The Days of Mobile Phones Are Numbered… Here’s When They Might Disappear
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, has predicted the end of mobile phones, asserting that their days are numbered. He foresees their replacement by smart glasses by 2030, as these devices gradually evolve to perform more and more daily functions.
When Will Mobile Phones Disappear?
Zuckerberg pointed out that augmented reality glasses are expected to become the next big computing platform. In his view, the mobile phone, which has been the dominant device of the current era for years, has reached a point of saturation and limited innovation.
Although phones will continue to serve their purpose, many people will set them aside in favor of a more convenient and advanced device: smart glasses. Zuckerberg compared this shift to the transition that occurred years ago between computers and mobile phones, as phones began offering the same functions as computers while integrating mobility and connectivity into a single device.
Thus, smart glasses could herald a similar revolution. Zuckerberg believes these new devices will deliver a more immersive and practical experience, seamlessly blending into daily life.
Advantages of Smart Glasses
Meta has been investing for years in developing technologies aimed at this future, including prototypes such as “Orion” glasses and the “Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.” These glasses aim to match or surpass mobile phone capabilities by incorporating technologies like augmented reality and artificial intelligence.
Key advantages of smart glasses highlighted by Zuckerberg include:
- Discretion and comfort: With glasses, users can access all the information they need without pulling a device from their pocket. These devices are designed to integrate naturally into daily life without disrupting personal interactions.
- Advanced connectivity: Thanks to the development of fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks, smart glasses will deliver high-quality augmented and virtual reality experiences without interruptions.
- Intuitive interaction: These glasses promise a more natural interaction through voice commands, motion sensors, and the ability to display holographic images directly in the user’s field of vision, seamlessly combining the physical and digital worlds.
- AI-powered capabilities: By integrating artificial intelligence, these glasses will enable advanced interactions with virtual assistants, capable of providing contextual visual and auditory responses without the need for a touchscreen.
Challenges for Smart Glasses
However, smart glasses face several hurdles before becoming the dominant device.
- Battery life: These devices require significant power to operate over extended periods.
- Design: While balancing functionality and aesthetics is critical, the glasses must become lighter and more attractive for widespread adoption.
- Privacy: These devices could collect vast amounts of data about users’ habits and preferences, raising ethical and legal concerns.
Toward This Future
Meta has unveiled its vision of a world led by smart glasses. This year, the company released the “Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses,” featuring an improved camera, high-quality microphones, and increased storage capacity.
Additionally, the company is developing prototypes such as “Orion,” augmented reality glasses with three-dimensional capabilities. According to Meta, this device could be the key to integrating augmented reality into everyday life.
