Tech specs. Titanium. Bone conduction. Bluetooth 5.3. Those sound like features of a stealth drone but they belong to something more pedestrian: the OWNDAYS × HUAWEI Eyewear 2 now in titanium. It won’t carpet-bomb your eyes out but it helps with it being an ocular aid while beaming sweet tunes into your skull.
OWNDAYS, the Japanese optical chain teamed with the Chinese telecom giant HUAWEI back in 2023 for a line of “smart audio glasses” (HUAWEI also worked with Gentle Monster in 2019 and 2021 on a similar concept) and now returns with the Eyewear 2, this time in titanium.
Imagine that the parts to produce the audio and touch controls are located in the arms of the eyewear. The weight won’t be an issue—at first—but after a long while, your ears will feel it. That’s where the titanium material can alleviate the burden.
Our model is a full-rim piece in a dark gunmetal colourway (there’s also a half-rim option; both version comes in two colours: dark gunmetal and silver). At just 5.9mm thick at the temples (there’s apparently a 20 per cent slimmer than the last itineration) and about 31.5g in weight, there’s a flex to the build. Clean lines and a double bridge that gives off discreet ’80s pilot energy, it looks sleek but only from the front; the thick arms look odd when attached to the thin rims. (A thicker frame like the Boston model would be a better fit with the arms but alas, it won’t be in titanium.)
The glasses uses something not quite like bone conduction. It’s more of open-ear directional speakers (co-directional dual diaphragm dynamic driver) with inverse sound waves that supposedly cancel out audio leakage. Think of them like “personal sound bubbles” around your ears rather than vibration passing through the skull.
The glasses pair quickly with your phone, and with Bluetooth 5.3 on board, the connection is as stable as they come. Audio-wise, it works astonishingly well. On the MRT, you can hear your playlist without annoying the uncle next to you but there were some instances where the volume was a tad too high that others within my ambit were able to judge and weigh my music taste.
There’s around 11 hours of battery life for music playback and the glasses charge via a magnetic clip-on dock that adheres to the end of the arms. Swipe controls along the arms allow you to skip tracks, answer calls, adjust volume, although you do need to practise the right amount of pressure and position for your finger to swipe. Rated at IP54, the glasses protect against dust and water spray from any direction.
We used the OWNDAYS × HUAWEI Eyewear 2 for reading and it does the job. It’s marketed as an “smart audio glasses”, not “smart glasses” but we feel that it would be the next logical step with this collaboration between the two brands.
The OWNDAYS × HUAWEI Eyewear 2 (titanium edition) retails from SGD438 is available online and in certain OWNDAYS stores.
Smart Audio Glasses Revolution: An Interview with Dr. Aris Thorne on the OWNDAYS × HUAWEI Eyewear 2
Time.news: The tech world is buzzing about the OWNDAYS × HUAWEI Eyewear 2, especially the new titanium edition. To break down what these “smart audio glasses” are all about, we’ve brought in Dr. Aris Thorne, a leading expert in wearable technology and audio engineering. Dr. Thorne, thanks for joining us.
Dr. Aris Thorne: Thanks for having me. Excited to discuss this captivating development.
Time.news: Let’s start with the basics. These aren’t your grandma’s spectacles. What exactly are smart audio glasses, and what makes the OWNDAYS × HUAWEI Eyewear 2 stand out?
Dr. Aris Thorne: Think of them as an extension of your smartphone, but rather of earbuds, you’re getting audio delivered through the frames of your glasses. The OWNDAYS × HUAWEI Eyewear 2 particularly interesting due to its dual focus – vision correction and audio experience. The titanium build is a notable upgrade offering durability and minimized weight. OWNDAYS brings their expertise in optical design to the table, while HUAWEI delivers the audio tech.
Time.news: The article mentions “bone conduction,” but then clarifies it’s more like “personal sound bubbles.” Can you elaborate on that technology? How does it work and what are the benefits?
Dr. Aris thorne: While bone conduction is the buzzword,it seems these glasses use directional speakers aiming sound directly at the ear canal. This “personal sound bubble” aims to minimize leakage, providing a private listening experience without entirely blocking outside sounds. This is useful for staying aware of the surroundings, a safety factor compared to noise-canceling earbuds. The article says it uses “co-directional dual diaphragm dynamic driver” and “inverse sound waves that supposedly cancel out audio leakage” which is more sofisticated that a single directional speaker.
Time.news: The article praises the audio quality, highlighting clear music on the train. But it also notes some sound leakage at higher volumes. What’s the potential for this type of audio technology in public spaces?
Dr.aris Thorne: That’s the key challenge. The goal is to balance audio clarity with privacy.The technology still has room for improvements, particularly in managing audio leakage at higher volumes. Like the article suggests, you might want to turn the volume down depending on how much you want to share your music tastes with others and/or if you like to keep a low profile. However, this technology holds a lot of promise for situations where you want to listen to audio content without completely isolating yourself from the outside world.Think of people who are required to stay alert in certain professional environments.
Time.news: The design is described as sleek, but with “thick arms” that look odd. Does design matter when it comes to wearable technology?
Dr. Aris Thorne: Absolutely! No matter how extraordinary the tech, people won’t wear something that looks clunky or unflattering. The article is right to point out the aesthetic balance. Ideally, smart glasses should seamlessly integrate technology without sacrificing style and comfort. The form factor is key.
time.news: The glasses retail for SGD438. Is that a reasonable price point for this type of wearable tech?
Dr. Aris Thorne: That puts it in the premium range, but it’s comparable to other smart glasses on the market. You’re paying for the combination of vision correction,audio technology,titanium build and the brand name. For consumers seeking convenience and early adoption of wearable tech, it might be a compelling offer.
Time.news: the article mentions the glasses are marketed as “smart audio glasses”, not “smart glasses,” but suggests the next logical step would be to move towards more integrated AI. Do you agree?
Dr. Aris Thorne: The evolution is inevitable. Integrating AI assistants, voice control, and even augmented reality features would truly transform these from audio devices into multi-functional smart glasses.It’s a gradual progression.
Time.news: What practical advice would you give to someone considering purchasing the OWNDAYS × HUAWEI Eyewear 2?
Dr. Aris Thorne: Firstly, try them on! Comfort is crucial. Next, assess the audio quality in different environments to see if it meets your needs. Consider the battery life and charging convenience. think about how these glasses would integrate into your daily life. Are you mainly using them for music, calls, or a combination of both?
time.news: what’s the future you see for smart glasses and wearable audio tech?
dr.Aris Thorne: I see a future where smart glasses become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, seamlessly blending fashion, functionality, and personalized experiences. Advances in miniaturization, battery technology, and AI will drive innovation, making these devices more powerful, discreet, and essential.
Time.news: Dr. Thorne, this has been incredibly insightful. Thank you for helping our readers understand the OWNDAYS × HUAWEI Eyewear 2 and the broader world of smart audio glasses.
