Tag Archives: smart glasses

Even Realities G2 Just Solved the Biggest Problem With Smart Glasses… Using A Ring

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Even Realities launched their first smart glasses last year with a pitch that felt almost countercultural: what if your eyewear didn’t record everything around you, didn’t pipe audio into your ears, and didn’t make everyone nearby wonder if you were filming them? Instead of packing their frames with cameras and speakers, they focused on a single function: a clean, effective heads-up display. The G1 glasses were a minimalist take on wearables, offering monochrome green text in your line of sight for notifications and AI assistance, all without the privacy concerns of outward-facing cameras. This focused approach found its niche, landing the G1 in 350 luxury eyewear shops globally and proving there’s a real appetite for smart glasses that prioritize subtlety and practical assistance.

The G2 glasses themselves improve on last year’s G1 in predictable but welcome ways. Bigger display, better optics, lighter frame, longer battery life. They still avoid cameras and speakers entirely, sticking with Even’s “Quiet Tech” philosophy of providing information without creating privacy concerns. But pair them with the new R1 ring and you get something more interesting than incremental hardware improvements. The ring lets you control the glasses with thumb gestures against your index finger, turning navigation into something closer to using a trackpad than fumbling with voice commands or head taps. Whether that’s actually more natural in practice than the alternatives depends partly on how well the gesture recognition works and partly on whether you’re the kind of person who wants to wear a ring in the first place.

Designer: Even Realities

The display improvements are significant enough to matter in daily use. Even calls their new system HAO 2.0, which stands for Holistic Adaptive Optics, and the practical result is that information appears in layers rather than as flat text plastered across your vision. Quick notifications and AI prompts sit closer in your field of view, while longer content like navigation directions or notes recede slightly into the background. It’s still monochrome green, the same matrix-style aesthetic from the G1, but sharper and easier to read in motion or bright light. The frame itself weighs just 36 grams and carries an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, so you can wear them in the rain without worrying about killing a $599 investment. Battery life stretches past two days now, and the prescription range goes from -12 to +12, covering most people who need corrective lenses.

What made the G1 frustrating for some users was the interaction model. You could talk to the glasses, but that meant either looking weird in public or finding a quiet spot. You could tap the touch-sensitive nubs on the temples, but they were finicky and required you to constantly reach up to your face. While the G2 improves the reliability of those touchpads significantly, Even Realities’ R1 smart ring practically revolutionizes how you interact with the smart display. Worn on your index finger, the ring lets you swipe up and down with your thumb or tap to select options, essentially turning your hand into a trackpad for your face. The ring is made from zirconia ceramic and stainless steel, costs $249 separately, and connects to the glasses through what Even calls their TriSync ecosystem, linking the glasses, ring, and phone into one synchronized unit.

The gesture controls take some getting used to, based on early reviews. Accidental swipes are common at first, and the learning curve means you might fumble through menus for the first few days. But when it works smoothly, navigating with the ring is more subtle than any of the alternatives. You can check a notification, dismiss it, and move on without anyone noticing you’ve interacted with your glasses at all. That subtlety matters more than it sounds like it would, especially if you’re using features like the built-in teleprompter for presentations or the real-time translation during conversations. The glasses still support the old interaction methods too, so you’re not locked into one way of controlling them.

The AI side of things has been upgraded as well, with Even introducing what they call the Conversate assistant. It handles the usual smart glasses tasks like showing notifications, reading messages, and providing contextual information, but it’s designed to be less intrusive about it. You talk to it and get text responses on the display rather than audio, which keeps conversations private and avoids the awkwardness of having your glasses talk back to you in a quiet room. The system pulls from your phone’s connectivity, so there’s no separate data plan or complex setup required. The AI integration feels thoughtful rather than forced, providing information when you need it without constantly demanding attention.

