Smart glasses with integrated cameras are booming in 2024, and the Looktech AI Glasses, newly launched on Kickstarter, are adding a unique twist. These smart glasses offer hands-free AI assistance and feature a novel control mechanism: a digital crown, reminiscent of the Apple Watch. This marks the first time this type of control has been implemented in smart eyewear.
Located on the underside of the right arm, the crown can be twisted and pressed to manage music playback through the built-in speakers. While its full functionality remains undisclosed, it’s touted as an alternative to the swipe controls found on competitors like the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.
The digital crown on the Looktech AI Glasses.
AI Assistance and Camera Capabilities
Beyond the innovative crown, the Looktech AI Glasses boast a 13-megapixel camera on the right arm, capable of capturing stills and 2K video. An indicator light on the opposite side signals when the camera is active. A button on the left arm activates the AI assistant, which supports Google Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude, and Looktech’s own Memo.
The AI assistant offers standard features like note-taking, translation, reminders, summaries, and meeting recording. It also provides visual search for plant identification, calorie counting, and meal suggestions based on available ingredients. Looktech promises Memo will learn user preferences and names over time. Users can also take photos and answer calls verbally through the assistant.
A person wearing the Looktech AI Glasses.
Design, Specifications, and Availability
The Looktech AI Glasses are constructed from TR-90 thermoplastic, a common material for eyewear, and weigh 37 grams without lenses. Users can choose between transition, prescription, and polarized lenses. The glasses connect to iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth 5.4 and also offer Wi-Fi connectivity, 32GB of storage, and a battery life of approximately 14 hours.
Starting December 12th, the Looktech AI Glasses will be available on Kickstarter with a starting price of $209. However, this early bird price is expected to increase.
Considering Crowdfunding Risks
Potential backers should be aware of the inherent risks associated with crowdfunding, including shipping delays and even project cancellation. For those seeking readily available alternatives, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are currently on the market, and Solos’s AirGo Vision is expected to launch soon.