Sony aims to harness the power of your eyes with a slew of new smartglasses

By Malarie Gokey January 5, 2015

sony smarteyeglass kit attach module smart b trainer news 2 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sony isn’t content with its own line of smartwatches and smartphones; it is also heavily invested in the smartglasses idea. During IFA in September 2014, Sony showed off a few new features for its SmartEyeGlasses developer kit, and the company later teased a modular lens attachment, as well as another wearable with a focus on sports to be demoed at CES 2015. Now Sony’s showing off all three.

Sony announced several new applications for its SmartEyeglasses prototype, alongside a new SmartEyeglasses Developer Edition. As far as looks and functionality go, the SmartEyeglasses that Sony’s showing off at CES are quite similar to those we saw at IFA. However, the company also has two other new wearable concepts that aim to harness the power of your eyes.

The new conceptual SmartEyeglass prototype called Attach! is a single lens display module that you can tack onto any pair of regular glasses. Sony’s idea is that if you’ve already got a pair of glasses, why not simply make a small module for them instead of making you buy a special, smart pair? Although you can’t actually buy one of the Attach lenses as a consumer yet, Sony has a kit for developers to create apps for the module. So far, apps seem to focus on sports and performance, but others may soon be in the works.

Sony-Smart-B-Trainer — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sony also showed off a new all-in-one headset called the Smart B-Trainer. This prototype is fully waterproof, and features a boatload of sensors that are specifically designed to help runners improve their performance. The Olympic athlete-ready Smart B-Trainer also comes with its own built-in memory, which can store voice coaching or music tracks for your workout.

Sony also showed off a new all-in-one headset called the Smart B-Trainer. This prototype is fully waterproof, and features a boatload of sensors that are specifically designed to help runners improve their performance. The Olympic athlete-ready Smart B-Trainer also comes with its own built-in memory, which can store voice coaching or music tracks for your workout.

Neither detailed specifications nor availability for any of the prototypes were mentioned in the press release, but we’ll be sure to update this post as we learn more about Sony’s latest forays into smart eyewear.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

As DT's Mobile Editor, Malarie runs the Mobile and Wearables sections, which cover smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and…

Deals

Razer Anzu smart glasses deal knocks $140 off the price tag

The Razer Anzu smart glasses placed on top of an open book.

While smartwatch deals have slowly claimed their place in the mainstream, smart glasses haven't turned out to be as popular. Gaming-focused brand Razer, however, is trying to renew interest in smart glasses with the Razer Anzu, which you can currently purchase from Best Buy at $140 off. If you'd like to give them a try, they're available for just $60, less than half their original price of $200.

There have been failures like the Google Glass and Snap Spectacles, and hopeful attempts like Oppo's Air Glass and Apple's secretive project, but the Razer Anzu smart glasses take a different spin on the wearable device by designing them for indoors. While they come with polarized sunglass lenses, their clear lenses are more useful with their blue light filter, which protects your eyes from screen glare to prevent discomfort even after hours of playing video games or working from home. The smart glasses, which also have a built-in omnidirectional microphone and speakers, may also be more comfortable to wear for an extended period of time compared to headsets and headphones. You'll enjoy smooth, stutter-free sound with the Razer Anzu's low latency audio with a 60ms Bluetooth connection.

Mobile

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

Wearables

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.