One detail worth noting: the R1 ring is not compatible with the original G1 glasses. If you bought the first generation and want the ring’s functionality, you’ll need to upgrade to the G2 entirely. Even is offering a launch promotion where buying the G2 gets you the ring and other accessories at 50 percent off, which brings the combined price to $724 instead of $848. For context, Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses with their Neural Band controller and full-color display cost $799, though those come with cameras and all the privacy considerations that entails. The G2 and R1 combo sits in an interesting middle ground, offering more focused functionality at a similar price point.

The combination of display-only glasses and a gesture-controlled ring represents a particular vision of what smart eyewear could be. It’s not trying to replace your phone or capture every moment of your life. Instead, it extends your phone’s functionality into your field of view while giving you a discreet way to interact with that information. For people who give frequent presentations, the teleprompter feature alone could justify the cost. For travelers, having real-time translation floating in your vision during conversations is genuinely useful. And for anyone tired of constantly pulling out their phone to check notifications, the G2 offers a less disruptive alternative. Even Realities is refining an approach that feels increasingly relevant as smart glasses move from novelty to practical tool, and the G2 with R1 suggests they’re learning the right lessons from their first attempt.

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Apple is allegedly working on an Affordable, Consumer-grade Spatial Headset

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Apple showed us what a mixed reality headset could be capable of with the debut of the Vision Pro at WWDC in 2023. It had all the bells and whistles required of an AR and VR headset from Apple, but didn’t find many takers. Perhaps because of its steep price tag or maybe, no one was ready for a headset positioning them into the spatial computing just yet.

For me, per se – it was the price, bulkiness, and small market size for a standalone device in the smart glasses category. Apple soon realized it after significant losses in projected sales. This is why rumors of Apple mulling the rollout of a more affordable non-Pro mixed reality headset model started doing the rounds.

Designer: Apple

Such a device would be made possible by trimming down the features and functionalities of the Vision Pro, but the Cupertino company has thought otherwise (at least for now). New reports by way of Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is instead planning a pair of smart glasses that would be targeted at the masses – like the Meta’s Ray Bans – and fit better in the Apple ecosystem than the Vision Pro or its stripped-down brother.

The latest information suggests that the budget-friendly Vision model could have been postponed until after 2027, while the new internal study, codenamed project “Atlas” is running within Apple to understand from the company’s employees where they stand on the topic of smart glasses. Based on the internal understanding, Apple is thinking about smart glasses that would somewhat target the consumer segment that Meta’s Orion augmented reality glasses intend to.

The Orion glasses for now are a prototype themselves. It wouldn’t be the best choice to compare or base the two non-existent devices on the same footing. But the basic idea is that Apple could have a pair of smart glasses that look like regular glasses and are a combination of slick design and useful features that would allow a connected iPhone to do most of the computing.

At the time of writing, it is not known whether Apple has started building such a product. Still, we learn that feasibility studies are happening within the company to deliver eyewear that addresses the issues of convenience, weight, and battery life. Irrespective of what direction Apple intends to take with the idea of smart glasses, it’ll almost take a few years to reach the market. If you’re in a hurry, get your hands on the Meta options!

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Should you upgrade to the new Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Limited-Edition Transparent Model?

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Ray-Ban’s Meta Wayfarer glasses have quickly become the intersection of fashion and technology, combining classic style with advanced smart features. Recently, Ray-Ban and Meta unveiled the new Shiny Transparent Wayfarer, featuring exposed internal components and Clear to Sapphire Transitions lenses. While this new model pushes the boundaries of what smart glasses can look like, the big question is: should you upgrade, especially if you already own a pair? Let’s break it down.

Designer: Ray-Ban + Meta

If Money Is No Object, Then Yes—Go for It

If price isn’t a barrier, the decision to upgrade is straightforward. At $429 USD, the Shiny Transparent Wayfarer offers a visually striking design that showcases the internal technology, creating a futuristic look that stands apart from the Matte Black version. The Clear to Sapphire Transitions lenses add another layer of sophistication, adapting to light conditions and giving the glasses a sleek sapphire tint when outdoors. This is an easy yes for those who enjoy staying at the forefront of wearable tech.

