Betabot: Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references

2026-01-08T03:07:27Z

Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references

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{{Device Infobox
|name = Focals by North
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Type = [[Smart glasses]]
|Subtype = [[AR Glasses]], [[Notification Glasses]]
|Platform = iOS, Android
|Creator = [[North Inc.]]
|Developer = [[North Inc.]]
|Manufacturer = [[North Inc.]]
|Announcement Date = October 2018
|Release Date = January 2019
|Price = $599 (later reduced from $1,000)
|Website = https://www.bynorth.com/ (defunct)
|Versions = Focals 1.0 (Focals 2.0 cancelled)
|Requires = iOS or Android smartphone
|Predecessor = None
|Successor = Focals 2.0 (cancelled after Google acquisition)
|Operating System = North OS (companion app)
|Chipset = Custom processor
|CPU = Embedded processor
|GPU = N/A
|HPU =
|Storage = Minimal on-device
|Memory = Minimal on-device
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Holographic projector (retinal projection)
|Subpixel Layout = Full color
|Peak Brightness = Moderate
|Resolution = 110 × 110 (holographic)
|Pixel Density = Low-moderate
|Refresh Rate = Standard
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Field of View = Small (HUD-style)
|Horizontal FoV = Small overlay
|Vertical FoV = Small overlay
|Average Pixel Density = Moderate
|Peak Pixel Density = Moderate
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Optics = Holographic retinal projection (photopolymer film)
|Ocularity = Monocular (right eye)
|IPD Range = Custom fit per user
|Adjustable Diopter = Prescription available ($200 additional)
|Passthrough = Yes (optical see-through)
|Tracking = No spatial tracking
|Tracking Frequency = N/A
|Base Stations = N/A
|Eye Tracking = No
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Body Tracking = No
|Rotational Tracking = No
|Positional Tracking = No
|Update Rate = N/A
|Tracking Volume = N/A
|Play Space = N/A
|Latency = Low latency
|Audio = No (via phone)
|Microphone = No (via phone/Loop ring)
|3.5mm Audio Jack = No
|Camera = No
|Connectivity = Bluetooth 4.2
|Ports = Proprietary charging
|Wired Video = No
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = No (via phone)
|Bluetooth = Bluetooth 4.2
|Power = Built-in rechargeable battery
|Battery Capacity = Not specified
|Battery Life = 18 hours
|Charge Time = Not specified
|Dimensions = Standard eyewear
|Weight = 65-80g (varies by style/lenses)
|Material = Lightweight frame materials
|Headstrap = None (temples)
|Haptics = No
|Color = Multiple frame colors
|Sensors = None on glasses
|Input = Loop ring controller, voice (via phone)
|Compliance = IP55 (dust/water resistant)
}}

'''Focals by North''' (also known as '''North Focals''') was a smart glasses product developed by [[North Inc.]] (originally Thalmic Labs), announced in October 2018 and released in January 2019. Representing one of the most ambitious attempts to create consumer smart glasses that looked like regular eyewear, Focals used a holographic projector built into the right temple that projected images onto a tiny photopolymer film square embedded in the right lens, creating a retinal display visible only to the wearer. The glasses featured Alexa integration, turn-by-turn navigation, notifications, calendar events, weather, and messaging—all controlled via the included Loop ring controller worn on the finger. Weighing 65-80 grams depending on style and prescription lenses, Focals claimed 18 hours of battery life and IP55 water/dust resistance. The glasses required custom fitting at North's showrooms (initially Brooklyn and Toronto), with pricing starting at $1,000 before being reduced to $599 ($799 with prescription lenses). Despite positive reviews for design and concept, Focals faced challenges with limited availability, required in-person fitting, and small display. North was acquired by Google in June 2020 for approximately $180 million, after which Focals 1.0 was discontinued and the planned Focals 2.0 was cancelled, with the team reportedly working on future Google AR glasses projects.

== History and Development ==

=== Thalmic Labs Origins ===
Company background:
* Founded as Thalmic Labs
* Myo gesture armband creator
* Wearable technology focus
* Waterloo, Canada based

=== Rebranding to North ===
Company evolution:
* Renamed to North Inc.
* Smart glasses pivot
* Consumer AR focus
* New brand identity

=== October 2018 Announcement ===
Product reveal:
* Focals introduction
* Custom fitting model
* Showroom locations
* $1,000 initial pricing

=== January 2019 Launch ===
Commercial release:
* Brooklyn showroom opening
* Toronto showroom
* Consumer availability
* Limited distribution

=== Price Reduction ===
Market adjustment:
* Reduced to $599
* Prescription: $799
* Broader accessibility
* Market response

=== June 2020 Google Acquisition ===
Company sale:
* ~$180 million acquisition
* Google hardware team integration
* Focals 1.0 discontinued
* Focals 2.0 cancelled

== Design Philosophy ==

=== Normal Glasses Appearance ===
Design priority:
* Regular eyewear look
* Fashion-acceptable
* Multiple styles
* Daily wearable

=== Retinal Projection ===
Display concept:
* Holographic projector
* Right eye only
* Photopolymer reflector
* Invisible to others

=== Custom Fitting ===
Personalization:
* In-person fitting required
* Face measurement
* Custom manufacturing
* Individual optimization

=== Ring Control ===
Input innovation:
* Loop ring controller
* Finger-worn
* Joystick navigation
* Discrete interaction

== Display Technology ==

=== Holographic Projector ===
Display system:
* Built into right temple
* Retinal projection technology
* Light projected onto retina
* Raster graphics display

