CES 2026: Color-Changing Sunglasses Demo Revealed
â–¼ Summary
– Mashable is reporting live from CES 2026, where a preview event called CES Unveiled offered an early look at new tech, including unique sunglasses.
– The highlighted product is the Povec C1, described as the world’s first electrochromic sports sunglasses, which change tint level instantly with a finger swipe on the frame.
– The technology was originally developed for automotive use and is targeted at outdoor athletes, with the glasses requiring a USB-C charge approximately every 28 days.
– While not the first of its kind, with similar glasses from Chamelo Eyewear already on the market, Povec aims to launch its product in May 2026 at a price between $250 and $350.
– The article is based on a hands-on experience by a Mashable journalist at the event, who suggests the practical and stylish product could become very popular.
The annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is once again the epicenter for groundbreaking technology, with early previews already revealing products poised to change everyday life. Among the advanced robotics and smart devices at the CES Unveiled event, a simple yet ingenious pair of sunglasses stood out for its practical innovation. The Povec C1 sunglasses represent a significant leap in eyewear, offering users instant control over lens tint with a mere touch.
These sports sunglasses utilize electrochromic technology, allowing the wearer to slide a finger along a panel on the frame to instantly switch the lenses from a dark tint to clear. This eliminates the need for carrying multiple pairs of glasses or using clip-on attachments, providing seamless adaptation to changing light conditions. The design features a contemporary sports frame available in several colors, merging functionality with a stylish aesthetic that feels both futuristic and accessible.
While the concept of adjustable tint isn’t entirely new, the execution here is notably sleek and user-friendly. The technology was originally developed for automotive applications, such as in the Audi E5 Sportback, but finds a compelling new purpose for outdoor enthusiasts. Cyclists, skiers, runners, and boaters could particularly benefit from the ability to quickly adjust their visual clarity without interrupting their activity. The glasses require a USB-C charge, with a battery life estimated at approximately twenty-eight days per charge, making them relatively low-maintenance for daily use.
This product enters a market where similar concepts, like the color-changing glasses from Chamelo Eyewear showcased previously, have begun to gain traction. The Povec model focuses on a streamlined tint-adjustment feature, positioning itself as a direct competitor. The startup is targeting a commercial launch in May of 2026, with a projected price point between $250 and $350, placing it firmly in the premium designer eyewear category. For a product that simplifies an everyday need with such intuitive technology, this price reflects its innovative position in the market.
The broader implication is a move toward more personalized and adaptive consumer gadgets. This demonstration highlights how existing technologies can be repurposed into wearable, practical formats that resonate on a personal level. It’s the type of innovation that may not headline the show alongside humanoid robots, but its immediate utility and cool factor give it undeniable viral potential. As CES continues, it’s these smart integrations of technology into common items that often forecast the next wave of products to enter our daily lives.
(Source: Mashable)
