Some people still associate smart glasses with Glass, Google’s much hyped, ill-fated experiment in wearable technology. Glass flopped mainly because it was geeky looking, had an onboard video camera that many people felt was intrusive and was too expensive.

But despite Google’s epic fail, the smart glasses category is thriving. Dozens of other companies are developing products that look great, have practical applications for sports, health and wellness, entertainment and the workplace, and offer a better value proposition.

Interestingly, a growing number of these companies come from within the optical industry, as opposed to the first wave of smart glass companies, most of who came from the tech world. That means that the next generation of smart glasses will probably have better optics, better styling and be more comfortable.

A good example is Radar Pace, the newly released smart sunglass developed by Oakley and Intel (featured in L&T New Products, p. 82.) A sleekly designed piece of gear, Radar Pace is equipped with a voice-activated, real-time coaching system that is designed to provide runners, cyclists and workout enthusiasts with real-time feedback and analytics to track progress and improve performance.

Another example of tech-enabled eyewear created by an optical company is Level. Developed by VSP Global’s innovation lab, The Shop, Level integrates health-tracking technology into the temple of a frame. The technology, which consists of a gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer—tracks a wearer’s steps, calories burned and activity time using an accompanying smartphone app. Users will also be able to locate misplaced frames through the app’s “find my glasses” feature.

Level is still in prototype form. VSP is currently conducting a pilot study with the University of California’s Center for Body Computing to gather user feedback, which will then be used to refine the product.

I tried out Level at Vision Expo West and found it to be easy to use and comfortable. I could have worn the stylish frame while walking around the show and not attracted any undue attention.

These companies, as well as others, are bringing new energy to the smart glass market. ECPs and optical retailers who want to offer patients cutting-edge wearable technology have reason to cheer.

Andrew Karp
Group Editor, Lenses and Technology
[email protected]