=== Photopolymer Film ===
Optical element:
* Embedded in right lens
* Tiny reflective square
* Precise light reflection
* Minimal visibility

=== Resolution ===
Display specifications:
* '''Resolution''': 110 × 110
* Compact display area
* HUD-style information
* Glanceable content

=== Viewing Experience ===
Display perception:
* Right eye visible only
* Floating before eye
* Private viewing
* Contextual overlay

== Loop Ring Controller ==

=== Ring Design ===
Input device:
* Finger-worn controller
* Bluetooth connected
* Rechargeable
* Discrete operation

=== Controls ===
Navigation:
* Joystick input
* Selection button
* Menu navigation
* Content scrolling

=== Interaction Model ===
Usage pattern:
* Ring in pocket/on finger
* Discrete control
* No public gestures
* Natural interaction

== Features ==

=== Notifications ===
Alert system:
* Phone notifications
* Message preview
* Email alerts
* App notifications

=== Alexa Integration ===
Voice assistant:
* Amazon Alexa built-in
* Voice commands
* Information queries
* Smart home control

=== Navigation ===
Directions:
* Turn-by-turn navigation
* Walking directions
* Google Maps integration
* Heads-up guidance

=== Calendar ===
Schedule display:
* Upcoming events
* Meeting alerts
* Day overview
* Time management

=== Weather ===
Information display:
* Current conditions
* Forecast
* Temperature
* Quick glance info

=== Messaging ===
Communication:
* SMS viewing
* Message responses
* Quick replies
* Communication support

== Physical Design ==

=== Weight ===
Lightweight design:
* '''Weight''': 65-80 grams
* Varies by style
* Varies by lens type
* Comfortable wear

=== Frame Styles ===
Design options:
* Round frames
* Classic frames
* Multiple colors
* Fashion variety

=== Prescription Support ===
Vision correction:
* Prescription available
* Additional $200 cost
* Custom lenses
* Vision accessibility

=== IP55 Rating ===
Durability:
* Dust resistant
* Water spray resistant
* Splash tolerance
* Daily resilience

== Custom Fitting Process ==

=== Showroom Requirement ===
Fitting model:
* In-person visit required
* Brooklyn, NY showroom
* Toronto, Canada showroom
* Later expanded locations

=== Face Measurement ===
Fitting process:
* Detailed measurements
* Face scanning
* Pupil positioning
* Custom specifications

=== Manufacturing ===
Production:
* Individual production
* Custom to measurements
* 2-3 week delivery
* Unique per customer

== Battery ==

=== Battery Life ===
Power specifications:
* '''Claimed life''': 18 hours
* All-day capability
* Extended use
* Practical duration

=== Charging ===
Power system:
* Proprietary charger
* Overnight charging
* Daily refresh
* Standard use pattern

== Connectivity ==

=== Bluetooth ===
Wireless connection:
* '''Version''': Bluetooth 4.2
* Phone pairing
* Loop ring connection
* Data sync

=== Smartphone Companion ===
App requirement:
* North companion app
* iOS support
* Android support
* Feature configuration

== Focals 2.0 (Cancelled) ==

=== Planned Features ===
Next generation:
* Improved display
* Better form factor
* Enhanced features
* Advanced technology

=== Cancellation ===
Project end:
* Google acquisition
* Development halted
* Never released
* Team reassigned

== Comparison with Smart Glasses (2019 Era) ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Feature !! Focals by North !! Google Glass EE !! Vuzix Blade !! Bose Frames
|-
| Type || Consumer AR || Enterprise AR || Consumer AR || Audio glasses
|-
| Display || Holographic retinal || Prism || Waveguide || None
|-
| Position || Normal glasses || Above eye || In lens || N/A
|-
| Controller || Loop ring || Touch/voice || Touch/voice || Touch
|-
| Camera || No || Yes || Yes || No
|-
| Battery || 18 hours || 8 hours || 2-3 hours || 3.5 hours
|-
| Weight || 65-80g || 51g || ~90g || 45g
|-
| Price || $599-$799 || Enterprise only || $999 || $199
|-
| Fitting || Custom required || Standard || Standard || Standard
|-
| Status || Discontinued || Discontinued || Active || Active
|}

== Strengths and Limitations ==

=== Strengths ===
* Normal glasses appearance
* 18 hours battery life
* Holographic retinal projection
* IP55 water/dust resistant
* Alexa voice integration
* Loop ring controller (discrete input)
* Prescription lens support
* Custom fit optimization
* Privacy (display invisible to others)

=== Limitations ===
* Required in-person fitting
* Limited showroom locations
* Custom manufacturing delays
* $599-$799 price point
* 110×110 small resolution
* Monocular display only
* No camera
* North-specific ecosystem
* Discontinued (Google acquisition)

== Technical Specifications Summary ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || Holographic retinal projection
|-
| Resolution || 110 × 110
|-
| Position || Right eye (embedded in lens)
|-
| Controller || Loop ring (finger-worn)
|-
| Battery || 18 hours
|-
| Voice || Alexa integration
|-
| Weight || 65-80g
|-
| Water Resistance || IP55
|-
| Connectivity || Bluetooth 4.2
|-
| Price || $599 ($799 with Rx)
|-
| Status || Discontinued (2020)
|}

== See Also ==
* [[North Inc.]]
* [[Google]]
* [[Smart Glasses]]
* [[Retinal Projection]]
* [[Loop Ring Controller]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Discontinued Products]]
[[Category:North Inc.]]
[[Category:Google]]
[[Category:2010s Wearables]]

Focals by North - Revision history

Betabot: Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references