A Game-Changing Travel Companion Puts Navigation And Translation Right In Front Of Your Eyes

Your sunnies might not be the only glasses you'll pack for your next trip. In fact, the Even G1 smart glasses from Even Realities may even become your new favorite travel buddy, forever changing the way you see the world around you. So are the G1s really as smart as they look? And could they become the ultimate gift for the frequent traveller in your life?

If smart glasses make you think of those big, clunky, cartoonish ones that were once buried at the bottom of your old dressing-up box, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Revealed to the public for the first time at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas, these impressive and stylish glasses have received some glowing reviews from the likes of Wired and Engadget, as well as winning at the iF Design Awards 2025. With their minimalist look, you'd be hard pressed to notice that these normal-looking glasses hide a range of features.

There's no obvious camera or bulky speaker on show here. The hardware is neatly hidden in the temple tips, with the display projector and microphones tucked discreetly in the end pieces. Despite all that tech, they're surprisingly lightweight at just 44 grams (1.55 ounces). And because the weight is in the arms, not the frame, they're remarkably comfortable. So, with just a tilt of the head, what can the Even G1s do?

What can Even G1 smart glasses do?

If you're one of those travelers who tends to get lost as soon as you leave the airport, or gets left frustrated because you can't join the conversation in another language, this could be just the gadget for you. The Even G1s can help with both. They make a pretty handy companion when you're on the move, no matter how often you travel.

Firstly, as your own personal interpreter, they can translate 24 languages. Imagine being able to connect with locals during trips abroad, make new friends, or read a menu with ease. It opens up a whole new world — literally. Secondly, for those with a limited sense of direction, the navigation feature could save you time, and potentially, sore feet. As well as giving directions, they can also tell you how far you've come, how far you've got to go, how long it will take, and even how fast you're going. Ideal for those long treks and cycling adventures.

They are also useful as a video diary thanks to the quick note feature. As you describe that delicious lunch you're tucking into or the spectacular views from the mountain you've just climbed, it transcribes every detail — ready for when you want to write that travel blog later on. It leaves your hands free so you can live in the moment instead of scrambling to write it down.

What you need to know before buying Even G1s

Before you learn how to pack your glasses without breaking them, there are a few practicalities to consider before rushing out to buy them for your next trip. They don't come cheap. The glasses themselves will set you back $599 with an extra $100 for the clip-on sun shades and around $150 if you need prescription lenses. Style-wise, they come in two designs: the round G1A or the rectangular G1B. They come with a USB-C charging case, and last 1.5 days on a full charge.

The G1s also include a teleprompt function, making presentations easier, and built-in Perplexity AI. You simply tap on the earpieces and ask away. You'll see notifications appear in green on the Holistic Adaptive Optical System (HAOS), on a 640 x 200 pixel resolution display, making them easy to see even during the day. One downside is that while you can see your messages, you can't respond to them without having to get your phone out. But it's early days for the Even G1s, and it will be interesting to see how they evolve. There's plenty of potential for travel-friendly upgrades and improvements on the already impressive existing features.

Recommended