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Amazon Developing Consumer AR Glasses to Compete With Meta

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Amazon is working on augmented reality (AR) glasses for consumers, according to a report from The Information. The project, internally codenamed “Jayhawk,” would mark Amazon’s first major step into the consumer AR market, setting up direct competition with Meta Platforms.

The AR glasses are expected to feature microphones, speakers, a camera, and a full-color display in one eye, with a planned rollout in late 2026 or early 2027. Amazon declined to comment on the report.

This initiative builds on Amazon’s earlier work with specialized AR eyewear for delivery drivers, revealed in a Reuters exclusive last year. That model, designed to provide turn-by-turn navigation on a small screen, is set for release as early as the second quarter of 2026, with an initial production of about 100,000 units.

Both the delivery glasses and the consumer version will share the same underlying display technology, but the consumer model will reportedly be sleeker and less bulky, offering a full-color experience tailored to everyday use.

The move positions Amazon directly against Meta, which has invested heavily in AR eyewear. Meta is expected to unveil a new version of its AR glasses at its Connect conference next week, building on the success of its Ray-Ban Meta line, developed with EssilorLuxottica’s Oakley, which has sold millions of units since its 2023 launch.

If Amazon delivers on its timeline, the consumer AR market could see a major clash between two of the world’s largest tech companies by 2027.

Apple Targets 2026 Launch for Smart Glasses, Shelves Smartwatch Camera Plans

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Apple is reportedly planning to launch smart glasses in late 2026, according to Bloomberg News, marking a renewed effort by the tech giant to expand its AI-focused wearable product lineup.

The company will begin mass-producing prototypes with overseas suppliers at the end of 2025, the report said, citing sources familiar with the matter. Apple has not commented on the development.

This move follows mixed reception for its $3,499 Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, which has faced slow adoption due to its high price and limited artificial intelligence capabilities.

Competing in the Facewear Market

The new Apple smart glasses would position the company to directly compete with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have gained popularity for their integration of AI and social features. Unlike the Vision Pro, the new glasses are expected to be lighter, more affordable, and likely focused on AI-powered applications such as real-time translation, notifications, or camera assistance.

Apple Watch Camera Project Cancelled

In the same report, Bloomberg revealed Apple has shelved plans for a camera-equipped Apple Watch, which was expected to launch by 2027. The smartwatch would have included functionality to analyze its surroundings using AI and capture photos — a concept Apple has now decided to discontinue.

This reflects Apple’s shifting hardware strategy to focus on products that deliver more practical AI experiences without compromising on design, privacy, or battery life.

Snapchat Spectacles Upgrade with GPS-Enabled AR Lenses and Advanced Hand Tracking

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Snapchat marked six months since the launch of its fifth-generation Spectacles by unveiling a range of new augmented reality (AR) features and platform enhancements for the smart glasses. The latest update introduces advanced GPS-powered AR Lenses, improved hand-tracking capabilities, and a system-wide AR keyboard. These new tools aim to enhance the user experience by enabling real-time navigation, interactive gaming, and seamless social integration. With these upgrades, Snapchat is pushing the boundaries of wearable AR technology, making Spectacles more immersive and functional than ever.

New AR Features for Snapchat Spectacles

According to Snapchat’s newsroom announcement, developers can now create Lenses using GPS, GNSS, compass heading, and custom locations. These capabilities enable real-time, location-based AR experiences. One of the highlighted examples is NavigatAR, a Lens developed by Utopia Labs, which helps users navigate from one location to another using GPS data, Snap Map Tiles, and compass heading. Another feature, the Pioneer Lens, allows users to design and experience AR walking courses, adding a new layer of interactivity to everyday navigation.

Interactive Experiences and Sports Training

Snapchat has also introduced new ways for users to interact with AR elements in real-time. The Peridot Beyond Lens now allows players to see and engage with their digital creatures, known as “Dots,” alongside their friends in shared AR sessions. Meanwhile, Doggo Quest by Wabisabi leverages SnapML to recognize pets and overlay playful AR effects onto them through the Spectacles. Sports fans are also in for a treat with the new Basketball Trainer Lens, which features a holographic AR coach that guides users through shooting drills while automatically tracking scores using SnapML technology.

Enhanced Usability and Social Integration

Beyond AR enhancements, Snapchat has introduced a system-wide AR keyboard for Spectacles, featuring both full and numeric layouts. This upgrade makes it easier for users to interact with their glasses without relying on a phone. Additionally, Snapchat is integrating leaderboards into Spectacles, allowing users to track high scores across various Lenses. Spectacles users can now also open Lenses directly from message threads in Snapchat, iMessage, and Google Messages, making AR experiences more accessible and connected across different platforms. With these updates, Snapchat is reinforcing its commitment to advancing wearable AR and making Spectacles a more versatile device for entertainment, gaming, and everyday use.