Google and Intel made smart glasses — Google Glass and Vaunt — but neither product took off with consumers. Now, a start-up called North, formally Thalmic Labs, is introducing a pair of smart glasses that it thinks will appeal to the masses because the design looks so similar to normal glasses. Focals smart glasses North The $1,000 glasses are called Focals, and the company said they will ship later this year. Focals connect to your phone via Bluetooth and have a small projector that beams data into the wearer's eyes. They can tell the wearer the weather or time, read text messages and even order an Uber. The glasses are also connected to Alexa, so if you can ask them for directions or information, a small speaker will tell you the answers. North has raised over $140 million from investors including the Amazon Alexa Fund, Spark Capital, Intel Capital and Y Combinator.
A start-up is launching a pair of smart glasses that look like normal eyewear, which the company believes will boost customer appeal. North, previously known as Thalmic Labs, will ship the $1,000 Focals before the end of 2018. The glasses, called Focals, are designed to be worn on your face and have an integrated camera for capturing video or photos. As well as providing time and weather information, they can read text messages and connect to Alexa. North has secured $140m from investors including the Amazon Alexa Fund.