In a recent press release coordinated with IFA 2022, Lenovo announced the upcoming availability of a new product called Glasses T1.
The Glasses T1 are intended to be tethered to the user’s smartphone or computer. The secondary display produced by the Glasses T1 provides a large image that hovers in front of the user’s eyes but allows the user to maintain their view of the outside world – and, the virtual image can only be seen by the user. What the Glasses T1 don’t do, since they do not have sensors or cameras, is provide means for the user to interact with the displayed imagery in the ways possible and typical in conventional virtual and augmented reality glasses. User input can, however, be provided by use of the tethered device. As an example, by using the touchscreen of a tethered smartphone as the means to index through and make selections on a menu.
Lenovo describes the function of the Glasses T1 as to put “a big screen in your pocket.” A possible use case for the Glasses T1 is for users that want privacy while in public. In this case, the user would turn off the primary display on their laptop and use only the Glasses T1. As a second use case example, the user could keep the primary laptop display on and have a second desktop and display on the Glasses T1.
A video appended to the end of this article introduces and discusses the Lenovo Glasses T1. The Glasses T1 are illustrated in the figure below.
The Lenovo Glasses T1.
The Glasses T1 can connect directly by means of a tether to most phones, laptops, PCs or other Windows, Android or MacOS device as long as the device outputs through a USB Type-C cable. iPhone users will need two separate adapters to convert the signal from Lightning to HDMI then to USB-C. In all cases, the Glasses T1 will automatically behave like a secondary display.
The Glasses T1 have their own built-in battery with the battery lifetime described as “up to hours.” The Glasses T1 can also draw power from the device to which they are tethered as long as the connection is via a Type-C cable.
Specifications and features of the display system in the Glasses T1 includes the following:
- Dual 1920 x 1080 OLED microdisplays.
- 60Hz refresh
- Contrast ratio 10,000:1.
- Field of view 38 degree
The Glasses T1 come with TUV Low Blue Light and Flicker Reduced certifications. (“TUV Rheinland, one of the world’s largest independent testing service providers, and Healthe, a world leader in eye health for electronic devices, have created a new blue light filtration standard for digital devices in collaboration with the Eyesafe Vision Health Advisory Board. The certification confirms that the product satisfies TÜV Rheinland’s test criteria and that the user is not at risk when using it in the intended manner.”)
Button controls on the sides of the Glasses T1 let the user choose between two modes of operation. In the first mode, when the user moves their head, the image re-orientates directly to their line of site. In the second mode, the image is locked in place. This mode is intended to allow the user to see and do other things with less distraction from imagery produced by the glasses.
Speakers are built into the Glasses T1. With this the case, the user does not have to wear a headphone.
The reduced functionality of the Glasses T1 allow them to be physically smaller and significantly lighter than equivalent AR or VR glasses – and, the company claims, more comfortable. To further maximize comfort, the Glasses T1 has:
- Nose clips that can be are swapped to fit different bridges
- Temple arms that are adjustable.
- Edges on the arms made of a flexible rubber-like material that accommodates to different head shapes.
- Support for custom prescription lenses via an in-box attachable frame
The Glasses T1 will first be available in China during late 2022. (In china, the Glasses T1 are known as the Lenovo Yoga Glasses.) The Glasses T1 are expected to become available in other select markets during 2023. The price for the Glasses T1 is still to be determined however the company is reportedly targeting under $500 which is in line with making it consumer friendly.
The compact size, projected “low” price and the targeted but practical purpose of the Glasses T1 may appeal to at least some consumers. Time will tell. Display Daily will follow developments and report to readers. – Arthur Berman
