The world of wearable technology is rapidly evolving, and one of the most exciting advancements is in wearable video streaming devices. Whether it’s capturing live moments, broadcasting content, or enhancing our experiences with augmented reality (AR), these wearable devices are changing how we interact with video and multimedia. From innovative cameras to smart glasses that stream video directly to your eyes, wearable video streaming is revolutionizing entertainment, communication, and even work.
In this article, we’ll explore eight of the best and most surprising wearable video streaming technologies that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
1. Snap Spectacles 4
Snap Inc. has been at the forefront of wearable video streaming with its Snap Spectacles. The latest iteration, the Spectacles 4, takes wearable video streaming to the next level by incorporating augmented reality (AR) technology. These glasses allow users to record and stream video directly from their perspective while displaying virtual content overlaid on the real world.
Unlike previous models that were primarily for social media content creators, the Spectacles 4 introduces features like real-time AR filters and enhanced video quality, making them a perfect blend of social media tools and advanced wearable tech. Users can stream their experiences in real-time, creating immersive experiences for their audience.
Surprising Feature: The Spectacles 4 can stream live video and overlay AR elements, creating a new layer of interaction for content creators and viewers alike.
2. Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2
Google Glass is no longer just a consumer gadget. In its Enterprise Edition 2, Google has transformed it into a tool for professionals in various industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. The Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 is designed to enable hands-free video streaming, allowing workers to stream and receive live video feeds without needing to touch a device.
For instance, healthcare workers can stream live surgery footage for remote consultations, and factory workers can get live instructions or help from an expert while working on the floor. The integrated camera and microphone allow for clear video capture and streaming, while the heads-up display provides valuable real-time information.
Surprising Feature: The Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 is less about consumer use and more about enhancing productivity and collaboration in professional settings.
3. Ray-Ban Stories
In collaboration with Facebook (now Meta), Ray-Ban released the Ray-Ban Stories, a stylish pair of smart glasses with integrated video streaming capabilities. These smart glasses allow users to capture video, take photos, and make calls using voice commands. The built-in camera offers HD video quality, which can be streamed live or shared on social media through the associated app.
The lightweight design of the Ray-Ban Stories makes them almost indistinguishable from regular sunglasses, offering a seamless integration of technology into everyday fashion. The glasses have dual speakers for audio, enabling users to listen to music or take calls without the need for separate earbuds.
Surprising Feature: The Ray-Ban Stories allow video streaming with no wires or bulky equipment, making them a sleek and everyday option for capturing moments in real-time.
4. GoPro Hero10 Black with Wearable Mount
GoPro is synonymous with action and adventure filming, and the GoPro Hero10 Black continues that legacy with its ability to stream live video directly to platforms like YouTube and Facebook. While the Hero10 Black itself isn’t exactly wearable, when combined with a wearable mount, it becomes an incredibly powerful video streaming tool for extreme sports enthusiasts, vloggers, and travelers.
The camera offers 4K streaming with advanced stabilization and a range of accessories that allow users to wear it during physical activities like biking, skiing, and surfing. The GoPro Hero10 Black can stream high-quality video while also offering the flexibility of hands-free use when attached to a mount.
Surprising Feature: The GoPro Hero10’s high-quality video streaming and rugged design allow for extreme conditions while keeping the camera securely attached and streaming in real-time.
5. Oculus Quest 2 – Streaming VR Experiences
Virtual reality (VR) technology has been rapidly evolving, and Oculus Quest 2 by Meta (formerly Facebook) is one of the best standalone VR headsets that also integrates video streaming. While Oculus is primarily focused on immersive virtual experiences, it also allows for the streaming of live VR content from games or other experiences. With Oculus casting, users can broadcast their VR gameplay to a smartphone, TV, or even stream it directly to a platform like Twitch.
This device allows users to experience not only a fully immersive VR world but also share it with others in real-time, transforming the way we experience and broadcast entertainment.
Surprising Feature: The Oculus Quest 2 offers both immersive VR experiences and live-streaming features, combining entertainment with interactivity and connection in a way that was never possible before.
6. Vuzix Blade AR Glasses
The Vuzix Blade AR Glasses offer a unique combination of smart eyewear with video streaming capabilities. These glasses integrate a transparent display, allowing users to interact with digital content overlaid on the real world, and they also feature a camera for video streaming. The Vuzix Blade is designed for both personal and professional use, offering real-time streaming of video directly from your perspective.
While the glasses have been designed to be sleek and lightweight, they offer powerful functionality for hands-free streaming of video content. Whether it’s for remote assistance, fieldwork, or live streaming from a first-person perspective, Vuzix Blade offers an incredible level of interaction.
Surprising Feature: Vuzix Blade allows users to experience both augmented reality and real-time video streaming, making it an ideal tool for tech enthusiasts, professionals, and content creators alike.
7. Focals by North (Acquired by Google)
Focals by North was a pioneering wearable tech company that created stylish smart glasses capable of streaming video content directly to users. Although North was acquired by Google in 2020, their Focals glasses represented a significant advancement in the integration of AR and video streaming.
The glasses included a micro-display that projected information into the user’s line of sight, including live streaming videos, notifications, and more. Paired with a custom ring used for controlling the glasses, Focals allowed users to interact with the glasses without touching a screen. While they were discontinued post-acquisition, the technology’s influence remains visible in Google’s wearable tech endeavors.
Surprising Feature: Focals had the potential to deliver immersive content directly in the user’s field of view with minimal distraction, all while keeping the glasses sleek and fashionable.
8. Sony SmartEyeGlass
Sony’s SmartEyeGlass is another example of wearable video streaming technology that blends the digital world with the real one. These AR glasses are designed to project video, images, and information directly onto the lens while users go about their day. They are perfect for live video streaming, as the camera integrated into the device captures what you see and streams it in real-time.
While the SmartEyeGlass was discontinued, the concept of integrating AR with live video streaming continues to inspire modern wearables. Sony’s wearable tech laid the foundation for future innovations in the AR and video streaming space.
Surprising Feature: The SmartEyeGlass offered a real-time video capture and streaming experience, along with the ability to overlay digital content over the real world, providing users with a truly immersive and interactive experience.
Conclusion
Wearable video streaming technologies are transforming how we capture, experience, and share video content. From AR glasses to smart cameras, these devices are pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment, professional collaboration, and personal expression. As these technologies continue to evolve, it’s likely that we will see even more surprising and innovative wearables that further blur the lines between the digital and physical worlds, making real-time streaming more integrated into our lives than ever before. Whether for personal use, work, or content creation, these devices are creating new opportunities and reshaping the way we connect and share.