Amazon's Rumored AR Glasses Stand to Compete Directly with Ray-Ban Meta in the Augmented Reality Marketplace
Amazon is set to enter the smart glasses market with two new prototypes, aiming to challenge Meta's dominance in the industry.
The consumer-focused AR glasses, named 'Jayhawk', are expected to be released in late 2026 or early 2027. These glasses will feature microphones, speakers, a camera, and a full-color display in one eye. However, Amazon needs to change people's perception of Amazon Glasses as being desirable to inspire customers to spend smartphone-level money on them.
The company is also working on AR glasses for its delivery drivers, named 'Amelia'. These glasses will reportedly use dual screens to help sort and deliver packages.
Amazon's hardware brand is known for offering value and affordability, with most of its premium products priced under $200. However, the current target price point for Amazon's AR glasses is about $800. This is a significant increase in price compared to Amazon's offerings, and the company will need to justify this price to potential customers.
Amazon also sells Carrera Smart Glasses with Alexa, which are more classically designed but may not be well-known to many customers. These glasses are not the default option, and it remains to be seen if they will be a part of Amazon's new AR glasses offerings.
In contrast, Meta's Ray-Ban Meta glasses are currently considered the best smart glasses on the market due to their stylish design, strong audio, solid camera quality, and reliable Meta AI insights. Meta has partnered with EssilorLuxottica, investing $3.5 billion for a 3% stake, to produce Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta smart glasses. Meta is also set to unveil new AR glasses called "Hypernova" with a right-eye display at Meta Connect 2025.
Meta and Google understand the importance of offering different styles to appeal to different tastes and ensuring a good fit for any face to sell enough units to be profitable. Google is partnering with Warby Parker to develop Android XR glasses using WP designs, and has invested $150 million in Warby Parker and $100 million for a 4% stake in Gentle Monster for future smart glasses development.
Amazon needs a major advertising blitz to let people know Alexa can keep up with its rivals in terms of AI insights. The company must also consider revamping its smart glasses offerings by either doubling down on Carrera or partnering with another well-known glasses brand to compete with Meta's Ray-Ban Meta glasses. The company collaborating with Amazon for the design and manufacturing of the 'Jayhawk' AR glasses has not been identified in the available search results.
Read also:
- Tech Titan Google Surpasses $3 Trillion Market Cap as Gemini Ousts ChatGPT, Boosting Google's Chat Platform
- Summoning Shamans, Spirits, and Love in the Play 'Head Over Heels'
- Future Games Exhibition in Fürth Reflects Gaming Industries' Foreseeable Advancements
- Google introduces virtual clothing trial feature in the United States for online shopping experiences.
