The publicity around Google Glass has helped stir attention for the market potential of wearable technology. In what appears to be the future of smart eyewear, Google Glass is merely the biggest player in what is quickly becoming the next big technological trend. Other tech giants like Sony andMicrosoft and lesser-known, but formidable, competitors Vuzix and Recon Instruments are next on the list to develop their own wearable gadgets. As the consumer tech world awaits the advent of wearable tech, where we all hope to exist Jetsons-like, will augmented reality (AR) apps define the future of smart eyewear?Forrester Researchrecently reported that over 20 million U.S. consumers are willing to wear augmented reality devices. Earlier this year,IHSforecasted that the adoption of AR in smart-glass devices will drive volumes of 10 million units through to 2016. Apps will be critical to driving the success of glass, in fact IHS stipulated “Google is betting the house that developers will produce some compelling applications for Glass.” Topping the list of apps that will define the glass experience are AR related apps, which are designed to add an extra layer of information or experience to that which is being seen. Without AR apps, the forecast sinks to just 1 million units which — an indication of the lengths to which AR will impact the wearable market.