In a world where the smartphone has reigned supreme for nearly 30 years, imagining its replacement is almost science fiction. Yet, This is exactly what Mark Zuckerberg predicted in a recent intervention on YouTuber Cleo Abram’s channel.
The founder of Facebook sees in smart glasses much more than just a gadget, but the next major technological revolution.
A bold vision for 2030
The CEO of Meta does not do half measures. According to his predictions, smartphones will spend the majority of their time in our pockets by 2030.
Smart glasses will naturally take over for most of our daily interactions. This transition is part of a logic of evolution towards more discreet and intuitive technology. Tech giants, led by Apple with its Vision Pro, are investing massively in this direction.
Meta’s Orion project perfectly illustrates this ambition. These smart glasses promise wonders: augmented reality, real-time display of information, integrated personal assistant… Technology seems ready to take a new step in the way we interact with the digital world.
Total replacement unlikely
Despite Zuckerberg’s enthusiasm, several major obstacles stand in the way of this announced revolution. Wearing glasses every day is not obvious for everyone. Imposing a permanent accessory on the face could come up against natural resistance from users.
Rather, market reality suggests a gradual integration of connected glasses into our existing digital ecosystem. Rather than a brutal replacement, we are likely moving towards complementarity between different devices.
The smartphone will probably keep its central place, enriched by the possibilities offered by smart glasses for certain specific uses.
The gray areas of “everything connected”
The ubiquity of smart glasses also raises crucial questions about our privacy and our exposure to advertising.
Meta, whose business model is largely based on targeted advertising, could use this new platform to bombard users with promotional content directly in their field of vision. A bleak prospect reminiscent of certain science fiction dystopias.
The security of personal data constitutes another major issue. Glasses equipped with sophisticated cameras and sensors would collect a phenomenal amount of information about our environment and our daily interactions. User confidence will largely depend on the ability of companies to guarantee the protection of this sensitive data.
The impact on mental health also deserves attention. Already facing overexposure to screens, how will we react to projected notifications and information constantly in our field of vision?
- Mark Zuckerberg predicts the end of smartphones in favor of connected glasses by 2030
- Practical constraints and user habits make total replacement unlikely
- Advertising and privacy risks raise legitimate concerns
