AR smart glasses vendor Vuzix is again in the news this week. Following its recent Microsoft certification, the storied XR firm is entering the consumer smart glasses market after a seasoned period working exclusively in the business sector.
The news comes as interest in consumer smart glasses rises, thanks to firms like Meta broadening the market with its Ray-Ban collaboration. This, in turn, has led to other technology giants like Samsung, Apple, and OpenAI poised to enter the space.
Vuzix is entering the consumer smart glasses market by presenting the general availability of Vuzix Z100 smart glasses. The AR wearable starts at $499, and Vuzix aims to sell the device as a tool to assist with everyday tasks by providing an immersive heads-up display. The device also links to a user’s Android or iPhone to provide further real-time information such as notifications, updates, and messaging.
The firm is supporting this with an accompanying smartphone application called ‘Vuzix Connect,’ which connects to Vuzix Z100 smart glasses to allow for real-time notifications. More recent updates to the smartphone application include new features such as a teleprompter feature, fitness application, Google Maps integration, translation, and transcription.
Paul Travers, President and Chief Executive Officer at Vuzix, added:
The Z100 takes AI/AR smart glasses to the next level, providing individuals with a hands-free AI interface that is indistinguishable from a traditional pair of glasses. The Z100 is an attractive, lightweight, and cost-effective way to augment current workflows with AI optimization software, inside a device that people will enjoy wearing all day, every day and it is built and priced with the broad market white label customer in mind.
The move of Vuzix into the consumer market makes sense, as the rise of AR smart glasses is due to take the tech world by storm. Recently, ResearchAndMarkets released a report titled “Smart Augmented Reality Glasses—Global Strategic Business Report,” highlighting the growth rates of smart glasses, their potential opportunities for enterprises, and how they could replace VR headsets.
The report indicates that the global market for smart glasses reached approximately 678,600 units in 2023. Furthermore, ResearchAndMarkets anticipates substantial market growth, projecting an increase of 13 million units by 2030, resulting in a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 53.0% from 2023 to 2030.
Regionally, the smart glasses market in the U.S. grew to around 432,300 units in 2023, contributing to the optimistic market forecast for 2030. Additionally, ResearchAndMarkets expects the market growth in China to reach a CAGR of 62.5%, resulting in 613,300 unit shipments by 2030.
ResearchAndMarkets is also focusing on broader hardware considerations within the expanding smart glasses market, including “simple assisted reality glasses. ” The organization forecasts that the market will reach 5 million units by 2030 with a CAGR of 50.3%. Moreover, MR holographic displays, such as Apple’s Vision Pro, are expected to grow at a CAGR of 58.4% until 2030.
Vuzix AR Smart Glasses Gain Microsoft Intune Integration
Vuzix has recently announced the integration of Microsoft’s Intune, a cloud-based Mobile Device Management (MDM) service, into its M-series of AR smart glasses designed for business use. This integration has received official certification from the Intune provider and aims to support scaling and distribution efforts for customers already utilizing the MDM solution.
“Microsoft Intune is widely used around the world, especially among large organizations, and this certification removes a key deployment barrier for many IT departments,” noted Travers.
Travers explained that Vuzix seamlessly integrates the M-series AR smart glasses into an iTunes platform. This integration will allow customers to unify their XR hardware portfolio with a commonly used service by the company’s clients. This Intune integration allows Vuzix customers to manage the M-series smart glasses more effectively. It will support IT teams in managing device settings, security processes, and application access.
Vuzix Launches on Android
Vuzix has also released an upgraded version of the Android 13 operating system for its smart glasses, significantly enhancing security for augmented reality wearables. This final version of Android 13 is now available to the public and provides users with the highest level of protection for head-worn devices.
The Vuzix Android 13 new software features include various security updates, improved Wi-Fi networking capabilities, enhanced enterprise device management, and updated permissions. Additionally, it includes Android API 33 for app developers.
Vuzix in 2024
Despite facing recent financial challenges, Vuzix has secured a $20 million strategic investment from Quanta Computer Inc., a global Fortune 500 company. The multinational smart glasses vendor reported a significant revenue decline for Q2 2024, attributed to lower product sales, including its latest smart glasses.
However, Vuzix clarified that product shipments in 2023 were boosted by distribution in Asia, which may not negatively impact the products or the overall business. Moreover, with Vuzix stepping into the new consumer market, capital has the chance to increase with new potential buyers and adopters.
In August, Vuzix introduced the Xtreme Smart Glasses Kit, designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. This new kit includes several enhancements, featuring a lightweight and durable Xtreme Weather power bank. Both the power bank and the Xtreme kit are rated IP67 for dust and water protection and can operate within a temperature range of 20°C to 45°C.
The Xtreme kit is an all-in-one solution that Vuzix claims improves upon the All-Weather Kit in terms of battery capacity, durability in harsh work environments, and a headband designed for comfort during long shifts. Currently, Vuzix offers three smart glasses kits: the Xtreme Kit, the All-Weather Kit, and the Extended Wear Kit. All three kits are priced at $1,799.99.
