AI glasses are getting better all the time. Now, there are several glasses brands with in-lens displays, but how well do they work?
Keep reading to find out what the best AI glasses with displays are, how they compare, and how to find the right AI glasses with an in-lens display for you.
AI Glasses With Display: The Options
While full XR/AR glasses that project large virtual screens exist, most smart glasses for everyday use are heads-up displays, or HUDs. These overlay text and notifications on your visual field, similar to how your phone’s notifications overlay what you’re looking at on your phone screen.
Let’s look at some of the HUD options:
Meta Ray-Ban Display with Neural Band
These feature a 600x600p full-color display in the center of the lens, so you can read emails, watch videos, or view texts without having to pull out your phone. The monocular (one lens) display is relatively small, and this feature has its pros and cons:
- Because the display is small and in only one lens, you can still see around it, so you don’t have to worry about walking into things while distracted.
- The display is also private; people looking at your glasses can’t tell that you’re actually reading about the latest celebrity breakup instead of paying attention to them. Not that I would do that…
- The clarity of the screen is excellent for its size. However, people with certain vision difficulties, like farsightedness, may have trouble seeing it because it’s small and close to the face.
- The Meta Ray-Ban Displays are prescription-capable, within certain limitations. They only support single-vision prescriptions, so if you need progressives or bifocals, they won’t be a good fit. Not sure if you need bifocals? This article dives into what bifocal reading glasses are.
- The power range for prescriptions is only +- 4.00, so they’re not a good option if you require a strong prescription. Additionally, ordering them with a prescription requires an in-store visit.
- The neural band fits around your wrist and allows you to control the glasses with hand gestures. Your hands don’t have to be within sight of the camera, which is a plus for many buyers. It’s also handy if you don’t want to ask questions like, “Hey Meta, where can I buy a better deodorant?” out loud.
- The downside of the neural band is an increased risk of security and privacy issues. However, Meta has tried to address this by adding a visible external LED indicator that lights up when the glasses are recording.
- The price is $799, which is out of many budgets.
- The Meta Ray-Ban Displays have thick rims, and many people find them heavy and bulky.
Even Realities G2
The G2 is different from the Meta Ray-Ban Displays in several key ways:
- The binocular display is a monochrome green Micro-LED, 640x350p, so if you have your heart set on a full-color display, the Meta glasses may be a better fit.
- Instead of a neural band, Even offers the R1 controller, a ring that allows you to tap or scroll while also monitoring your health. This is sold separately.
- Common uses for the G2 include translation and teleprompter capabilities. It’s often favored by people who do regular public speaking and want their notes displayed on their glasses.
- While most people like the Teleprompt and Consersate apps, some users struggle to get them to work with their phones.
- Real-time translations are available for 35 languages.
- Overall, most buyers found the Even Realities G2 much lighter and more comfortable than the Meta Ray-Ban Display. However, a few users complained that the Even G2 was still too heavy and caused pain behind the ears. You can adjust the glasses, though.
- The Even Realities G2 starts at $599, but with add-ons like the R1 controller ring, it could cost as much as the Meta Ray-Ban Display.
- If you need to add prescription lenses, the Even Realities G2 offers prescription lenses of +- 12.00. As with the Meta glasses, only single vision is available, but you can order online.
Brilliant Labs Halo Glasses
Less well-known than the Meta or G2 specs, the Halo glasses are open-source AI glasses. Here’s what you need to know about Halo:
- The display is a 0.2-inch, full-color micro-OLED.
- Halo offers real-time translation for 60+ languages.
- If you use a prescription, the display optics can be adjusted from +2 to -6 diopters.
- You can also use Halo to talk to its AI assistant, Noa.
- One of the big draws of the Halo glasses is the lower price point, which starts at $299.
- However, Halo does not have an optional controller like Meta Ray-Ban Display or Even Realities G2. You can communicate by talking to Noa, tapping on the frame, or making “subtle” head motions. Some users report that too much subtlety fails to activate the Halo glasses.
FAQs
Which smart glasses with an in-lens display are best for translation?
Most people prefer the Even Realities G2 for translation, because of its low-lag text subtitles and translations on a binocular display. The Ray-Ban Meta Display’s single-eye screen is all right for brief periods of translation. However, if you need to read translated text for a longer period of time, the G2 is more comfortable and convenient.
How can I know if I’m being recorded by strangers with smart glasses?
Look for a glowing or blinking LED light on the glasses, which is the typical indicator that they are recording. If you see the light, assume the wearer is recording whatever they’re looking at. Another tell is that people who are recording often stare at one spot longer than necessary. If you’re going to a venue, check to see what their rules are about recording; many venues ban recording with smart glasses.
What if I need prescription glasses instead?
AI glasses aren’t the right fit for everyone, especially if you need a strong prescription, progressive lenses, or a traditional pair of glasses for everyday wear. If you’re looking for prescription eyewear, you can try an online eyewear retailer such as EZContacts. They offer a wide selection of eyeglasses in different styles and price ranges, including frames from popular brands.
