Yes, it’s a ‘Ready Player One’ reference.
Smart glasses have often felt like a technology perpetually on the verge of greatness but never quite crossing the threshold. Year after year, tech companies promise game-changing innovations that fade into obscurity as quickly as they emerge. However, Halliday seems determined to buck that trend with its bold entry at CES 2025 in Las Vegas: a pair of smart glasses brimming with features and powered by a “proactive” AI assistant that might finally deliver on years of unmet expectations.
A Lightweight Powerhouse
Halliday’s eponymous smart glasses are designed to combine sleekness, practicality, and cutting-edge technology in a package that weighs just 35 grams. Despite their feather-light form, these glasses pack an impressive array of features, starting with the innovative waveguide display embedded in the right eyecup. This display projects a virtual 3.5-inch screen directly into the wearer’s line of sight, offering excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. What’s more, the display hardware is invisible to onlookers, maintaining the glasses’ stylish and unassuming appearance.
Battery life is another highlight, with the glasses promising up to eight hours of use on a single charge. Whether you’re using them for productivity, entertainment, or real-time assistance, Halliday promises a full day of functionality without the need for frequent recharges.
Proactive AI That Anticipates Your Needs
What truly sets Halliday’s smart glasses apart is their proactive AI assistant. Unlike conventional voice assistants that wait for commands, this AI is designed to anticipate your needs and provide contextually relevant support. Equipped with built-in microphones, the glasses listen to conversations (with your permission, of course) to analyze and respond in real time. For example, during a meeting, the AI can generate a comprehensive summary immediately after it ends—a feature poised to revolutionize workplace productivity.
Intuitive Interaction Options
While voice commands remain a core interaction method, Halliday’s glasses offer additional control options to suit various scenarios. The sides of the glasses are touch-sensitive, allowing for swipe and tap gestures, but the true standout is the bundled trackpad ring. This discreet accessory enables users to navigate and control the glasses’ interface without drawing attention, making it ideal for use in professional or public settings.
A Versatile Toolbox for Everyday Tasks
Halliday’s smart glasses are more than just a cool gadget; they aim to be a versatile tool that simplifies daily life. Among the features touted by the company are:
- Real-Time Language Translation: Instantly translate conversations in up to 40 languages, making international travel and communication effortless.
- Hidden Teleprompter: Whether you’re delivering a speech or presenting in a meeting, the glasses can display a script only you can see.
- Live Directions: Navigate unfamiliar cities with turn-by-turn directions displayed directly in your field of view.
- Music and Lyrics: Enjoy your favorite songs while viewing synchronized lyrics on the screen.
- Instant Information Retrieval: Get answers to questions during conversations by seamlessly accessing the internet.
A Question of Privacy
While the glasses’ AI capabilities are undeniably impressive, they also raise valid concerns about privacy. Halliday has assured users that their technology is designed with robust safeguards, but the notion of glasses constantly listening to conversations may give some pause. As with any pioneering technology, the balance between convenience and privacy will be crucial to its adoption.
Launch Details and Pricing
Halliday’s smart glasses are set to begin pre-orders at the conclusion of CES 2025, with shipping expected to start before March 2025. Pricing will range between $399 and $499, placing the glasses in a competitive position within the market. For a device that combines cutting-edge display technology, proactive AI, and versatile functionality, the price point feels more than justified—assuming, of course, the glasses deliver as promised.
The Verdict: Bragging Rights or Breakthrough?
Halliday has made bold claims about the capabilities of its smart glasses, but as always, the proof lies in real-world performance. Will these glasses finally bridge the gap between promise and delivery, or will they join the ranks of ambitious concepts that failed to materialize? Only time will tell. One thing is certain: with Halliday’s proactive AI assistant and an array of innovative features, these smart glasses are among the most exciting technologies to watch in 2025. If they can live up to the hype, they may very well redefine what we expect from wearable tech.
