Microsoft and Apple seemed to be in a race towards the top again. This time around, the race does mainly concern about computers, but rather augmented reality or AR glasses.                 

In a separate report, it has been mentioned that some tech-experts believed that AR glasses would be the next big thing. It is even assumed by experts that mass introduction of augmented reality glasses could mark the end of smartphones.

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Although no statistics or significant values were given to support the claim, the move of the tech giants, Apple and Microsoft somehow affirms to what is being assumed. In the advent of AR technology, Apple seemed to be pouring down finances to develop the perfect AR device.

The $200 million investment shed by Apple in a glass supplier Corning as part of its new "Advanced Manufacturing Fund," somehow hints the future of AR glasses. Although remained unconfirmed, some reports claimed that the investment of Apple is geared towards the production of the specialized glass material that would complement the AR technology the have in mind.

"You need specialized glass in the headset, glass that properly magnifies the 180-degree experience of AR. Also, that glass has to be really light. Corning could develop that for Apple," 9to5Mac quoted Patrick Moorhead of Moor Insights as saying.

Meanwhile, Apple's rival is also making its move concerning the development of augmented reality glasses. Microsoft, recently revealed their new prototype augmented-reality (AR) glasses that look like a normal pair of thick-framed glasses, according to CNBC.

However, although a great technological leap has been covered by Microsoft, their experts are still aware of the challenges ahead. The company's interest in improving augmented reality experience still have a long way to go in order to achieve significant success.

"There's still a lot of work to be done," Microsoft researchers Andrew Maimone, Andreas Georgiou, and Joel Kollin speak about concern the glasses containing holographic display prototypes.

The race towards achieving the most functional, practical, and first ever AR glasses is indeed a challenging path to take. However, it is not just Apple and Microsoft who are aiming for such technological advancement, Facebook and Google are also in the race to mass produce the said technology.

Watch here below augmented reality experience presentation: