Even Realities
In September, I posted an article regarding the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.
I described them as a turning point for head-mounted devices, thanks to their “less is more” approach, delivering useful technology that is socially acceptable to wear for daily usage.
In the article, I referenced the Even Realities G1 smart glasses that like the Ray-Ban Meta were designed as glasses first, smart glasses second.
The Even Realities website states:
“Glasses you’d love, even if they were just glasses”
I have now had access to the Even Realities G1 smart glasses for a few months and therefore this article will share my initial thoughts and findings.
The Even Realities G1 smart glasses are very well built, with a premium look and feel. This includes robust materials (magnesium alloy, titanium alloy and silicone) and an innovative screwless hinge. They are available in a few different styles and colour options, with single-vision or prescription lenses that offer ultraviolet and blue light protection. They can also be converted into sunglasses, via a simple “clip” accessory.
I have access to the Even Realities G1 “A” smart glasses. The technical specification can be found below.
- Micro-LED Display (640x200, 20Hz, 1000nits)
- 2x Microphones
- 2x TouchBars
- 2x Antennae (Bluetooth 5.2)
- Integrated Battery (60 mAh / 0.616 Wh)
- Case Battery (2000 mAh / 7.4 Wh)
The most interesting part of the specification is the Holistic Adaptive Optical System, known as HAOS.
HAOS incorporates Micro-LED optical engines that transmit content onto a pair of waveguide lenses, which then project information approximately two meters ahead of you.
Information is transmitted via “Dual Sync” connectivity, which includes a pair of antennae located in each hinge (behind the ear), communicating via Bluetooth 5.2. Impressively, each hinge also includes a TouchBar, allowing for physical input.
It should be noted that, unlike the Ray-Ban Meta, the Even Realities G1 smart glasses do not include a speaker. All information is delivered via the 640x200 display as green text.
At release, the Even Realities G1 smart glasses include the following features, configured via the companion iOS/Android app.
- Quick Note
- Translate
- Navigation
- Teleprompt
- Notification
- Dashboard
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assistant
These are all software features, which I would expect/hope will continue to evolve and improve.
The build quality of the Even Realities G1 smart glasses is excellent, this includes the accessories and packaging, which are all thoughtfully designed, including specific decisions that promote sustainability.
I do not wear prescription glasses, therefore my experience is limited. However, the frames feel robust and I believe it would be very difficult for anyone to identify them as smart glasses.
The only noticeable design consideration is the bludge at the end of each hinge, which when worn sits behind each ear. Thankfully, the size and placement are discreet and could easily be considered a functional design choice to improve stability when worn.
Considering this is a v1.0 product, I have been incredibly impressed by the quality of the technology integration. This includes the iOS app, which is easy to navigate, fast and reliable.
Whilst wearing the smart glasses, the primary interface is a floating display, which can be activated at any time by looking up (this gesture can be adjusted in the app).
The default interface is the dashboard, which continues “at a glance” information, projected approximately two meters ahead of you. The interface remains visible for a pre-determined amount of time, depending on the specific feature being used.
The information does not obstruct your view (98% passthrough) and the position of the interface can be adjusted in the app. I would compare it to using a car heads-up display.
The TouchBars allow for simple inputs via single, double or triple taps, as well as a long press. Each input will trigger a different outcome, which is not immediately obvious, but fairly simple to understand once learnt. Full details of the TouchBar controls can be found within the Even Realities G1 User Guide.
The real magic occurs when a specific feature is triggered, for example, the ability to take a quick note, which includes integrated Generative AI summarisation.
I have been most impressed by the Teleprompt and Translate features, which work surprisingly well.
For example, with content loaded through the iOS/Android app, the Teleprompter will use the microphones to follow your spoken words, automatically progressing the teleprompt that is displayed ahead of you.
As someone who does a lot of live presentations and webinars, I could see how this feature could be valuable.
The same can be said for the translation feature, which listens for inputs and provides real-time subtitles via the display. This is very cool and a true glimpse into the potential of head-mounted devices.
An area that I expect to improve over time is the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assistant. It would not be 2024, without an integrated AI feature. I have not found this to be as practical as a voice assistant (that speaks to you), but could be valuable for quick questions/answers.
In conclusion, I am incredibly impressed with the Even Realities G1 smart glasses, especially as this is a v1.0 product from a new company.
The design and build quality are impressive and the features they have enabled work as advertised, which is fairly surprising as many v1.0 products over-promise and under-deliver.
The Even Realiaities team should be commended for their attention to detail and I hope they continue to iterate/improve over time, unlocking the full potential of the smart glasses via new software features.
Reflecting on my Ray-Ban Meta usage, I would love to see the features of these two products combine, delivering audio, video, and display technology in a package that can be worn as a replacement for “regular” glasses.
This could be an incredible combination, that feels feasible, without impacting the design.