Focals by North Next-Generation Smart Glasses

Focals by North Next-Generation Smart Glasses

The Future is Here: Smart Glasses by North

Imagine receiving notifications from your phone, visible only to you through a pair of sleek, stylish glasses. Meet Focals, developed by Canadian company North. These smart glasses offer a range of features you likely use daily—phone notifications, SMS responses, Spotify controls, Alexa integration, map directions, Uber calls, Google Fit updates, sports scores, flight info, games, and more. Unlike previous smart glasses like Google Glass, Focals stand out with their fashionable, designer-like appearance. They blend seamlessly into everyday wear, proving that tech can be both functional and stylish.

Who is North?

North, one of Canada’s most well-funded startups, secured $120 million USD in venture capital in 2016, following an initial $14.5 million USD raise. Their investors include Amazon, Intel, and the Canadian government, among others. Founded in 2013 by Aaron Grant, Matthew Bailey, and Stephen Lake—creators of the MYO gesture-controlled armband—North pivoted from pairing their armband with Google Glass to developing Focals. Their rebranding to North reflects their location in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, offering a nod to their northern roots compared to Silicon Valley’s tech hub.

Technology Behind Focals

Focals feature a unique visual effect projected onto your right eye. The right lens contains a photopolymer film that reflects light precisely. A tiny projector on the frame bounces notifications off this lens, displaying them on the back of your retina, visible only to you. This ensures that no one else sees what you’re viewing.

How Focals Work

Focals pair with your smartphone via Bluetooth, similar to a smartwatch. The core intelligence lies within the phone app, facilitating software updates and features. Navigation through the glasses is managed via a small joystick ring called “The Loop,” which allows movement and interaction. The glasses don’t include a camera, addressing privacy concerns associated with devices like Google Glass. They also feature a small speaker for notifications and Alexa interactions and can detect driving to disable features automatically.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a common concern for wearables. Focals come with a proprietary carrying case that acts as a battery backup, providing up to three days of charge for both the glasses and The Loop ring. The case, which charges via USB, is larger than a pocket-sized device but fits easily into a backpack, briefcase, or purse, keeping the glasses safe and charged when not in use.

Cost of Focals

The base model of Focals is priced at $599.99, with an additional cost of around $200 for prescription lenses. Insurance may offer partial reimbursement. Extras like rounded frames, sunglasses, and gradient colors can increase the total cost to over $1,200. Given that many people spend around $600 on designer glasses or sunglasses, this price is competitive with other smart technologies like smartwatches.

Purchasing Focals and What to Expect

To try Focals, you need to book a showroom appointment in Toronto or Brooklyn, or visit one of their mobile popup locations. Since the projection screen’s alignment is critical for optimal performance, Focals are not available through retail channels. During your appointment, you’ll undergo a detailed fitting process, including facial measurements and eye tests, to ensure the glasses fit perfectly.

Final Thoughts on Focals

Though I no longer wear glasses full-time, I found Focals to be a notable experience. They were initially heavy and required frequent adjustments for a clear display. While the image is sharp indoors, bright sunlight can affect visibility. The clip-on sunglasses, while functional, could use a style upgrade. The lack of a camera and closed API limit some functionalities, but these glasses excel in providing discreet notifications. They’re ideal for those looking to reduce head-down tech use and stay aware of their surroundings. As technology evolves, I look forward to seeing more app integrations and features for these innovative glasses.focals


Posted

in

by

Tags:

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *