Some can even work as basic augmented reality devices, projecting a computer screen into the corner of your eye. If you want a glimpse of the future, the pricey Vuzix Blade offer a taste of augmented reality - but we’d recommend you wait for that particular feature to become more mainstream. Here are our pick for the best smart glasses on the market today In fact, they are available in three different, Ray-Ban styles—Meteor, Round, and Wayfarer, in five colors (glossy black, blue, brown, olive, or matte black) and six types of lenses (brown gradient, clear, dark blue, dark gray, green, or photochromatic green). Prescription lenses are also available, so it’s fair to say Ray-Ban have most people covered. They double as bluetooth headphones, and you use an app to upload video and pictures taken with them. Unsurprisingly, you need a Facebook account to do that. To take a picture, there’s a capture button on the right arm, and a touch-sensitive surface ogives you call, playback, and volume controls. Despite the obvious privacy worries, these are probably the most fully featured smart glasses out there, and while there is no augmented reality display, Facebook has been open it its plan to make one in the near future. The Blade features a full-color display on the right lens that overlay digital graphics onto the real world. The transparent display allows you to see both at once, with head motion tracking that responds to your movement for an immersive augmented reality experience. It’s powered by its own processor and Android OS - the same system found in Android phones. You also can pair the Blade with your smartphone, using the companion app, to further customize its functionality and receive phone notifications right on your glasses. These glasses also have some great hardware features, the most notable being a built-in 8MP camera that can record HD video. Noise-canceling microphones also allow you to take calls and use the voice control features. These also have full UV protection, and are available with prescription lenses for an additional cost. The headphone parts of the glasses are adjustable and can be moved forward and back for a comfortable fit. They also have a built-in microphone, so you can effortlessly take calls when the glasses are connected to your phone. Button controls on the frame allow you to adjust the volume, play and pause music, and answer calls. The Frames have the speakers built into arms and tucked right behind the wearer’s ears. Even though there is no in-ear headphone, the design of the glasses prevents the sound from leaking to the people around you. This lets you enjoy your music while remaining fully aware of your surroundings (and without disturbing your neighbors). Our reviewer who tested these glasses noted that the audio does have the wonderful warm quality that the Bose brand is known for. The only downside: it can get drowned out by the noise in your environment. So if you’re commuting or planning to listen somewhere loud, you might find your music hard to hear. The Bose Frames also come with the Bose AR platform, which is still in its early stages but shows some promise for interesting AR audio experiences. The glasses already have built in gyroscopes and motion tracking that makes them well-suited to augmented reality app integration. These glasses are available in two styles: the round Taylor’s and the more-rectangular Bruno’s. Choose from three different lens colors for an extra cost. Both styles have a five-hour battery life and can fully charge in one to two hours. The Spectacles come with a charging case and can quick-charge to 50% in just 15 minutes. Their eye-catching design is available in two colors: black and a muted rose gold tone. Regular sessions can help users be more focused, manage anxiety, and block out distractions. Brain-sensing technology, which works via sensors in the frame’s earpieces, provides real-time feedback on your brain’s activity level, helping the user know when they need focus to beat stress or complete complex tasks. While this method of mindfulness might not suit everyone, it’s an evidence-based system that has helped many. The frames, themselves, are unobtrusive and aren’t likely to attract notice. If you’re struggling with mental focus, consider giving the Lowdown Focus a try, if they’re within your budget. The Echo Frames are available in three colors: all black, black with a blue edge, and tortoiseshell print. The design is a little bit bulky, but the JBuds Frames make up for it with over eight hours of playback per charge. It also uses the latest Bluetooth 5.1 technology to pair to your smartphone with a stable, lag-free connection. Mark Prigg is a VP at Lifewire and has over 25 years experience reviewing consumer tech at newspapers and magazines, including the Daily Mail, London Evening Standard, Wired and The Sunday Times.
