LG may release ultra-light AR glasses in 2021

Apple’s rumored augmented reality glasses might have some major (and particularly easy to wear) competition, according to industry rumors.

ETNews sources claim LG is teaming up with Japan’s NTT DoCoMo to produce AR glasses that would be “very light” at just 79.38 grams (2.8 ounces). That’s somewhat heavier than typical eyeglasses (around 25 to 51g) and comparable to North’s Focals, but far lighter than many AR and VR headsets. For context, the Magic Leap One eyewear by itself weighs just over 345 grams. You may notice the extra heft over conventional glasses, then, but it might be comfortable to wear LG’s design for hours at a time.

The two are reportedly still settling on features, although NTT DoCoMo has worked with LG in the past on 5G and LTE. LG has declined to comment.

If the report is accurate, the glasses would be available sometime in 2021.

Read more: The best augmented reality games for Android

There are many unknowns about the glasses. It’s not certain how much they’ll depend on a connected phone, or whether they’ll have sophisticated software. The weight suggests that it will be closer to  North’s relatively uncomplicated glasses than a more sophisticated platform like the one Apple might deliver, but it’s too soon to say for sure.

There are clear incentives for LG and NTT DoCoMo to work together. For LG, this could help sell its phones and give it an edge over rivals that might be late to wearable AR tech. NTT DoCoMo, meanwhile, could have a showcase for its fledgling 5G network that puts massive amounts of data in front of your eyes. It’s just a question of whether or not everyday users will be equally thrilled when AR is still young.