#19 Your Ears, Not Your Eyes: Augmented Reality is Already Here

Google Glass, Microsoft HoloLens, Magic Leap 2, Meta Orion… Each of these products has likely cost billions of dollars in development and marketing without commercial success. But what if augmented reality (AR) is already here—just not in the way we think?

We bought a pair of Google Glasses when they were released to the public in 2014. The experience was interesting but underwhelming. I got notifications when I got mail, blinked to take photos, filmed a GoPro-style video driving my ATV at the farm (yes, I used to live on a farm), and tried out some of the games. Pretty soon, though, they ended up on a shelf in the office, gathering dust.

Augmented reality enriches our world with additional data and insights. When we think of AR, images of high-tech glasses with digital overlays typically come to mind. Yet, despite significant investment, we haven’t cracked the problem. Many frame it as an issue of miniaturization—fitting enough computing power, battery life, and a screen into a device that’s both comfortable and unobtrusive (and doesn’t make you look ridiculous).

But what if we’re thinking about the solution in the wrong way? What if augmented reality is already here—just not in the way we think?

Take my AirPods, for example. These wireless earbuds do more than play music—they read text messages aloud as I receive them and give me my average tempo when I go for a run. When I drive or walk, they guide me with turn-by-turn directions, seamlessly blending useful information into my auditory experience. This form of AR keeps me focused on the road or my surroundings while still delivering valuable, real-time updates.

Similarly, my Apple Watch alerts me when noise levels around me become harmful or when my heart rhythm is irregular. It even taps my arm and shows my commute time as soon as I sit down in my car—which still feels like magic, by the way. These features enrich my awareness and decision-making, effortlessly adding valuable insights to my world.

The idea that AR must be achieved through glasses limits our imagination and is likely holding us back. Smart glasses will probably have a place in the future, but it will take many years before they become useful and beautiful enough for everyday use.

Instead, why not explore what’s already here? Audio cues from devices like AirPods or tactile feedback from wearables can create immersive experiences without the need for glasses. Non-visual forms of AR also offer significant accessibility benefits. Audio and haptic cues can provide critical information for individuals with visual impairments or others who benefit from sensory feedback beyond sight.

I haven’t sifted through Apple’s patent applications. Still, I bet my AirPods will be able to monitor my body temperature or even read and translate signs long before we reach technical maturity for AR glasses.

If you’re excited about augmented reality, think beyond glasses. There’s a whole world of sensory possibilities out there waiting to be explored.