How much does the future weigh? 35 grams, at least according to Halliday. That's the weight of their new glasses with DigiWindow, a revolutionary system that projects information directly into our field of vision. But the real novelty is another: the system works with any type of lens, because the display is not on the glass. So where?
DigiWindow, augmented “projection”
Looking at DigiWindow at CES 2025, I can't help but think how elegant the solution proposed by halliday. Instead of integrating the display into the lenses, they created a small projector that hides in the mount and projects a 8,9-inch virtual screen into the upper right field of view.
What I find brilliant is the simplicity of the concept: no more special lenses or built-in displays. DigiWindow works with any pair of glasses, whether they are prescription or sunglasses, and remains visible even under direct sunlight.
The lightness of the system is surprising, as is the battery life: a full eight hours that allow you to wear these glasses all day without tiring.
A proactive artificial intelligence
Would you have guessed? DigiWindow also has its own AI built in. It doesn’t just wait for our commands, but actively analyzes conversations to provide useful information in real time. I like to think about the possibilities: being in a meeting and seeing a summary of the key points automatically appear, or receiving answers to complex questions without having to interrupt the conversation.
DigiWindow AI can translate in real time into 40 languages diverse, provide directions, transcribe voice notes, and even display synchronized song lyrics. All of these functions require a Bluetooth connection to your smartphone, but that seems like an acceptable compromise to me.
Note: Halliday has not yet revealed details about the AI technology used, and this is perhaps the only note that leaves me perplexed.
The control at the finger
The DigiWindow control system is quite interesting. In addition to voice commands and buttons integrated into the mount, Halliday is developing a special accessory: a ring-shaped trackpad that can be worn on the finger to interact directly with the virtual display.
On the one hand, the idea of precise touch control is appealing. On the other, I wonder if it's a bit limiting to make the glasses dependent on an additional accessory, considering that eye and gesture tracking are already a reality.
It's a bit like DigiWindow is halfway between the past and the future of wearable technology.
Present and future of DigiWindow
halliday plans to start shipping by the end of the first quarter of 2025, with a retail price of around 470 euros. It's not cheap, especially considering the competition, but it could be worth it if the technology lives up to its promises.
The company will also launch a Kickstarter campaign, which makes me question the solidity of the project (is it ready or not, guys?). However, DigiWindow's innovative approach to augmented reality could really mark a turning point in the smart glasses sector.
The real test will be how this technology performs in the real world. If it can deliver on its promises, DigiWindow could truly be the future of smart glasses. Or it could end up being just another niche gadget that promises more than it can deliver.
