AI Glasses and Pendants: Wearables Redefined by 2025
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What is the Viqus Verdict?
We evaluate each news story based on its real impact versus its media hype to offer a clear and objective perspective.
AI Analysis:
The hype around AI in wearables is considerable, but the fundamental shift – placing AI at the core of wearable design – is a substantial, long-term change. It’s moving beyond trends and into a genuinely transformative development.
Article Summary
In 2025, the wearable tech industry witnessed a significant pivot towards integrating Artificial Intelligence into everyday devices. No longer solely defined by fitness tracking, wearables are now being strategically framed as ideal vehicles for AI, driven by a shift in terminology and a recognition of the optimal form factor. Companies like Meta are boldly rebranding ‘smart glasses’ as ‘AI glasses,’ capitalizing on the legacy of Google Glass’s failure and leveraging the potential of hands-free, immersive computing. Beyond glasses, AI pendants and pins – such as Amazon-owned Bee AI and the controversial Friend necklace – are gaining traction, offering always-listening companions that summarize conversations and generate to-do lists. Major tech firms are also embracing this trend: Google differentiates between AI glasses, XR headsets, and a hybrid category; Samsung and Google have integrated Gemini into WearOS smartwatches; Fitbit and Apple are utilizing AI-powered coaching features; and Garmin offers premium AI insights. This isn’t simply about adding AI features; it’s about recognizing the critical need for constant, on-body presence for AI assistants to function effectively, making wearables the only logical choice. This transformation underscores a broader trend: AI is no longer an add-on; it’s becoming the core functionality of the wearable category.Key Points
- The wearable tech industry is moving beyond health and fitness tracking to prioritize AI integration.
- Companies are rebranding existing wearable categories – like ‘smart glasses’ – as ‘AI glasses’ to capitalize on market perception and address past failures.
- The on-body presence of wearables is seen as the ideal environment for AI assistants to function effectively and deliver personalized experiences.