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Engo Eyewear unveils smart sunglasses with lenses displaying real-time data so you can 'keep your eyes on the road'

Performance data is said to feel as though it is floating about five feet in front of you; this Head Up display is promised to provide a ‘safer experience’

Engo Eyewear has announced the launch of its new line of sports sunglasses that enable riders to view performance data in real-time without looking down at the bars, providing up to 12 hours of use to cover all-day endurance rides and coming in at a respectively light 42 grams.

2021 EngoEyewearCyclingonRoad

The USP of these sunnies are their ActiveLook technology, which according to Engo Eyewear, “seamlessly integrates state-of-the-art AMOLED microdisplays with high-definition optics to project the user’s critical performance data directly into their field-of-view”.

This isn’t the first time we’re seen wearable smart tech used on cycling glasses. We reviewed Everysight’s Raptor glasses, for example, which came with built-in GPS, HD camera, microphone, speakers for music, wi-fi, Bluetooth, and a head-up display. However, the battery life, 101g weight and £699 were noticeable issues.

2021 EngoEyewearLens

Engo Eyewear promises this is achieved without obstructing vision, even in low light conditions. “The Head Up display also offers a safer experience for the athlete as they will not have to take their eyes off the road to see their performance metrics,” Engo Eyewear adds.

2021 EngoLifestyleCycling3

AMOLED stands for Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diodes and is typically used in smartphones.

“With AMOLED displays, each pixel emits a greater amount of light enhancing the display’s clarity and visibility in all lighting conditions,” Engo Eyewear explains.

This ActiveLook microdisplay technology was recognised with an Innovation Award at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2021.

2021 EngoEyewearLens2

Engo Eyewear pairs with bike computers, GPS watches, smart phones and other Bluetooth-enabled devices to display performance data directly in front of your eyes. Well, “[the] data feels as though it is floating about 5.5 feet in front of the user,” Engo Eyewear says.

With Engo Eyewear’s companion mobile app, users are able to personalise their viewing experience and display details such as heart rate, elapsed time, speed, power, distance and elevation - you are able to choose to have the data displayed that is important to you, and you can even change this up mid-ride.

Touchless operation allows riders to simply wave their hand in front of the lenses to toggle through different data displays while on the move, Engo Eyewear explains.

These smart lenses are not just smart, the Photochromic NXT lenses are designed to instantly adjust the display brightness with changing light conditions, providing clear vision as well as 100% ultraviolet protection.

> 31 of the best cycling sunglasses — protect your eyes from sun, crud and flying bugs

Engo Eyewear says its frames are impact resistant and made with 3D print technology using polyamide - this has enabled the brand to make a lightweight package, the glasses weigh in at a claimed 42 grams.

2021 EngoEyewear_LifestyleCycling

Flexible thermoplastic temples and nose piece are both adjustable, and Engo Eyewear says its 100% fit guarantee ensures a comfortable, secure fit, alongside the clear view of the user’s data.

Do you want your riding data constantly overlaid on the countryside you’re riding through? Online cycling platform Zwift have recently done the opposite by introducing a Hide Display function that’s intended to allow you to exercise without distraction, and that’s just to see the virtual landscape around you.

Engo Eyewear is offering its new smart sports glasses for an introductory price of $397 (~£290) and for a limited time athletes can receive an additional $60 (~£44) saving with the code TrainWithEngo at www.engoeyewear.com.

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9 comments

Avatar
Captain Badger | 2 years ago
2 likes

This looks like a solution in search of a problem to me

Avatar
Secret_squirrel replied to Captain Badger | 2 years ago
3 likes

Thats actually sorted.  Google and Facebook will be beaming ad's through them any day now.

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Captain Badger replied to Secret_squirrel | 2 years ago
0 likes

Secret_squirrel wrote:

Thats actually sorted.  Google and Facebook will be beaming ad's through them any day now.

Ah that explains it

Avatar
lonpfrb replied to Captain Badger | 2 years ago
0 likes
Captain Badger wrote:

This looks like a solution in search of a problem to me

I've had the Garmin Varia HUD for a couple of years now, and find it a great help. It allows keeping a good view ahead, and behind due to integration with the Varia Radar light.

The configurable screens and side swipe allow easy selection of the relevant data, though auto scroll is an option.

The navigation prompts appear as needed so overall a most useful device.

I suspect that it is more flexible than this new device since it can be fitted to many glasses or visors. However probably doesn't have the clarity of this later product...

Avatar
ejocs | 2 years ago
1 like

Having that data constantly floating in your field of vision is surely more distracting/dangerous than the occasional glance down at a bar-mounted unit.

Avatar
Secret_squirrel replied to ejocs | 2 years ago
1 like

Probably not tbh.  I think this has been studied fairly extensively and its why pilots have HUD's, and now that the tech is dirt cheap cars are going the same way. 

I can see some advantages for V2 if it includes lightweight navigation/directions.

Avatar
mdavidford | 2 years ago
1 like

Will I be able to read my ebooks on it?

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Sam3 | 2 years ago
1 like

Or you could simply have your cycling app read out the data periodically/lap on your earphones. You already own both. I do this with Cyclemeter and AirPods in transparency mode for example 

Avatar
Steve K replied to Sam3 | 2 years ago
1 like

Sam3 wrote:

Or you could simply have your cycling app read out the data periodically/lap on your earphones. You already own both. I do this with Cyclemeter and AirPods in transparency mode for example 

My Garmin tells me my 'lap' times, and course directions, through my Aftershokz headphones, via my phone.

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