Inmo Air 3: Smartglasses promise a full-fledged Android computer you can wear
With the Inmo Air 3 available on Kickstarter, backers receive an Android computer to wear that doesn't require a smartphone connection.
(Image: Inmo)
Currently, a multitude of smartglasses is vying for the favor of gadget enthusiasts, including models with transparent screens like the Rokid Glasses or the Meta Ray-Ban Smartglasses which is not yet available in Germany. The Chinese competitor model Inmo Air 3, offered on Kickstarter, takes a different approach: the standalone device does not require a wirelessly connected smartphone to operate. Instead, it acts as a completely independent computer on your nose with two transparent full-color micro-OLED displays from Sony.
Available from around 770 euros supports over 90 percent of all Android apps, according to the manufacturer. Operation can be done in various ways. Similar to Meta's smartglasses, the glasses respond to a touch field on the rim and voice commands.
Significantly more interesting is the included smart ring, which you can swipe with your thumb. It functions as a touchpad for mouse-like control, as a kind of laser pointer for aiming, and as an input button. Alternatively, a slightly larger touchpad controller is included. The neural wristband "Mudra Link" is also supported.
An unspecified "Snapdragon XR" eight-core chip serves as the processor in the glasses. The RAM is 8 GB, and the storage space is 128 GB.
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The 1080P resolution of the displays at 120 Hertz refresh rate should be high enough for texting or consuming movies and games. However, the built-in waveguide technology only allows for a field of view of 36 degrees. Even though the application possibilities with up to three virtual screens are reminiscent of the Apple Vision Pro, one should not expect a comparable image. On the transparent lenses, you often see only a relatively small section. However, the field of view is larger than that of the single display of the Meta Ray-Ban Display (about 20 degrees).
An Android Computer to Wear
According to the manufacturer, the 600 nits brightness is sufficient for outdoor use – for example, for displaying an AI assistant or using supported Android apps. Tinted lenses are included and can be clipped on. They protect from sunlight and increase the contrast of the transparent image when consuming media. Prescription lenses can be ordered upon request.
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The capabilities of the built-in camera with 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (fps) are significantly higher than those in other smartglasses like the Oakley Meta Vanguard (2128 Ă— 2832 pixels at 30 fps, 1.216 Ă— 1.616 pixels at 60 fps). Here, recording stops after a maximum of one hour instead of just a few minutes as with Meta. The 120-degree ultra-wide-angle lens is also more suited for landscape shots than for photos and videos of people.
To provide the Android system with enough power, the rear ends of the glasses arms are slightly thicker than those of some more compact smartglasses. This also leads to a slightly higher weight of around 135 grams (Meta Ray-Ban Display: around 70 grams). The battery has a capacity of 660 mAh and is expected to last between one and seven hours depending on usage.
If desired, devices can be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, for example, to receive calls from a smartphone or stream games from a PC. Those who prefer not to rely on the Kickstarter offer from a Chinese manufacturer should also keep an eye on the planned smartglasses from Apple and Google (with the new Android XR operating system) in mind.
(jpw)
