Smart Glasses That Look and Feel Like Regular Eyewear

Amid the bustling tech showcases, a particular set of smart glasses stood out for their seamless integration into everyday life. The Even Realities G2 smart glasses represent a significant evolution from their predecessor, blending sophisticated technology with a design that could easily pass for conventional eyewear. This second-generation model refines the user experience while preserving the discreet, elegant aesthetic that made the original so appealing.

Design and Battery Performance

A primary concern with any product update is the risk of altering a winning formula. Fortunately, the G2 retains the core design philosophy of the G1 while introducing meaningful improvements. The frames are now even lighter, tipping the scales at a mere 36 grams, which is notably less than many competitors. A subtle flattening of the upper lens frame is the only visible change. The most impactful upgrade is the replacement of the previous touch nubs with a sophisticated touch pad control system discreetly located at the end of each temple. This new interface, reminiscent of a smartphone’s tactile button, supports a variety of gestures including swiping, tapping, and long-pressing, all while remaining hidden behind the ear for a clean look.

In line with the brand’s philosophy, the G2 continues to forgo cameras, speakers, and any flashing lights. This deliberate choice enhances their social acceptability, allowing them to function as high-quality prescription-ready glasses first and a tech device second. Battery life is a standout feature, delivering up to two days of use on a single charge. The accompanying charging case provides an additional six to seven full charges, meaning you could potentially go a full two weeks without needing to find a power outlet.

Display Technology

The intelligence of these glasses lies entirely in their innovative display system. Each lens incorporates a display that projects information directly into your line of sight, from simple notifications and live translations to a teleprompter function. The visual output uses a distinctive green matrix-style font, maintaining a monochromatic scheme for clarity and power efficiency.

With the G2, the optical engine has been upgraded to HAO 2.0 (Holistic Adaptive Optics), which sharpens and brightens the visuals, making them appear more natural even during movement. A new 3D spatial display organizes information into intuitive layers; fleeting AI prompts appear up front, while sustained content like navigation or notes sits further back. The result is a subtle layer of contextual information that floats in your vision without demanding your full attention, a far cry from the experience of staring at a traditional screen.

Smart Functionality

At their core, these glasses function like an Apple Watch for your eyes. Notifications glide subtly across your field of view, providing information without pulling your focus from the task at hand. Many users find this less disruptive than a vibrating wristwatch, which often compels you to look down and break concentration.

A suite of smart tools is readily accessible. The teleprompter feature remains a favorite, allowing you to import and view scripts directly on the lenses. Integrated Maps provide turn-by-turn navigation without ever needing to glance at a phone. Other valuable tools include:

• Conversate: A real-time AI assistant that offers subtle prompts during discussions.
• Translate: Facilitates instant two-way communication across 29 different languages.
• QuickList and Dashboard: Keeps your to-do items and calendar appointments perpetually in view.

A critical point is that all complex processing is handled by the companion smartphone app. This offloading of computational tasks is what allows the glasses themselves to remain remarkably slim, lightweight, and comfortable for all-day wear.

The Companion R1 Smart Ring

A notable enhancement to the ecosystem is the R1 smart ring. While the G1’s interaction methods were limited, the G2’s touch panels are greatly improved. For those who prefer not to touch their glasses, the R1 ring acts as a wireless mouse for the display. Crafted from zirconia ceramic and stainless steel, it feels premium on the finger. Its touch-sensitive surface replicates all the commands of the glasses’ touch pads, enabling you to navigate the interface, bring up the display, or scroll through information with simple finger gestures.

The ring also incorporates biometric sensors for basic wellness tracking, including a feature called a Productivity Score that offers gentle reminders to maintain balance throughout the day. It’s worth noting that the health metrics are more of a supplementary feature rather than a deep analytical tool. Importantly, the R1 ring is an optional accessory and is not required to use the G2 glasses.

Overall Impression

Even Realities has truly delivered with this second-generation product. They have successfully incorporated user feedback, enhancing functionality without compromising the elegant, lightweight design that defines the brand. Their approach mirrors that of a passive wearable like the Apple Watch; you reap the benefits without constant active engagement.

If there’s one feature that could elevate future models, it would be the inclusion of a small, discreet speaker solely for receiving audio feedback from the AI assistant. Currently, queries are answered via text on the lenses. This could be a promising addition for a potential G3 version.

Pricing and Availability

The Even G2 Smart Glasses and the R1 Smart Ring are currently available for purchase directly from Even Realities. For a limited time, buying the G2 glasses makes you eligible for a 50% discount on the R1 ring and other accessories. The G2 is offered in three color options: grey, brown, and green, with a starting price of $599. The R1 ring starts at $249.

(Source: 9to5 Mac)