high costs and technical limitations that the company has not yet been able to overcome.
Collecting feedback from employees on Meta glasses and other similar devices could provide Apple with valuable information about what features customers prefer.
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