The smart glasses industry is still coming into focus. Tech behemoths like Google tried and failed to take the technology mainstream, but Snap Inc.’s Spectacles and the Bose Frame Tempo are making inroads by leaning into their strengths. The Spectacles incorporate Snapchat’s distinctive AR tech, while the Bose Frame Tempo offers unparalleled bud-less sound.
Lucyd Eyewear, meanwhile, has its sights set on the audio-enabled prescription glasses and sunglasses market, offering its new Lucyd Lyte 2.0 frames and proprietary prescription lenses in one place. The frames do away with touchpads and head gestures, instead using two simple buttons to adjust volume, control calls, and more. Voice assistants are a tap or a “Hey Google” away, while dual noise-canceling microphones ensure that windy days and noisy backgrounds don’t spoil phone calls. A stable Bluetooth 5.2 connection brings audio to the frames, while low-vibration speakers keep visual judders at bay, even on high volume.
The $35 Lucyd Dock offers wireless charging for the glasses while two USB ports and one USB-C port help top off other devices. A single two-hour charge offers 12 hours of playback and 160 hours of standby.
The collection offers frames in ten familiar designs, with five more expected to debut in March. Prices fall within a narrow $200 – $230 range, making good on Lucyd’s promise to maintain price parity with traditional eyeglass frames.
In other tech news, check out the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX Atelier Editions.