The SOLOS smart glass have arrived on the scene today as a way for fitness enthusiasts to quickly keep an eye on their metrics during long runs or cycle rides. Eliminating the need to look down at a GPS-equipped watch or computer is a welcome advancement for the most active of folks. Taking your eye of the road can cause a variety of problems, from safety to breaking concentration, and SOLOS looks to solve those potential issues.
For the most part, SOLOS skipped the cringe-worthy design for a relatively unassuming look aside from the small camera that protrudes on the right side. Think a slimmer version of Google Glass. The reality is, people are more likely to look the other way on intrusive designs if it’s fitness-focused, which is probably where SOLOS falls for most.
These smart glasses feature something SOLOS calls a ‘pupil display’, which isn’t to be confused with Apple’s Retina display. The integrated screen offers access to a variety of pertinent workout information. It’s rather small at 4mm square, but thanks to its close location to your eye, it appears much bigger.
The high-resolution display passes along key metrics in full color, thanks to SOLOS connectivity with a variety of devices. Riders or runners will be able to pull up a variety of measurables while in use, including distance, pace, heart rate and more. Now this is hardly groundbreaking from a data collection standpoint, as many devices on the market from Apple to Fitbit have similar functions. The real standout feature here is how the data is transferred between device and rider.
Along with the fitness-focused features, SOLOS also includes built-in speakers that can be used to communicate turn-by-turn directions from select smartphone apps. Additionally, riders can listen to music, receive updates on fitness goals and use the embedded microphone to call up Siri or answer phone calls.
SOLOS are rated for five hours of use on average, which should cover fairly lengthy rides for most folks. Listed at $499, this is certainly more luxury than necessity for most folks but the safety-focused features will make it an intriguing option. The SOLOS smart glasses are available for purchase today direct from the manufacturer.
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SOLOS Smart Glasses Announces Retail Availability Following Launch Earlier This Year
WESTBOROUGH, Mass., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Kopin Corporation (NASDAQ: KOPN) SOLOS®, a unit of Kopin Corporation, announces the availability of the company’s new generation of SOLOS smart glasses, introduced earlier this year at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show. SOLOS is the world’s lightest augmented reality smart glasses for sports and consumer fitness, designed to inform and inspire athletes and consumers to reach their full potential.
The latest SOLOS smart glasses offer new features specifically integrated following consumer and athlete feedback. These include design and lifestyle elements that elevate any riding or running experience. Integrated music and voice control, group communication, interchangeable lenses and an adjustable nose piece for added customization, among others, are all features SOLOS now features in an improved sleek and lightweight design. They are compatible with iOS and Android smartphones and Android Wear 2.0 smartwatches.
“SOLOS lets me keep my head up to stay safe and enjoy the view with the data I need, where I want it. I’ve also started enjoying music and phone calls through the onboard speakers, while keeping my ears free and fully aware of my surroundings when I am out on the road,” said Phil Gaimon, SOLOS athlete and trailblazing cyclist.
Built for cyclists, triathletes, runners and enthusiasts, SOLOS delivers critical information in a seamless, integrated fashion through sight and sound. SOLOS provides a more natural way of communicating data, that is safer and more immediate, keeping the athlete focused, present and fully aware. The glasses remove the need to look down, break stride and lose focus, allowing users get the data that they need, right when they need it – all through a heads-up Pupil display.
“SOLOS smart glasses were designed to balance style, comfort and function, and provide the maximum value to athletes,” said Ernesto Martinez, Director of Performance Wearables. “SOLOS enables athletes to be focused in their sports while accessing key performance data, communicating with others and even enjoying music. From the early support of elite Olympic athletes to the growing adoption by a broader athletic community, now selling it to aspiring athletes, this product aims to positively impact the future of sports technology and the evolving field of Augmented Reality.”
Pupil Display
SOLOS’ advanced Pupil display enables see-through/see-around vision while casting a large virtual screen that features bright, high-resolution, full-color graphics. The display measures less than 4mm in height, the size of a human pupil. The screen provides athletes with a vibrant, sunlight-readable image to maximize visual clarity and provide a safe experience. The unique display enables a safe and seamless training experience, allowing athletes to view important performance metrics while keeping their eyes on the road or trail.
Running & Cycling
SOLOS smart glasses are developed for cyclists, runners and triathletes, and feature a sleek, lightweight and comfortable design. SOLOS brings newly expanded running capabilities, offering enhanced software to facilitate running metrics such as elapsed time, speed, power, pace, cadence, heart rate and more. Athletes can leverage wearable sensors to measure their performance, set targets and use the SOLOS platform to track progress.
Audio Prompts
In addition to the impressive virtual screen display, SOLOS provides guided audio prompts including turn-by-turn directions and live performance metrics. Athletes can set goals within the SOLOS mobile app, enabling live performance updates that permit athletes to hear how they are stacking up to their set goals.
Voice Control
Athletes can also command SOLOS using just their voice to bring relevant metrics into view, make phone calls or execute other functions. The low-power, digital Whisper Voice Chip enables wearable electronics to perform accurate speech recognition and to provide more natural voice quality, even in noisy environments.
Group Communication
Athletes also have the ability to better communicate with friends or teammates on group rides and runs. The advanced group chat communication feature allows SOLOS users to talk live with each other, making it convenient for a group training with friends or coaches.
Music On-The-Go
In addition to the audio projection speakers embedded in the headset, in-ear headphones are included allowing athletes to keep form while listening to music.
Connectivity
SOLOS connects to iOS and Android smartphones, Android Wear 2.0 watches, and most BLE and ANT+ compatible running and cycling sensors. The rechargeable battery lasts up to five hours, and following a training session, athletes can share their activities to Strava, TrainingPeaks and Under Armour.
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