Even Realities CEO: Silicon Valley is no longer the place for hardware innovation
On the latest episode of 9to5Mac Overtime, Even Realities CEO Will Wang joined the show to discuss his history with Apple, the shifting landscape of hardware development, and why he believes smart glasses represent the next major computing platform.
Wang argued that Silicon Valley has lost its edge when it comes to physical product innovation. In his view, the center of gravity for hardware engineering has moved elsewhere, particularly to China, where supply chains and manufacturing expertise now enable faster iteration and more ambitious designs. He also offered insights into Apple's supply chain operations, drawing on his own experience working with the company.
A major portion of the conversation focused on the Even Realities G2, the company's latest smart glasses. Wang walked through the product's design philosophy, display technology, and how the device is meant to fit into everyday life without the bulk of existing AR headsets. He highlighted the company's focus on making the glasses look and feel like ordinary eyewear while still delivering useful digital overlays.
Privacy was another key topic. Wang acknowledged that wearable devices with cameras and sensors raise legitimate concerns about data collection and surveillance. He explained the steps Even Realities takes to address these issues, including on-device processing and user controls, and discussed the broader industry responsibility to earn consumer trust.
Wang also shared his perspective on why smart glasses are poised to succeed where earlier attempts failed. He believes improvements in battery life, display efficiency, and miniaturization have finally reached the point where the category can go mainstream. According to him, this shift will redefine how people interact with information, moving beyond the smartphone screen.
The episode was hosted by Fernando Silva and Jeff Benjamin, who also covered additional Apple ecosystem news. Overtime is available on Apple Podcasts and the 9to5Mac YouTube channel.
