Lenovo has just presented the Glasses T1, connected glasses that are original to say the least. The concept ? They Project onto the eyes a private auxiliary screen allowing entertainment or work in complete discretion.
Connected objects are now an integral part of our daily lives, connected glasses seem to be, in view of the efforts made by digital giants such as Oppo, Google, Xiaomi and Meta, the next targets, particularly in terms of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). However, Lenovo, one of the world’s largest PC manufacturers, has taken a radically different direction. On the occasion of IFA 2022, the Chinese manufacturer unveiled a pair of glasses that were original and atypical to say the least, the Glasses T1. Intended primarily for workers, they serve as a private auxiliary screen. More precisely, they act as“portable privacy screen for on-the-go content consumption” visible directly in front of our eyes and which fits in a bag or pocket. Unlike wireless connected glasses from other manufacturers, Glasses T1 plugs into a device with a USB-C port – computer, tablet or mobile – using a cable and is then ready to use. A way for Lenovo to“Extend the power of smartphones and laptops with a virtual screen.”
Lenovo Glasses T1: comfortable but bulky virtual screens
The Lenovo Glasses T1 are classic-looking, but somewhat chunky, black glasses that connect via cable to a computer or mobile device. Not the most practical therefore, especially in the era where wireless devices are becoming more and more present in everyday life. They integrate two micro-Oled screens with a definition of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels per eye – Full HD, an argument put forward by the firm – with a refresh rate of 60 Hz. The virtual screens are very large, and above all have the merit of making their display completely private and confidential.
These glasses have a USB-C socket to plug into computers, phones and tablets that have this type of port. They can also connect to iOS devices via their Lightning connector since Lenovo offers an adapter. On the comfort side, people who already wear glasses in everyday life can equip the Glasses T1 with a kind of fixable frame. Finally, the glasses feature blue light and flicker reduction – certified by TÜV. One of the outstanding questions concerns the autonomy of the Glasses T1. Lenovo hasn’t revealed any numbers yet, only talking about being able to use them. “for hours”.
Lenovo Glasses T1: a secondary screen for more comfort
Regarding their use, the Lenovo Glasses T1 have been designed for very specific purposes: to enjoy multimedia content, play games and work in private despite the lack of space. As hybrid working becomes more and more democratized, professionals are increasingly using their mobile devices to work. The firm wants to attract workers who do not have a lot of space, who sometimes work in public places – a café, a train or a plane between two appointments – or who must be careful about the confidentiality of their work – with sensitive data that someone could read over their shoulder for example.
However, it does not forget the playful side of the product with video streaming and game options, in order to “enjoy content far beyond the limited screen size of mobile devices”. Two sectors which are in clear progression, since, according to Lenovo, the world market for mobile games should reach 153 billion dollars by 2027, with an annual growth of 11.5%, while video streaming should weigh 972 billion dollars. dollars by 2030. Eric Yu, vice president of Lenovo, justifies the interest of this product because “With a solution like Lenovo Glasses T1, users get a portable and private big-screen experience and can get more value out of their smartphones and laptops.”
Lenovo Glasses T1 will be released in China by the end of 2022 – under the name Yoga Glasses, to complete the Yoga computer line – before being offered in “selected” markets in 2023 – we do not know not yet whether France will be part of it. However, their price has not yet been revealed. In any case, their original concept remains quite strange, especially since the cable connection – curiously very discreet in the official photos… – goes against the tide of current trends, which all favor wireless. It will be necessary to see if these “different” glasses appeal to the public in practice, even if they are aimed primarily at professionals. Wait and see…