The global wearable technology market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by consumer demand for advanced devices like smart glasses and smartwatches. According to a Technavio report, the market is expected to grow by $99.4 billion from 2025 to 2029. As highlighted by the report, consumers are increasingly investing in wearable technology due to its ability to enhance daily life with hands-free convenience, real-time information, and health tracking.
Beyond consumer demand, AI is revolutionizing wearables by introducing intelligent features that enhance usability. For example, AI-powered smart glasses can now provide real-time language translation, turn-by-turn navigation, and even voice-controlled digital assistants. Smartwatches, on the other hand, leverage AI to deliver health and fitness insights tailored to each user’s unique needs. Here’s a closer look at how AI is transforming the latest wearable devices.
Multimodal AI systems and features
Perhaps one of the most groundbreaking wearable devices released in recent years is the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. First launched in 2023 through a collaboration between tech titan Meta and eyewear industry giant Ray-Ban, this device fuses stylish eyewear with cutting-edge technology. In 2024, the smart glasses surpassed one million units sold, proving their growing popularity. However, the biggest advancement came in April 2024 with the introduction of Meta AI, a multimodal AI system that sought to enhance user experience.
This AI update enables the glasses to process visual, audio, and textual information simultaneously. With this capability, users can receive real-time translations by simply looking at foreign-language text or get fashion advice by asking the glasses how an outfit looks. These features illustrate how AI-powered wearables are becoming more intuitive and practical for everyday use.
Sports-specific smart glasses
In addition to the Ray-Ban Meta creation, a recent Bloomberg report suggests that Meta is collaborating with Oakley on a new pair of smart glasses. Oakley has a reputation for crafting high-performance sports glasses with athletes in mind. Take the iconic Hex Jector and Activate glasses, for instance. These models boast features such as Trubridge + Unobtainium nose pads to ensure a secure fit, while O-Matter™ frames and Ace Fit temples offer comfort and adjustability. Now, imagine smart glasses that combine these practical features with high-tech capabilities.
The anticipated Oakley Meta smart glasses, internally referred to as Supernova 2, are rumored to be based on Oakley’s Sphaera model. Unlike the lifestyle-focused Ray-Ban Meta glasses, this smart device will likely cater to outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. Case in point, a centrally-aligned camera on the frame is expected to enhance functionality for cyclists or runners, providing hands-free video recording and real-time performance insights.
AI-powered health and fitness tracking capabilities
AI is also transforming health and fitness tracking in smartwatches. As we previously discussed, AI-driven systems analyze vast amounts of health data, including activity levels, heart rate, and sleep patterns, to deliver personalized recommendations. These insights help users optimize their workouts, improve sleep, and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 exemplifies this trend, featuring Samsung’s BioActive sensor, which integrates heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen, and body composition analysis. The data collected is processed by AI to provide tailored and actionable wellness tips. Additionally, Samsung has introduced new fitness-tracking metrics, such as Aerobic Threshold (AT) and Anaerobic Threshold (AnT), allowing runners to better understand their endurance limits and optimize their training.
The future of AI-driven wearables
AI-powered wearables are quickly moving from niche gadgets to mainstream must-haves. Whether it’s multimodal AI in smart glasses, sports-enhancing features in upcoming Oakley devices, or advanced health tracking in smartwatches, these innovations are making wearables more useful and intelligent. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect even greater advancements in hands-free computing, fitness optimization, and real-time assistance.
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