Focals by North: What is it, how does it work?
from David Haydl 
on August 05, 2019, 12:14 pm | Write a comment
The other day I came across a video by Micheal Fisher aka MrMobile on YouTube showing Focals by North. So I thought I'd write about it.
Let's start with the basics - what are the Focals by North? Roughly speaking, the focals are glasses with window glasses. A pair of glasses that are available in different colors and shapes with a UV protection attachment. However, if you look at the frame from different angles, you quickly notice that the temples of the glasses look a little strange. And here we come to the answer to the question of what the focals actually are: smart glasses. But how does it work?
Jump to section
Focals by North: How it works
The Focals by North identify the holograms that are "superimposed" on the right lens. They are actually generated with a small laser on the right arm of the glasses and reflected onto the eye via a special coating on the glass. If the focals recognize that the user is not wearing the glasses, they switch on Proinjection off. In order for these to even reach the eye, each new pair of Focals at North or at a pop-up location must be adjusted. At the end of this article, I will explain why this is (still) a disadvantage for us.
What do the holograms show?
Now we come to what is probably the most exciting thing in detail: the holograms. Once connected to the smartphone, they show a great deal of useful information. Such as received notifications. You can even interact with them, using a special ring that is attached to the glasses. For example, you can send a quick reply to an SMS. Or one speaks the answer through the built-in microphones. Instead of the ring, you can also use Amazon Alexa for navigation. I also find the navigation exciting, which shows the individual steps as a hologram. There is also an integration for Spotify.
The focals work with holograms. (Image: TechnikNews/Screenshot)
Prices and availability
In the entry-level version, the Focals cost $ 599. This includes a classic black frame. In the highest possible configuration, the fee is $ 1099. Now we come to the big disadvantage, the availability. The North stores are currently only available in the USA and Canada - and there only a total of three. We haven't had any pop-up locations yet. Hopefully that will change over time.
Sources: YouTube / MrMobile, North