If You Want the New Lens Transition, It’s Worth Considering

If your current Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer comes with standard clear lenses or basic non-adaptive sunglasses, upgrading to the new Transitions lenses could make a big difference in how you use the glasses day-to-day. The Clear to Sapphire Transitions lenses offer a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor settings, making it easier to adapt to different lighting conditions without needing to switch eyewear. When you’re indoors, the lenses remain clear, providing a natural and unobstructed view. However, once you step outside, they automatically darken to a sleek sapphire tint, adding a touch of style and protecting your eyes from harsh sunlight. For anyone who finds themselves frequently moving between environments, this flexibility could be a major convenience.

On the other hand, if you already own a pair with Clear to Green Transitions lenses, the upgrade may not offer enough of a difference to justify the change. Both lenses provide the same adaptive functionality, adjusting to light to enhance your vision while adding a color tint. The real difference lies in the aesthetic—whether you prefer the cooler sapphire tint or the more classic green hue. If you’re satisfied with the current performance and look of your lenses, there may be little reason to make the leap unless the sapphire color truly appeals to you.

If You Want a New Design with Exposed Tech, Then Yes

The most noticeable difference in the new model is the Shiny Transparent frame. This design exposes the inner workings of the glasses, giving them a high-tech look that contrasts with the more traditional Matte Black frame. The transparent frame brings an aesthetic shift, showcasing the cutting-edge technology that powers the glasses in a more visually pronounced way. It’s an intriguing design choice for those who appreciate a bold, futuristic look.

If you’re drawn to a more tech-forward, modern aesthetic, this new design is worth considering. The transparent frame is eye-catching and adds a fresh dimension to the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer collection. For those who want their eyewear to make a visual statement, the exposed components are a step forward in wearable tech design. However, if you prefer a more classic and understated look of the Matte Black Wayfarer, you might find that the new frame doesn’t offer enough reason to make the switch.

For Me, It’s a Hard No

For anyone who already owns the Matte Black Wayfarer with Clear to Green Transitions lenses, upgrading to the new Shiny Transparent model may not be necessary. Your current pair offers the same core features—AI-powered assistance, a 12MP camera, open-ear speakers, and a touchpad for easy control. The Clear to Green Transitions lenses provide excellent functionality, and if you’re happy with the design and tech you already have, there’s no pressing need to make the switch.

The Introduction of AI-Powered Features

With the recent updates, Ray-Ban and Meta have significantly improved the AI capabilities of the glasses. Now, you can use voice commands by simply saying “Hey Meta” and follow up with additional commands without repeating the wake word. The glasses can also remember important details like where you parked your car or set reminders for when you land after a flight. The ability to send voice messages via WhatsApp or Messenger while your hands are occupied adds an extra layer of convenience for staying connected on the go.

One of the more impressive AI features is real-time video assistance. Whether you’re exploring a new city or browsing the aisles of a grocery store, Meta AI can offer real-time help by identifying landmarks or suggesting meals based on the ingredients you’re looking at. Additionally, real-time language translation for Spanish, French, and Italian can remove language barriers, and future updates will likely support more languages.

Expanding Partnerships with Major Platforms

The glasses also support deeper integrations with platforms like Spotify and Amazon Music, but Ray-Ban has expanded these offerings to include Audible and iHeart as well. Now, you can use voice commands to search and play music or audiobooks without touching your phone. This makes the listening experience even more seamless, allowing you to ask questions like “What album is this from?” while on the move. These expanded partnerships deepen the glasses’ role in day-to-day media consumption.

The collaboration with Be My Eyes is another significant step in making the glasses more accessible. This app, designed for individuals who are blind or have low vision, pairs users with sighted volunteers who provide real-time assistance. The glasses’ camera allows the volunteer to see what the wearer sees, enabling them to help with tasks like reading mail or navigating new environments.

Are You Going for It?

Ultimately, the decision to upgrade comes down to personal preference and how much you value the new design and lens options. If money isn’t an issue or you’re drawn to the transparent frame and sapphire lenses, the upgrade makes sense. However, if you’re content with your current Matte Black Wayfarer with Clear to Green Transitions lenses, there’s no pressing reason to switch. The new features and design are exciting, but your existing pair still holds up as a stylish, highly functional piece of wearable tech.

