At CEATEC 2024, Lightning Silicon Technology – a spin-off of the US-based microdisplays company Kopin and owner of the Solos smartglasses brand – exhibited its latest technology.
Solos, initially recognized for developing smart displays integrated into athletic eyewear to boost performance, has shifted its focus from embedded microdisplays to AI-driven audio technology.
In January 2023, the company launched its AirGo3 smartglass collection, featuring smart audio capabilities such as Whisper Message. In January 2024, Solos expanded these features to include integrated ChatGPT AI assistance, Live Translate, and Group Communication, extending across a broader range of models.
During CEATEC 2024, Jacky Tse, Marketing Manager at Solos Technology Inc., demonstrated AirGo3’s latest advancements, including the newly introduced Solos Xeon 6 and Xeon 7 smart sunglasses. A preview of the upcoming AirGo V glasses also hinted at future innovations, such as a built-in camera and ChatGPT-4o (ChatGPT Optimal) for object recognition and other potential capabilities.
Solos Xeon 7 on my face and Solos Airgo V frame in my hand
Solos Xeon 6 and Xeon 7: The Latest Solos Smart Sunglasses Featuring AirGo3 and SmartHinge for Interchangeable Frames
Solos introduced its newest smart sunglasses, the Xeon 6 and Xeon 7. Both are equipped with the AirGo3 platform and innovative SmartHinge technology, which allows users to swap between different frames while keeping the electronics in the same detachable temples.
The Xeon 6, available on the Solos website for $199 since October 17, has a more “masculine” design and is suited for medium to large face sizes. Meanwhile, the Xeon 7, with a style more tailored to women according to the brand, is in pre-sale from October 31 to November 13, with buyers receiving a complimentary phone strap during this period. When it comes to “feminine” or “masculine,” personal fashion-style preferences can be fluid.
Currently, Solos only offers single-vision prescription lenses, though there is hope for future availability of progressive lenses. Weighing 36g for the Xeon 6 and 39g for the Xeon 7, the sunglasses are packed with advanced smart features, all within an impressively lightweight and sleek design.
On the technical front, both models connect to Android or iOS devices via Bluetooth, utilizing the Solos AirGo App. This app provides access to features like SolosChat, an AI assistant powered by ChatGPT-4o mini, and SolosTranslate for real-time translation, supporting up to 25 languages. The app also includes text-to-speech functions, enabling audio reminders for calendar events and reading messages aloud. Once paired, the glasses’ built-in directional stereo speakers deliver a translated speech for individual and group conversations that can also be viewed as text on the smartphone display.
Smarthinge with USB-C connector and swappable frame
The Xeon 6 and Xeon 7 hardware specifications include up to 10 hours of battery life for music streaming or 7 hours for phone calls, and a quick charge option that provides 3 hours of use from just 15 minutes of charging. A full charge takes approximately 1.5 hours. The glasses use Bluetooth 5.2 and BLE for wireless connectivity, with a range of about 33 feet in open space. They feature a virtual button on the temple for smartphone pairing, touch sensors on the temple for volume control, and the ability to access the AI assistant. The design includes a USB-C charging port and an IP67 splash-proof rating, ensuring durability for everyday use.
AirGo3 Technology Demo: AI Assistant With ChatGPT-4o That Supports Translation for 25 Languages
At CEATEC 2024, I had the opportunity to experience a live demonstration of one of AirGo3’s standout features: SolosTranslate, which supports translation for 25 languages. In a one-on-one setting, we tested the translation from English to Mandarin and back, showcasing the system’s ease of use. Functioning similarly to a walkie-talkie, users press a button on the side of the glasses to speak, then release it to hear the translation delivered through tiny, directional stereo speakers embedded in the temples. The other person can then respond by repeating the same process. The AirGo3 app also supports written translations, but the smart glasses provide the convenience of hands-free, spoken translations.
Despite the loud environment at CEATEC, the audio quality was excellent. The clear and private sound remained unintelligible to those nearby, ensuring that conversations stayed private and easily understandable, even in noisy settings.
I spoke in English and the Solos representative spoke in Mandarin with instant translation via the directional speakers embedded in the temples
Smart Features Highlights:
LISTEN Mode: Designed for one-on-one interactions, this feature captures and translates speech from the person directly in front of the user. The translated speech plays discreetly through the smart glasses, making the experience intuitive and private.
GROUP Mode: This mode lets participants communicate in their preferred languages for multi-person discussions. Users can join or initiate a group through a QR code or web link, participating via the AirGo3 smart glasses or a smartphone, allowing flexibility for various user preferences.
TEXT Mode: This mode delivers translated messages in written form, which can be viewed on the smartphone’s display or read aloud using the smart glasses’ speakers.
PRESENT Mode: This mode translates the speaker’s language into the audience’s chosen language in real-time. The versatile feature supports interactive Q&A sessions post-presentation, where the translation can switch between speakers.
The AirGo3 technology also includes SolosChat, leveraging ChatGPT-4o for natural voice-based interaction, allowing users to ask questions or perform tasks hands-free. Whisper Technology ensures audio remains clear and crisp, with volume up to 100 decibels, while maintaining situational awareness for safety (open ear). Additional features, like Whisper Messages and Whisper Events, read out loud messages and alerts from platforms like WhatsApp, iMessage, and Teams as they arrive.
Furthermore, Solos offers a variety of lens options, including anti-blue lenses, light-adjusting photochromic lenses, and polarized sunglasses lenses, with single-vision prescription lenses available. SmartHinge Frames provide interchangeable customization using USB-C connectors, which are suitable for various activities like sports, work, or casual wear. Lastly, the Solos Fitness Coach acts as a wearable activity monitor, offering guided exercises, postural corrections, and hydration reminders to promote an active lifestyle.
Upcoming AirGo V Smartglasses (AirGo Vision)
AirGo V with embedded camera and support for AI-driven object recognition
Solos presented a demo of its upcoming AirGo V smartglasses (AirGo Vision) but did not disclose the exact technical specifications.
In addition to the existing Airgo3 features, the new model will feature an embedded camera designed for AI-driven object recognition, such as identifying whether an electrical plug is compatible with the local standards of a country the user is visiting.
The smart glasses’ camera points to any object and explains what it sees; the description can be read on the smartphone (see photo below) and will also be delivered over the speakers.
The camera’s computer vision provide a description of the objects captured by the sensor
The AirGo V will be built on the same modular frame as the AirGo3-enabled models. It will feature the new SmartHinge I with an integrated LED to notify users of incoming calls or emails. In addition to ChatGPT-4o, which includes object recognition, the device will also support other generative AI models, such as Google Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude.
Solos will probably share more details about the AirGo V smartglasses in early January 2025.
Filed in . Read more about AI (Artificial Intelligence), CEATEC, Ceatec 2024, ChatGPT, generative AI, Japan and Smartglass.
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