Review: 32°N Sunglasses – The First Adaptive Reading Sunglasses
Introduction
Smart sunglasses have become increasingly popular, offering a range of features such as cameras, speakers, and virtual movie screens. However, for those of us struggling with presbyopia, the loss of clear, close-up vision, the real need is for sunglasses that allow us to read text messages without the need for reading glasses. Enter the 32°N Sunglasses, created by Israeli company Deep Optics. These sunglasses promise to be the first adaptive reading sunglasses, but with a hefty price tag of $849, are they worth the investment? In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the design, functionality, and performance of the 32°N Sunglasses.
Design and Comfort
The 32°N Sunglasses bear a striking resemblance to the iconic Wayfarer design made famous by Tom Cruise in Risky Business. Available in multiple colors, including black, caramel, and tortoiseshell, these sunglasses offer a stylish and comfortable fit. The polarized lenses are flat, a necessary feature for the adaptive capability of the glasses. However, this flatness can create unwanted reflections and make them resemble passive 3D glasses. The sunglasses come with LED indicators and a magnetic charging connector, but it’s important to note that they are not water-resistant.
Setup and Calibration
Setting up the 32°N Sunglasses is a straightforward process that involves calibrating the glasses using the companion app. Calibration determines where your gaze is centered for different activities, allowing you to create different profiles. Once calibration is complete, you can choose the desired magnification level (up to 2.5x) using the app without the need for recalibration.
Quality and Comfort
Despite their high price tag, the 32°N Sunglasses feel somewhat cheap due to their plastic construction. The black plastic frame is prone to scratches, and the glasses do not fold flat, making them inconvenient to carry. However, the lenses are polarized and offer a comfortable fit. They provide a clear view with a subtle gray-green tint, making them suitable for various activities in different lighting conditions.
Using the Reading Mode
The reading mode of the 32°N Sunglasses is easy to use. A simple swipe with your finger on the right limb activates the reading mode, and another swipe returns them to normal mode. There is also a quick-glance mode that remains engaged when you hold three fingers against the right limb. The transition between magnification levels takes about 2 seconds, and a small LED indicator lights up when in reading mode. However, the LCD area only achieves full clarity and magnification within a small rectangular area, requiring you to move your head to keep things clear. This limitation can make reading a book or looking at a phone screen uncomfortable.
Battery Life
The 32°N Sunglasses offer a five-hour battery life in reading mode, which should be sufficient for most users’ needs. For regular use without the reading mode, a single charge can last up to 48 hours, with seven days of standby time. Charging the sunglasses is quick, taking only about 30 minutes to reach a full charge.
Conclusion
The 32°N Sunglasses offer a glimpse into the future of eyewear technology with their adaptive reading capabilities. They are stylish and comfortable to wear, but their design and construction feel somewhat cheap considering their high price. The reading mode works well for quick glances at watches or phones, but the limited area of full clarity and magnification can be inconvenient for extended reading. While the battery life is adequate for most users, it would be beneficial to have longer-lasting power. Overall, the 32°N Sunglasses show promise but may not be worth the investment for everyone at this stage. As we eagerly await future iterations, more improvements and refinements are needed to make them a compelling choice for those with presbyopia.