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Spatial video camera concept lets you capture photos and videos hands-free

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The way we capture videos and view them has constantly been changing and along with that, mobile devices have also been evolving. With the introduction of spatial videos, we see brands like Apple trying to become the pioneer in this new form. Basically, this is a video that lets you view photos and videos as if you were there instead of looking at them with just a single fixed view. It’s a more immersive form of 3D since you’re able to turn your head and see different perspectives.

Designer: Suosi Design

As more people get into spatial videos, we’ll see all kinds of tools that will be able to capture and view videos like these. One concept tool is called VISOO, a spatial video camera that you can to take videos that can later be viewed using devices like Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro. It is not a bulky camera at all as probably one of the things that will be taken into consideration when developing tools for this kind of video is that it’s easy to carry around.

Based on the product renders, VISOO is a pretty light device that you can either carry around or attach to the accompanying glasses. For the handheld option, the cameras will be stored onto the battery case as you shoot your photos and videos. It seems there’s also a tripod where you can attach the case to for times when you need to have it placed on something a little more stable. For the glasses option, the cameras are attached to the hinges so you can move around easily while capturing moments.

Since this is still in the conceptual stage, there’s no information about the quality of photos and videos that it will capture. And with spatial videos still in early days, there’s still a lot to be discovered and explored for brands that are developing tools that can be used to enjoy capturing and viewing them.

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Solos AirGo Vision are the world’s first ChatGPT-4o powered smart glasses for interactive input

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Smart glasses are the most practical wearables when it comes to your daily style statement. Compared to current generation AR headsets that are bulky, smart glasses are feasible and the buck only stops at how much tech can be fitted inside the compact frames keeping the overall weight down and form factor indistinguishable from a regular pair.

The idea has gone mainstream in the last year or so with Ray-Ban Meta and OPPO coming on board the bandwagon. The latter brought AI-capable Air Glass 3 to the industry in the early half of this year, and Solos has now upped the ante. They’ve revealed a smarter pair of wearables that are the world’s first to have OpenAI’s latest generative AI.

Designer: Solos

This is the AirGo Vision, the next iteration of the AirGo 3 glasses. Powered by OpenAI’s latest ChatGPT-4o, the wearable is also compatible with Google Gemini and Anthropic Claude models. You can expect hands-free operation aided by voice commands to answer any queries or provide real-time inputs for things like reading foreign language hoardings or getting assistance for city directions. The latter is aided by the latest versions of the GPT-4o and generative AI applications, first for any smart glasses. In essence, the glasses will be a visual extension of search information and bring interactive features to make them wantable.

The wearer can capture pictures hands-free and instantly inquire about information. Solos is also giving the option for swapping the main frame with a secondary one that doesn’t have any front camera. Yes, unlike other smart glasses, this one has the camera lens embedded in the arms, instead of the frame. This swap comes in handy for places where a more formal style is acceptable. To keep the wearer aware of any important notifications or calls, there are flashing LED indicators on the frame.

Solos hasn’t yet revealed details about the specific release date or the price, but we can safely assume they’ll cost more than $250.

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OPPO Air Glass 3 brings AI to your vision to improve your interactions

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Smart glasses, in contrast to AR headsets and visors, aim for a design that ideally should be indistinguishable from regular glasses. With today’s technologies and knowledge, however, that’s not easily possible, especially when you need to add powerful computing hardware to sophisticated optics. That’s especially the case when you need to offer some kind of smart assistant functionality, especially voice and speech recognition. In the past, you had to settle for rough translations and sometimes misinterpretations; comical but frustrating nonetheless. That definitely sounds like a job for AI, and that’s exactly what OPPO is bringing to the table, or rather to your eyes, with the newest iteration of its lightweight and discreet “assisted Reality” glasses that take a focused approach to wearables.

