Credit: Envato Elements
Imagine walking into a room, wearing a sleek pair of glasses that look like everyday eyewear, yet they’re discreetly projecting your notifications, translating languages in real time, or even offering AI-powered advice—all directly into your line of sight. That’s the magic of Halliday’s new smart glasses, unveiled at CES 2025.
These glasses don’t just look good; they’re also packing a futuristic punch thanks to a tiny module called the DigiWindow. This innovative device, smaller than your pinky nail, sits inside the frame above your right eye and beams a crisp, 3.5-inch virtual display straight into your field of vision.
3. Halliday Glasses: Smart glasses with a 3.5-inch internal monochrome display
These glasses are equipped with an AI agent that can listen to conversations, answer questions during meetings, and do live translationpic.twitter.com/1jIigyCC7l
— Rowan Cheung (@rowancheung) January 7, 2025
Goodbye Bulky Tech, Hello Everyday Style
Unlike many augmented reality (AR) glasses that rely on pricey, bulky lenses to display text and images, Halliday’s approach is refreshingly straightforward. By projecting directly onto your eye, the glasses avoid the need for complex lenses, making them slimmer, more affordable (relatively speaking), and compatible with prescription lenses.
Starting at $489—or $369 if you snag the early-bird Kickstarter deal—Halliday’s smart glasses offer a stylish alternative to AR prototypes that are still years away from hitting the market.
Real-Time Translation and More
During a demo, I experienced one of the glasses’ standout features: real-time language translation. While Halliday’s founder, Carter Hou, spoke in Chinese, English subtitles appeared over his shoulder almost instantly. With support for 40 languages, these glasses are perfect for travelers, multilingual professionals, or anyone looking to break down language barriers seamlessly.
But translation is just the beginning. Halliday’s glasses can also display smartphone notifications, navigation directions, and even cheat sheets—whether it’s for a big meeting, a tough exam, or a cooking recipe. The built-in speakers allow for music playback or voice message reading, though the DigiWindow display is the star of the show.
AI Assistance and Controls
Halliday promises a proactive AI assistant that can offer context-specific help, like providing info about a topic mid-conversation. Although the AI wasn’t ready for testing during my demo, the potential for real-time support could make these glasses an even more valuable tool.
To navigate the features, Halliday offers a control ring worn on your finger. While I didn’t get to test it, the concept sounds intuitive: swipe your thumb to switch between functions.
A Few Kinks to Iron Out
Despite its sleek design, Halliday’s DigiWindow requires precise positioning above your eye to work perfectly. For me, with a higher nose bridge, the module didn’t align perfectly in my field of view, so I had to adjust the glasses awkwardly on my nose. It’s a small issue that could become a big one if Halliday doesn’t refine the fit.
And while Hou assured me the green light from the DigiWindow is safe, some might still feel uneasy about having lights so close to their eyes. That’s something only time—and consumer feedback—can address.
Privacy-Friendly and Lightweight
One standout feature of Halliday’s glasses is what they don’t have: cameras. This design choice sidesteps privacy concerns, as no one will suspect you’re secretly recording them. Without cameras, the glasses maintain a classic look, blending seamlessly into everyday life.
However, for those who see cameras as a must-have for capturing spontaneous moments, Halliday’s glasses might feel like a missed opportunity.
The Verdict
Halliday’s smart glasses are an exciting step forward for wearable tech. They bring useful features like real-time translation, discreet notifications, and AI-powered assistance into a lightweight, stylish package. While they’re not perfect—fit adjustments and safety perceptions are areas to watch—they’re a promising entry into the smart glasses market.
For $369 on Kickstarter, Halliday offers a slice of the future you can actually own, unlike the elusive prototypes from big tech giants. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just someone looking for the next big thing, these smart glasses are worth a look.
