L’Atitude 52°N will begin selling its first smart glasses model, the Berlin, on May 26, 2026, with a key caveat: its AI features will be locked behind a subscription after a 12-month free trial.
The Berlin glasses, priced at $399 (£349 / €399 / ~AU$652), will require users to pay for continued access to AI functions such as an on-demand tour guide, real-time translation, and voice assistant features after the first year. Without payment, the device reverts to base functions including music playback and media capture.
The company, founded by former OnePlus and Oppo engineer Gary Chen, raised over $400,000 on Kickstarter in September 2025. Despite shipping delays and the cancellation of a second model, the Milan, the Berlin is now set for release in the UK, US, and Europe.
The glasses weigh approximately 52 grams, feature a 12-megapixel camera capable of 1080p video recording, and are available in two frame colors — Obsidian and Dune — with optional photochromic lenses adding $50 to the cost.
Unlike the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which can record in 3K resolution, the Berlin model maxes out at 1080p. Still, it matches the Ray-Ban Meta in sensor resolution and offers a lightweight, frameless design intended to appeal to style-conscious users.
Chen has not disclosed the price of the post-trial subscription, stating only that the AI features — branded as “Goya” after the Spanish artist Francisco Goya — will require ongoing payment to remain functional beyond the initial year.
The move reflects a growing trend in wearable tech where core functionality is tied to recurring revenue, a model that has drawn criticism for obscuring long-term costs at the point of sale.
What happens if I don’t pay for the subscription after the first year?
Without a subscription, the Berlin glasses will be limited to base features: playing music and capturing photos or video. AI-powered functions like the tour guide, translation, and voice assistant will not perform.
Are the Berlin glasses available for purchase now?
Preorders begin on May 19, 2026, with general availability starting May 26, 2026, in the UK, US, and Europe through the company’s official website.
How does the Berlin model compare to the Ray-Ban Meta glasses?
Both feature a 12-megapixel camera, but the Berlin records video at up to 1080p while the Ray-Ban Meta supports 3K resolution. The Berlin is lighter at 52g and lacks a display, focusing instead on audio and AI features.