Designer: OPPO

AI is still the hot thing in tech today, in spite of and despite the bad publicity that misuse of the tool brings. Today’s AIs happen to be great at processing human language, both written and spoken, and they can now run the device itself with very little power, making them perfect for very small devices, including smart glasses. In its third iteration, the OPPO Air Glass 3 prototype harnesses the power of AI, specifically its own self-trained language model AndesGPT, to deliver a more natural way to talk to your glasses and get your job done.

AI might be the technical highlight of the new OPPO Air Glass 3, but its winning feature is going to be its design. OPPO is laying claim to the title of the world’s lightest binocular full-color glasses, and at 50g only, the claim does have merit. It looks just like regular spectacles with very thick frames, but nothing like those complicated and heavy mixed reality glasses. Despite that lightweight design, the Air Glass 3 still boasts a bright 1,000 nits display delivered by a tiny Spark micro projector, ensuring you can clearly see the virtual information even in bright environments. And with an ultra-thin waveguide, you don’t get the rainbow-like patterns that are often seen on optical see-through displays like these.

The OPPO Air Glass 3 manages to offer this more comfortable design thanks to its more focused functions. Rather than trying to cast its net wide with augmented reality, OPPO is instead focusing on “assisted reality” that emphasizes productivity over entertainment. You’ll still be able to see images if you want and control music playback, but the information that’s displayed in front of your eyes is limited to things like navigation, timers, translations, or even a teleprompter. In other words, it’s a sleek way to have all the important information you need right in front of you instead of having to fish out your phone from your pocket and get distracted in the process.

Of course, that means it will need to connect to an external device, particularly your OPPO smartphone. The Air Glass mobile app provides that connection you need with OPPO’s AndesGPT to ensure you’re getting the best performance possible without weighing your head down. OPPO is also laying the groundwork for more AI-enhanced features and experiences by investing heavily in its own AI center in the hopes of empowering all its products, especially its smartphones, with these features.

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Lightweight, stylish Brillant Labs Frame AI-assisted glasses lets you engage more with the world

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The idea of putting a wearable on the eyes that takes immersive interaction up close and personal is a mantra every tech company wants to recite. After the bigger ones like Google and Apple doing their bits in VR and AR glasses, a startup, Brillant Labs has developed a pair of AI glasses called the Frame that promises to put the power of generative AI in front of a person’s eye. This, as the company says, will introduce a paradigm shift in an individual’s daily living.

The Brillant Labs Frame is designed as the first-ever glasses with an integrated multimodal AI assistant. This assistant is built in-house and can learn with the usage to carry out tasks for you. On that point, some of us would remember the Rabbit R1, but the little rabbit is a handheld and the Frame is a circular pair of spectacles that resembles – in design – the ones made extraordinary by the likes of Mahatma Gandhi and Steve Jobs.

Designer: Brillant Labs

With a primary focus on AI capabilities, the Frame is backed by AR John Hanke, CEO Niantic, company behind the popular Pokémon Go. The dual combination of technology is accompanied by a small display. The 640 x 400p micro-OLED display can show graphics and text overlayed on a real-world environment. In the middle of the Frame is a camera and the battery powering it is stationed at the back.

The Frame weighs only 40g and to ensure it is a new leap in wearable technology, it comes with the always-on AI assistant called Noa. The assistant taps into generative AI models like GPT-2, Whisper AI, and Stability AI, to generate text and graphics from the images captured by the camera, in response to the user query. The multimodal generative AI assistant therefore performs real-world visual processing and real-time speech recognition and translation to permit a user to engage more with the world around.

Courtesy Noa, the Frame will bring new experiences to everyday life, in workplaces, or even in classrooms. This is as the glasses can respond to what you ask by voice or text, and also to what you are seeing through them. So, you can, in real-time have the Frame tell you the price of jeans you are looking at in the store (by checking up online) and take notes of the content you are reading from your textbook.

Brilliant Labs has left the Frame as an open-source project with files for hardware and software available through GitHub. Additionally, it comes with support for prescription lenses for an additional price of $99. The lightweight, stylish, and visually distinguishing Brillant Labs Frame itself costs $349 and is now available for pre-order. Shipping is likely to start from April 15, 2024.

 

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