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The Vergecast · June 23, 2026 · 43m

Why Big Tech can't quit smart glasses

The tech industry is making a massive bet on smart glasses as the next major platform, but the category has a troubled past. The Verge’s Victoria Song joins the show to unpack why companies still see promise despite huge technical, social, and design hurdles. The conversation centers on what it will take for a face-worn computer to go from niche to mainstream — and whether any features can make all the hassle worthwhile.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Editorial

Big Tech’s Persistent Bet on Smart Glasses Despite Repeated Failures
Victoria Song examines why tech companies remain committed to smart glasses even though the category has seen high-profile flops and consistent user pushback.
The Social Complexity of Face-Worn Technology
Smart glasses face a unique social barrier: users must feel comfortable being seen wearing a device that can record others.
The Search for a Killer Feature That Justifies the Trade-offs
Song asks what feature could make smart glasses compelling enough to overcome the hassle of wearing a gadget on your face.
The ‘All these smart glasses and nothing to do’ Problem
The linked article highlights a core criticism: hardware is advancing, but there is still very little compelling software for smart glasses.
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