Von Manfred Bremmer (Senior Editor IoT & Mobile) 
After Lenovo has been offering augmented reality (AR) glasses for companies for years, the Chinese supplier is now also targeting consumers with the Lenovo Glasses T1.
A big movie theater? The Lenovo Glasses T1 place a virtual screen in front of users.
Photo: Lenovo

The product presented by Lenovo at the IFA in Berlin is less about smart glasses and more about a kind of portable display. Lenovo itself describes Glasses T1 relatively modestly as a “portable smart USB-C monitor”. However, with its micro-OLED displays (1920 x 1080 pixels) and the option of connecting a Windows , macOS, Android or iOS device via a USB-C cable or adapter, the device offers some interesting functions .

Lenovo primarily sees the mobile use of the glasses as a scenario, for example on the bus or train, to get the feeling of a larger screen when using a smartphone or laptop. Practical for watching videos or for gaming, for example – although the demands should not be too high here with a refresh rate of 60 Hz and a field of view of 38 degrees. However, since the glasses are TÜV-certified for a low proportion of blue light and flicker reduction, according to Lenovo, nothing stands in the way of longer use, at least in terms of eye technology.

However, the screens mounted in the direct field of vision also serve to protect you from prying eyes over your shoulder when viewing and processing sensitive information such as bank documents.

To ensure a good fit, the glasses have interchangeable nose pads and ear hooks. A prescription insert for spectacle wearers will be offered separately after the release.
Photo: Lenovo

Augmented Reality is only partially supported

However, since the glasses have neither a camera nor sensors and even lack their own processor, “classic” AR features such as Pokemon Go or pedestrian navigation in Google Maps using arrows, lines or the like that appear in the field of view are not available. In general, the device allows a view of the outside world, but it is darkened like sunglasses.

However, the omission of the battery and additional hardware has two advantages: On the one hand, the weight of the Glasses T1 should be kept within reasonable limits, on the other hand, it helps to reduce the price. However, Lenovo did not give any specific information on the sales price, and those interested in Europe will have to wait until 2023.

This article has previously appeared on the website: https://www.computerwoche.de/a/lenovo-stellt-not-so-smart-glasses-vor,3612717