Smart glasses could replace your monitor but they shouldn't — here's why

As some people begin to replace their computer monitors with smart glasses, the results have been mixed. The idea of setting aside your desk full of screens in favor of a simple pair of smart glasses may seem appealing. Despite the potential benefits, there are several reasons why smart glasses may not be ready to completely replace computer monitors just yet.

One advantage of smart glasses is their increased privacy. Unlike conventional monitors, no one will be able to observe what you are doing over your shoulder. Furthermore, smart glasses can declutter your workspace and provide you with more flexibility. You can use them to view several virtual monitors at once, adjusted to your liking, instead of hunching over your laptop in a cramped space.

However, there are notable drawbacks to using smart glasses as a monitor replacement. Comfort issues, such as eye strain, can be a challenge for users. For instance, a Lifehacker article detailed how Stephen Johnson's Xreal One Pro glasses heated up after prolonged use, causing discomfort on his forehead. Although some users, like YouTuber Jasmine Uniza, found the glasses comfortable, they mostly wear them for short durations, typically around an hour and a half to two hours.

Uniza also observed that her posture improved since she adjusted the virtual screen to her body rather than her body to the screen on her desk.

Another concern is the potential for eye strain. It occurs when your eyes fatigue due to exposure to bright lights, screens, or intense focus over an extended period. Although it's generally not serious and usually subsides with rest, it can be irritating. Various users have also reported experiencing display and resolution issues, with cheaper glasses often lacking sharp enough resolution, making it difficult to read text or perform precise tasks.

Furthermore, wearing smart glasses during video calls can be awkward due to dark lenses or may create an isolating effect when working. Switching activities, such as writing in a physical notebook, may also become more complicated as users need to take off the glasses or look past them. Overall, smart glasses may be more suitable for entertainment activities like gaming and watching movies rather than office work.

In conclusion, while smart glasses have improved over time, they still face challenges in completely replacing computer monitors. For now, they seem more suited to leisure activities than the workday, but they might eventually become a viable alternative to monitors.