Skip to main content

Sony steps up development of the SmartEyeGlass, ready to compete with Google

sony smarteyeglass news
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Sony is stepping up development of the SmartEyeGlass, a pair of smart glasses to compete with Google Glass. The company has released a software development kit for the eyewear, helping developers get started with the tech. Sony briefly discussed its plans for the SmartEyeGlass at both CES and IFA tech shows this year, and the announcement shows it’s ready to move past the concept stage.

Sony SmartEyeGlass TopThe glasses seen in these early pictures is a developmental prototype, and is almost certainly not the final design. At least we hope it’s not, because it makes Google Glass look like an Armani suit. Like the looks, the tech inside the SmartEyeGlass goes in a slightly different direction from Glass.

Recommended Videos

Instead of using a single prism, both lenses in the SmartEyeGlass act as screens, displaying a monochrome, holographic-style image that’s transparent enough not to block your sight, while still remaining functional. Sony promises good readability even in sunlight, a notorious problem on Glass. By not choosing a color display, Sony can also make the battery last longer, but at the moment it’s stored in an external pack, and not built into the glasses.

The specs will connect to an Android phone and Sony provides a few examples of what wearers will be able to see. Like the rest of Sony’s SmartWear range, the glasses will link up with the Lifelog app. A navigational view while using GPS is to be expected, along with hands-free viewing of websites — handy for recipes, or following a how-to guide — and contextual information such as overlaying real-time player stats while at a sports game.

The SmartEyeGlass also includes the usual array of sensors, including a microphone, and a relatively basic 3-megapixel camera. Take a look at the video to get an idea of how Sony wants the interface to look, along with a demo of a sure to be controversial Face Recognition app. Now the SDK has been released, Sony can concentrate on perfecting the hardware side, and plans to have a demo device ready for developers early in 2015.

Andy Boxall
Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…
The best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 screen protectors
Person holding skateboard while wearing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.

A new, sleek design and digital bezel help the Galaxy Watch 4 stand out in the crowd and set it apart from the traditional style of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Whether you've picked up a 40mm model with a 1.2-inch Super AMOLED screen or opted for more screen real estate with the 44mm model, that stand-out design needs protecting from scratches and knocks. That means it's time for our picks of the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 screen protectors, with something to suit all budgets.

These screen protectors will all fit the 40mm or 44mm models of the Galaxy Watch 4. If you've got a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, these won't fit.
Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit Screen Protector

Read more
How to remove watch links from the strap on your new watch
how to remove watch links fossil q explorist

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all smartwatch. If your wrists are on the smaller size, then you may find that your new smartwatch is dangling from your wrist and sliding up your forearm. No need to worry — it's a common problem. Chances are there are at least one too many chain links on the strap, but adjusting a metal-link smartwatch band isn't as difficult as you might think — and doesn't usually require a trip to the jewelers.

We'll take you through everything you need to know and the tools you'll need handy to remove links from your smartwatch so it fits snugly on your wrist.

Read more
Best Cyber Monday Deals 2022: Laptops, TVs, AirPods, and more
Best Cyber Monday Deals 2022

Cyber Week is here! With some truly epic deals out there, this is the best time of year to buy a new tech gadget. If you slept through the Black Friday sales, then the Cyber Monday sales, you better grab what you need during this week of slowly diminishing deals. From tablets to air fryers, laptops to smartwatches, we've rounded up the best Cyber Monday deals across a range of categories, and you'll find them all below.
Cyber Monday sales: Quick links

Amazon: Huge discounts on laptops, Echo devices, and tablets
Best Buy: Your destination for sales on super-sized TVs
Dell: Unbeatable discounts on gaming laptops, monitors, and more
Gamestop: Cheap video games, console accessories and monitors
HP: Gaming PCs, laptops, monitors, and printers from $129
Kohl's: Home decor, clothing and kitchen appliance steals
Lowe’s: Up to 60% off appliances like refrigerators and decor
Staples: Save big on laptops, home office hardware and supplies
Target: Tons of cheap kitchen appliances and stocking-fillers
Walmart: Great for laptops, and is restocking PS5 and Xbox Series X

Read more