Methodology

The Lumus Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,023 nationally representative U.S. adults, ages 18 and older, between March 20 and March 27, 2017 using an email invitation and an online survey. Quotas have been set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the U.S. adult population 18 and older.

The margin of error for this study is +/-3.1 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.

Most Americans See Clear Benefits in Adopting Smart Eyeglasses . A sizable majority of US consumers see the appeal in looking up from their handheld mobile devices and joining the augmented reality revolution—with millennials the most eager to embrace smart glasses!

Augmented reality (AR) is coming into its own today, finally claiming its own identity alongside its better-known relative, virtual reality (VR). Pokémon Go, the global mania that exploded in 2016, played a massive role in helping AR capture the public imagination as it sent gamers hunting for virtual creatures in out in the real world. AR smart eyeglasses add a layer of relevant data to the wearer’s environment in real time—not obscuring physical surroundings, but projecting the data onto a transparent virtual screen before the user’s eyes. AR’s potential to enhance multi-tasking, following instructions, and viewing entertainment points toward adoption in every part of our lives, from working and learning to playing and socializing.

A new study conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of Lumus, a leading AR optics provider, finds that Americans are eager to join the augmented reality revolution. A significant majority of U.S. consumers see the appeal in letting go of their handheld mobile devices and looking up at the world through AR glasses.

Among millennials, the study reveals that an astonishing 83 percent are avidly tuned into the benefits of switching from smartphones to smart glasses. The promises of viewing entertainment and multi-tasking more effectively are even more important to millennials than eliminating the inconvenience of holding onto mobile devices and constantly looking down at screens.

Key Findings

The majority of Americans experience issues while using a cell phone or tablet.

Three out of five Americans have experienced these issues, the top ones being eye strain and neck pain.

Most Americans find the benefits of AR glasses appealing.

More than two out of three Americans are attracted to the perks of AR glasses over using a cell phone or tablet. The top benefits of using AR glasses for Americans are not needing to look down and following instructions without having to hold or refer to a device.

Millennials experience more issues when using a cell phone or tablet than other generations.

Among millennials (defined as adults from 18 to 36), 72 percent have experienced issues, compared to only 65 percent of Gen Xers (ages 37 to 52) and 52 percent of baby boomers (ages 53 to 71).

Millennials are also more likely to find the benefits of AR glasses appealing compared to other generations.

The benefits of AR glasses instead of using a cell phone or tablet draw 83 percent of millennials are drawn to, compared to 64 percent of Gen Xers and 59 percent of boomers. The top benefits for millennials are being able to view entertainment in an entirely new way and multi-tasking more easily and efficiently hands free.

Most Americans Experience Issues When Using a Cell Phone or a Tablet

60 percent of Americans have experienced issues when using a cell phone or a tablet. The top issues among Americans are eye strain, neck pain, and disconnection from family or friends.

Majority of Americans See Benefits of AR Glasses

More than 2 in 3 percent (68 percent) Americans find the benefits of AR glasses appealing instead of using a cell phone or tablet. The top benefits for Americans are not needing to look down and following instructions without having to hold or refer to a device.

More Millennials Experience Issues When Using a Cell Phone or a Tablet

Nearly three out of four millennials (72 percent) have experienced issues when using a cell phone or a tablet compared to only 65 percent of Gen Xers and 52 percent of boomers.

Millennials Find Benefits of AR Glasses More Appealing

More than four in five Millennials (83 percent) find the benefits of AR glasses appealing instead of using a cell phone or tablet, compared to only 64 percent of Gen Xers and 59 percent of boomers. And nearly half of millennials (49 percent) find viewing entertainment in an entirely new way an appealing benefit of wearing AR glasses.

Findings at a Glance

About Wakefield Research

Wakefield Research is an independent, non-partisan market research firm that leads studies across diverse industries and verticals in 66 countries on behalf of the world’s most recognized brands and agencies, including 40 of the Fortune 100. Wakefield has developed its own methodologies, encompassing quantitative, qualitative, and hybrid market research. Its insights are featured regularly on top-tier media channels worldwide. More information at www.wakefieldresearch.com.

About Lumus

This Wakefield Research study was prepared for Lumus, which develops and produces transparent AR displays that fuse digital and physical worlds like never before. Its optics are the core foundational technology on which leading augmented reality (AR) and smart eyewear manufacturers base their products. The company’s patented optical technology enables true see-through performance and a wide field of view in a sleek and compact design. More information at www.lumusvision.com.