North Focals
| North Focals | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality |
| Type | Smart glasses |
| Subtype | Consumer smart glasses (lifestyle) |
| Platform | iOS, Android |
| Creator | North (acquired by Google) |
| Price | $599 (reduced from $999) |
| Website | https://www.bynorth.com (discontinued) |
| System | |
| CPU | Qualcomm APQ8009w (quad Cortex-A7 @ 1.09 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 304 |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | Holographic projection |
| Image | |
| Optics | |
| Tracking | |
| Audio | |
| Microphone | Yes |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Device | |
| Weight | Lightweight (glasses-like) |
| Input | Loop ring controller, voice (Alexa) |
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The North Focals are lifestyle-focused smart glasses developed by North (formerly Thalmic Labs), released in 2019 at $599 (reduced from $999 launch price). Unlike most AR devices, Focals prioritized fashion over technology visibility, using a tiny projector and holographic film element in the right lens to display notifications discreetly. Controlled via the Loop ring joystick and featuring Amazon Alexa integration, Focals offered phone notifications, Spotify control, Uber, maps, and weather in a design that looked like regular prescription glasses. North was acquired by Google in June 2020, and the Focals product line was discontinued, with the technology believed to be integrated into future Google AR projects.[1]
History and Development
Thalmic Labs Origins
Company previously known for Myo gesture armband.
October 2018 Announcement
Revealed as fashion-first smart glasses.
2019 Release
Required in-person fitting at showrooms.
June 2020 Google Acquisition
North acquired by Google; Focals discontinued.
Design Philosophy
Fashion-First Approach
- Designed to look like regular glasses
- No visible electronics on front
- Stealth technology integration
No Camera
- Intentionally omitted camera
- Avoided privacy concerns (unlike Google Glass)
- Focus on "glanceable" information
Display Technology
Holographic Projection
- Tiny projector in right temple
- 2-micron precision light scanning
- Holographic photopolymer film in lens
- Light reflects pixel-by-pixel to eye
Visual Experience
- Image appears in front of right eye
- Small, notification-sized display
- Unobtrusive for quick glances
Processor
Qualcomm APQ8009w
- Quad-core ARM Cortex-A7
- Clock Speed: Up to 1.09 GHz
- GPU: Adreno 304
- Optimized for wearables
Connectivity
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Built-in Wi-Fi
Loop Controller
Ring Input Device
- 5-way joystick
- Discreet control method
- Available in 10 sizes (6-15)
- IP66 water resistant
Controls
- Navigate menus
- Select options
- Scroll through content
Battery
Glasses
18 hours on single charge.
Charging Case
- Provides 3 additional charges
- Full day of regular use
Features
Phone Integration
- Notifications from iPhone and Android
- SMS response (preset replies)
- App alerts
Amazon Alexa
- Built-in voice assistant
- Weather, timers, questions
- Smart home control
Applications
- Spotify control
- Uber ride status
- Google Fit integration
- Map directions
- Sports scores
- Flight information
- Games
Driving Safety
Automatic feature disable when driving detected.
Styles and Options
Frame Styles
- Classic
- Round
Colors
- Black
- Tortoiseshell
- Grey Fade
Prescription Support
- Range: -4.00 to +2.00 diopters
- Custom fitting required
- Non-prescription option available
Custom Fitting
In-Person Requirement
- Showroom fitting necessary
- 3D face scanning
- Custom lens alignment
- Initial limitation to Brooklyn and Toronto
Durability
IP55 Rating
- Dust resistant
- Splash resistant
- Water nozzle protection
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Holographic projection (right eye) |
| CPU | Snapdragon APQ8009w |
| Voice | Amazon Alexa |
| Control | Loop ring (5-way joystick) |
| Battery | 18 hours (+3 case charges) |
| Water Resistance | IP55 |
| Prescription | -4.00 to +2.00 |
| Styles | Classic, Round |
| Colors | 3 options |
| Price | $599 (launched at $999) |
| Status | Discontinued (2020) |
Google Acquisition
June 2020
North acquired by Google for reported $180 million.
Technology Integration
Focals technology expected to influence future Google AR products.
Product End
Focals sales and support discontinued.