Cyprus Unemployment Reaches 11,243 In March, Up 1.5% Year-On-Year

Cyprus recorded 11,243 registered unemployed persons at the end of March 2026, according to data from the statistical service Cystat. Seasonally adjusted unemployment also increased compared with the previous month and year.

Increasing Figures In The Labor Market

Seasonally adjusted jobseekers reached 10,090 in March 2026, up from 9,936 in February. Compared with March 2025, unemployment increased by 170 persons, or 1.5%. The data indicate a gradual upward trend in unemployment levels. Recent changes reflect pressures across multiple sectors.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Sector-Specific Impact And Economic Pressures

Cystat data show increases in unemployment in accommodation and food services, as well as professional, scientific and administrative sectors. These industries are sensitive to changes in demand and external conditions. Tourism-related activity has been affected by geopolitical developments, including tensions involving Iran. Reduced demand is contributing to labor market pressures.

Government Intervention And Industry Support

Marinos Moushiouttas, Minister of Labour, announced a support scheme approved by the Cabinet to address employment risks. The plan includes a 30% wage subsidy for affected businesses. Eligibility applies to companies with turnover declines above 40% or occupancy rates below 60% in April 2026, provided no layoffs occur until the end of May.

Outlook

The support measures aim to stabilize employment in sectors affected by reduced demand. Further labor market trends will depend on economic conditions and external developments.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Smart Glasses Companies Shift Focus Toward Commercial Viability

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 25, 2026

The smart glasses market has long attracted investment from major technology companies seeking to develop wearable devices capable of reducing reliance on smartphones. Despite years of development, the sector has struggled to achieve profitability or large-scale consumer adoption.

Chronic Financial Losses And Hardware Hurdles

Companies across the industry have invested billions of dollars into smart glasses development, while commercial returns have remained limited. Speaking at Google I/O, Chi Xu described the financial challenges facing the sector, stating that “Everybody’s losing money.” Bulky hardware, limited battery performance and underdeveloped software ecosystems have historically slowed adoption and restricted smart glasses to niche use cases.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Emerging Momentum And Technological Refinement

Recent product launches suggest the market may be entering a more mature phase. Meta has partnered with Ray-Ban on smart glasses models that achieved broader commercial visibility than earlier generations of wearable devices. Although Meta’s Reality Labs division continues to report significant losses, improved hardware design and more refined software interfaces have strengthened expectations that smart glasses could move beyond experimental products into wider consumer adoption.

Innovative Designs Paving The Way

One of the latest devices entering the market is Aura, developed by Xreal. The model integrates OLED displays directly into the frame to support high-resolution video playback. Processing power is handled through a portable external computing unit, allowing the glasses to maintain a lighter form factor. The platform also supports applications including navigation tools, hand-tracking functions, digital painting and gaming features designed to integrate digital interfaces into everyday activities.

Expanding Horizons For Both Consumers And Professionals

Xreal is positioning the product for both entertainment and professional use cases. According to Chi Xu, potential applications range from holographic sports viewing experiences to portable virtual workspaces for remote productivity. The current version remains limited to developers, while a broader commercial release is expected later in 2026. The company is also considering an IPO before the end of the year.

Path To Profitability

Alongside product development, Xreal is focused on improving profitability by increasing gross margins and reducing marketing and sales costs. Chi Xu said the company expects it could reach break-even as early as next year. The sector continues to face financial and technical challenges, but recent product launches and partnerships indicate growing efforts to establish smart glasses as a viable category within consumer electronics.

Breaking news