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CES is the type of show where one is likely to come across all sorts of dorky, Geordi La Forge-esque smart glasses, but some do manage to include some practical features — like ViXion’s auto-focus eyewear. The company, which is a spin-off of Japanese optics specialist Hoya, showed off its the ViXion01, at CES 2024, and it’s aimed at people who struggle to focus their eyes due to strain, old age or the time of day. After a quick demo, I could also see myself benefitting from it on a daily basis. I even dig the futuristic look on these glasses, which are the work of Japanese design firm, Nendo.

At the heart of the ViXion01 is its front-facing ToF (time of flight) sensor, which lets it measure the distance of your target object and quickly adjust its lenses on the go. The basic concept is similar to a University of Utah prototype that popped up at CES 2017, but ViXion managed to miniaturize and even begin to commercialize it. According to project director Toshiharu Uchiumi, his device will do wonders to enhance fine details in applications like model kit assembly or reading small print.

Initial setup was straightforward. I had to first manually slide both lenses to get a single centered image, then I moved on to the diopter adjustment dial on the right to bring each of my eyeballs into focus, which worked fine despite my myopia of around -4.5 D (you can also set this up in the app via Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity). While the ViXion01 weighs 50 grams, the main circuitry and battery housed on the right made an apparent imbalance, but I didn’t have enough time to tweak my fit on the bendable left arm and nose pads.

Otherwise, it was a surprisingly pleasant experience, visual-wise. My eyesight was sharper than usual for both far and close distances (down to two inches), and I didn’t feel as much eyestrain as I would usually get when looking at things up close — seemingly ideal for when I work on my Gundam models. The automatic switch between different focal distances felt swift and seamless as well.

There are some caveats, though. First off, ViXion stresses that this is not a medical device, and you should avoid wearing it while driving or exercising — makes sense given the limited field of view due to the black rings housing the lenses. With that in mind, the 10-hour battery life should be sufficient, and then it’s a three-hour charge via USB-C. It’s also not waterproof, though it is rated IPX3 for water resistance, which can probably tolerate light rain or sweat.

The ViXion01 is now available for pre-order in Japan for 99,000 yen (about $690), with shipments expected to begin in February. There’s no plan on an overseas launch just yet, but if that ever happens, chances are ViXion will need to come up with a wider version, anyway.

We’re reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/vixion01-glasses-reduce-eyestrain-by-doing-the-focusing-for-you-205106281.html?src=rss 

There are earbuds aplenty at CES 2024 and today Sennheiser revealed its two latest models in Las Vegas. The company has updated its flagship Momentum line with a new premium model, the Momentum True Wireless 4, while also debuting its first tech-filled set of fitness earbuds in the Momentum Sport. Both sit at the top end of the company’s lineup and will cost you $300 or more when they arrive later this year. 

Sennheiser says it took over three years of work to build the Momentum Sport, combining fitness tech with its trademark sound quality. Inside, a photoplethysmography (PPG) heart rate sensor and a body temperature sensor can send workout biometrics to apps like Apple Health, Garmin Connect, Strava, Peloton and Polar Flow. The earbuds only send body temp info to that last app though. Sennheiser says the Momentum Sport marks the first time ever that a non-Polar product will be able to leverage the data analytics of Flow for real-time analytics. What’s more, the Momentum Sport’s stats work with the Polar Vantage V3 watch and you can have training audio (Smart Coaching) sent from the company’s app to the earbuds. 

The company did a live demo of the Momentum Sport earbuds with the Vantage V3 watch and the Polar app. Someone rode a Peloton and sent live biometrics to the app in real time. The integration is seamless, as you would expect across a smartwatch and app from a company worked closely with to develop these wireless earbuds. The team-up means Sennheiser didn’t have to develop its own fitness app to make the most of the Momentum Sport’s sensors. 

Sennheiser explains that it created an all-new 10mm transducer for the Momentum Sport, aiming for the type of “vivid sound and impressive bass” most people desire for workouts. The company also included an acoustic relief channel that relieves the occlusion effect or feeling that your ears are plugged and stressed with pressure. Sennheiser says that design element also reduces breathing noise, footstep thunder and other body noises that could be distracting during a session. 

The Momentum Sport has a semi-open design that lets a bit of your surroundings in naturally, but you can also opt for transparency mode to stay fully in tune. There’s also active noise cancellation (ANC) when you need to focus and an anti-wind mode to combat the breeze when you’re outdoors. Sennheiser manages an IP55 rating for the earbuds to withstand moisture and dust, while also using a shock-proof construction and clog resistant eartips so any wax buildup won’t be a problem. The charging case is IP54 rated itself and offers wireless charging. 

Sennheiser promises up to six hours of battery life on the Momentum Sport, but doesn’t specify if that’s with ANC on or off. There are three additional charges in the case and 10 minutes of charging can give you 45 minutes of use. Of course, these earbuds also work with the company’s Smart Control app for tweaking the sound profile and a variety of settings and there’s a collection of ear tips and fins to find the ideal fit.

The Momentum Sport will be available on April 9 for $330 (€330) in black, green and graphite color options. 

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

The Momentum True Wireless 4 is the follow up to the company’s Momentum 3 earbuds that debuted in 2022. Sennheiser says it added over a dozen upgrades to this model, including Qualcomm’s S5 Sound Gen 2 platform with ​Snapdragon Sound in addition to support for Bluetooth 5.4, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive Audio, LE Audio, LC3, Auracast and more. A six-microphone setup improves call quality and ANC performance, according to the company, while an adaptive EQ monitors sound input consistent audio across both musical styles and content types. Sound Personalization, Sound Zone and Sound Check features are available here once again through the Smart Control app. 

Sennheiser says it updated the design of the ear tip and nozzle to better protect against ear wax. It also includes a “comprehensive” fit kit that offers a smattering of ear tips and fins, along with a fit test in its app, to ensure that you’re not sacrificing performance with the wrong components. In terms of the sound quality, the company promises “evolved tuning,” with “smoother treble response, extensive bass and effortless midrange.” Sennheiser has consistently built some of the best wireless earbuds in terms of overall sound for years, so we have every reason to believe these claims. 

The Momentum True Wireless 4 offers up to seven and a half hours of battery life on the buds (ANC not specified) with another three full charges in the wireless charging case. What’s more, the company explains that it upgraded battery performance over time with a battery protection mode that optimizes charging cycles. 

The Momentum True Wireless 4 will be available to preorder in black copper, metallic silver and graphite on February 15 for $300 (€300), $50 more then the previous model cost at launch. The earbuds will begin shipping on March 1. 

We’re reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sennheiser-momentum-sport-earbuds-bring-heart-rate-and-body-temp-sensors-to-your-workout-213047758.html?src=rss