Is it finally time we accept smart glasses?

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Although smart glasses already exists, most of them looks really extraordinary and funny.  Last year, Intel revealed their new idea of smart glasses called Vaunt which actually looked really good.

Znalezione obrazy dla zapytania intel smart glasses

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnfwClgheF0

Unfortunately, they gave up on their new device and here is Intels’ statement:

Intel is continuously working on new technologies and experiences. Not all of these develop into a product we choose to take to market. The Superlight [the codename for Vaunt] project is a great example where Intel developed truly differentiated, consumer augmented reality glasses. We are going to take a disciplined approach as we keep inventing and exploring new technologies, which will sometimes require tough choices when market dynamics don’t support further investment.

 

But… here are good news for techno freaks. Start-up called North introduces similar idea of normal-looking smart glasses. They’re called Focals and costs around $1,000. You can use calendar on them, send messages and receive ones, use voice remote (it has Alexa built-in) to play music, check the weather or hear the news. A great option is that you can use a navigation on them, which will show you the right way in your line of sight. Company says that their new device will appeal the masses because of its simple design and looking just like normal glasses. 

“Focals integrate technology within the silhouette of a traditional eyewear frame. The result? Technology that’s there when you need it, gone when you don’t – hidden by design.” says North on their website (https://www.bynorth.com/focals).

You can interact with your smart device by using Loop which comes with it. It’s a 4-directional joystick which can be used for clicking – then you don’t even need to lift your hand to do anything.

Source: https://www.engadget.com/2018/10/23/north-focals-smart-glasses-hands-on/ https://www.engadget.com/2018/10/23/north-focals-smart-glasses-hands-on/

The thing that distinguishes them from other smart glasses is that you can discreetly get the access to information you need and no one even have to know about it!

Lenses are custom made by North and design of frames is personalized, so you can decide how they look like. The included case has a built battery in it so you can charge them while not using.

North Focals

Source: https://www.engadget.com/2018/10/23/north-focals-smart-glasses-hands-on/

 

“The core philosophy of the product is about keeping you present in the world,” said Stephen Lake, North’s CEO and co-founder “It’s subtle and designed around the human experience.”

 

 

Well… What else can I say? In my opinion this device may be revolutionary and start a new era of smart electonics we use everyday. For now, there is nothing to do but wait what future will bring us.

 

 

Resources:

https://www.bynorth.com/focals

https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/18/17255354/intel-vaunt-shut-down

https://www.engadget.com/2018/10/23/north-focals-smart-glasses-hands-on/

 

 

 

5 thoughts on “Is it finally time we accept smart glasses?

  1. Bialik Julia says:

    I think you are absolutely right – smart glasses might become the new trendy gadget! Personally, I would really like to try them, especially as I wear glasses everyday. The most fascinating port for me is the joystick – it really seems like something straight out of science fiction story. Although I must admit I’m a little bit freaked out that it all can happen without anyone noticing – now you can ignore anyone you’re talking to without consequences. I will keep my eyes peeled on North and its projects.

  2. Orłowska Pola says:

    Wow, that sounds unreal! It’s great that the company that produces these smart glasses also thought about their appearance. The ability to personalize the glasses gives North a huge lead over their competition. I would like to use these smart glasses because i think they can facilitate daily activities such as driving a car with navigation or contacting other people. In addition, the idea with joystick seems to be a nice solution and to look like a modern ring;).

  3. Kuchur Dzianis says:

    As for me I do not see this gadget in a mass market. Probably in the near future it can be only used by specific and enthusiastic individuals. Also all declared functions in these glasses are already available in our smart phones and I am personally not ready to pay 1000$ for maybe a little bit more convenient use of these functions. I am waiting for more revolutionary features that might make me change my mind about this technology.

    • Bober Joanna says:

      Yeah, but think about replacing your phone screen to a virtual screen that only you can see. I’m not saying that these glasses will beat smartphones right now because obviously you can’t even make a call on them. They’re just a pricey gadgets with a cool, new technology. I’m not saying that these concrete device will be revolutionary but the idea of them. Idea of not holding phone in your hand but just seeing ‘screen’ in your field of vision by glasses or maybe by lenses in the future.

  4. Radwan Wiktor says:

    1. I am wondering what effects might those kind of glasses have on your vision in a long run as it seems you are looking at object/information appearing just in front of your eye. Might be that it is harmful for accommodation reflex.
    2. People will have to be very reasonable about its usage, I think that it might be very distractive and cause a lot of traffic accidents, and I am not talking about driving solely, victims of those accidents are mostly pedestrians. I feel distracted enough wearing only the earphones, cannot imagine putting another distractor on my head.

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