Global Scans · Augmented reality · Weekly Summary

• [New] The pair of $100 million investments into Xreal and Viture (and especially Xreal's close partnership with Google) will put pressure on Meta to release its AR glasses sooner rather than later. Road to VR
• [New] By 2026, an estimated 67 million people will own AR/VR devices, and businesses are racing to create immersive experiences. Medium
• [New] Apple has been reportedly developing AI-powered smart glasses that could integrate with its ecosystem of devices, while Snap is planning lightweight consumer AR glasses that build on its AR expertise from Snapchat. The Tech Buzz
• [New] AR and VR will get better in 2026 with the integration of AI, which will allow for enhanced realism and interaction, personalized content and adaptive environments, and improved user experiences and usability. NAR Tech & Innovation
• [New] Samsung's Galaxy XR is projected to achieve 125,000 unit sales in 2026, while at least five Android XR devices are expected to launch, including flat-AR display glasses from Samsung and Xreal, plus non-display AI glasses from Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. Next Reality
• [New] Amazon is developing AR glasses targeting late 2026/early 2027 retail timing. Glass Almanac
• [New] Apple's Vision Pro and other augmented reality or virtual reality platforms include built-in eye-tracking sensors that could support pupillometry-driven adaptations for audio content. IEEE Spectrum
• [New] No, the expedited launch of Specs, which will prompt more attention for AR, will prompt Meta to hasten its own AR announcements and launches, in order to ensure that Snapchat can not get a major first-mover advantage, and become synonymous with AR, like ChatGPT has done with AI. Yahoo Tech
• [New] Snap will be involved in 2026 and has announced a fully integrated AR glasses for consumers, which is said to be significantly lighter and more compact than the current developer model. heise online
• [New] Augmented Reality is set to explode from roughly $42 billion in 2025 to a $600 billion global industry by 2030. Igor Beuker's Marketing Innovation Blog
• [New] Meta is expected to seed its first true Augmented Reality glasses, codenamed Orion, to developers and early adopters in 2026. Peter Fisk
• [New] Studies show by 2030, up to 23 million roles worldwide will be using virtual or augmented reality for training, meetings, customer service and more. Learning Technologies 2026 UK
• [New] Android XR will be used to establish an open ecosystem, which will enable various hardware providers to use a common platform to develop AR and XR devices. Euphoria XR
• [New] In 2026, AR, VR, virtual try-ons, and 3D product views will become standard expectations rather than premium features. CDA - Full Service Digital Agency
• [New] Meta's next VR product, an ultra-compact and lightweight mixed reality headset, is currently planned for the first half of 2027, followed by Meta Quest 4, whose development has just begun and which will likely be released later. heise online
• [New] Snap plans a lightweight consumer AR Spectacles release in 2026. Glass Almanac
• [New] By 2026, AI will generate AR assets in real-time. Geeks
• [New] Tech startup Pickle Inc. unveils the Pickle 1 AR glasses, billed as AI-powered eyewear that can observe, remember, and anticipate a user's daily life using cameras, microphones, sensors, and AI. Without cables
• [New] As digital ecosystems expand, augmented reality will play a central role in shaping interactive and engaging user experiences across the globe. EIN Presswire
• [New] AI smart glasses - Apple paused work on all of its AR/VR headsets to focus instead on AI smart glasses that will compete with the Meta Ray-Bans. MacRumors
• Snap is planning a lighter consumer AR glasses release (timeline pushed into 2026). Glass Almanac
• Reports say Google's first AI glasses are expected in 2026, signaling Android XR intent and developer opportunity; expect Android-first AR apps to multiply. Glass Almanac

Last updated: 18 January 2026