And then there are those ethical implications of Conversate. Unlike Meta’s smart glasses, there is no visible indication that a conversation is being recorded. Even Realities tells me that the audio is not saved, the transcribed text, but it still feels like something you need to ask for permission before turning it on. I can see the appeal of having an AI that silently prompts you during a meeting or even a job interview if you’re brave, but that usefulness may depend on it being stealthy, putting you on thin ice. At the same time, blatantly flagging that you’re using the AI ​​rather defeats the point.

App Activity

ScreenshotsEven the Realities by Chris Haslam

The price of having such “normal looking” glasses is that the Even G2 is completely dependent on its app and a strong Bluetooth connection. Available for iOS and Android, the app, like the heads-up display, is a stripped-back monochrome affair, with easily accessible modes.

Navigation and setup are intuitive, and it’s easy to adjust settings, choose how the HUD appears in front of your eyes, enable notifications, and decide what you want on the main dashboard. You can choose from news outlets (including WIRED), including calendar and stock information. It’s small, but if you need quick access to the Nikkei Index, you’re sorted.

I like how small and easy the app is to navigate, but not the number of times I had to reboot, upgrade, connect, and disconnect the glasses during testing. The pair I received is still in beta, so bugs are to be expected, but even after the official launch and consumer-ready app launch, it remains a lottery whether the G2 and R1 ring glasses work as smoothly as they should.

Software stability was the biggest issue I had with the original G1 glasses, and I’m annoyed it wasn’t addressed here. I’m fine with firmware updates, especially with emerging technology like this, but not being able to trust the glasses when I need them is very frustrating.

Bling ring

Sporting a touch-sensitive surface on one side, the Even R1 ring (a $249 optional add-on) lets you tap, swipe, and hold with your thumb to navigate the glasses’ interface. It’s a really useful accessory that makes everyday use of the G2 a lot easier than tapping the temple tips. Aesthetically, it looks great, although the Even logo wouldn’t have been my first choice. It has at least one purpose, indicating the correct orientation for the touchpad to reach.

The ring makes a huge difference in usability and interactivity. You can scroll slowly without touching the frames, making it easier to forget you’re wearing smart glasses. There’s a learning curve, and if you can’t think of your fingers, like I did, you’ll open menus by accident. It becomes easier and smoother with practice.

The R1 also tracks your sleep, steps, and heart rate, which is a neat touch. It’s not as accurate as mine Garmin smartwatch or whoop bandand the information is presented in a more basic way, but has potential if you haven’t invested in a wearable.