Picking the perfect portable console
Digest
David Pierce, host of The Vergecast, is joined by colleagues Sean Hollister and Alex Kranz to discuss the best smart glasses for phone calls. They compare the Meta Smart Glasses, which offer superior sound quality, to the Razer Anzu, which are significantly cheaper. While the Meta Smart Glasses are the clear winner in terms of audio quality, the Razer Anzu are a viable option for those on a budget. The conversation then shifts to the future of smart glasses and their potential for AR/XR experiences. David discusses the challenges and opportunities of developing smart glasses that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. He highlights the importance of finding the right balance between providing useful information and avoiding an overwhelming user experience. David believes that the future of smart glasses lies in a more subtle and integrated approach, with a focus on heads-up displays and voice-activated interfaces. He also discusses the role of smart rings and other wearable devices in shaping the future of AR/XR technology. Ultimately, David concludes that while there are no perfect smart glasses available today, the technology is rapidly evolving and exciting developments are on the horizon.
Outlines
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Intro
This Chapter introduces the episode and the host, David Pierce, who is in his new bathroom after a month of construction. He apologizes for the noise and chaos that has been present on the show due to the construction. He then announces the topics for the episode, which include a gaming hardware conundrum and a test of new wearable microphones.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Gaming Dilemma
This Chapter delves into David's gaming dilemma. He explains that he's a casual gamer who enjoys sports games and wants a handheld console for travel and to avoid spending too much time at his desk. He wants a console that can play FIFA, his favorite game, and is primarily portable but not entirely. He asks Sean Hollister and Alex Kranz for their advice on which handheld console to buy.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Microphone Test
This Chapter focuses on a microphone test. David explains the importance of microphones in the age of AI and wearable devices. He asks V Song, a Verge contributor, to test out the microphones on various face gadgets, including the Razer Anzu, the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, the Apple Vision Pro, and the Meta Quest 3. They discuss the pros and cons of each device's microphone quality and how they compare to AirPods.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Smart Glasses for Phone Calls
This Chapter focuses on the discussion of smart glasses for phone calls. David and his colleagues discuss the pros and cons of different smart glasses, including the Meta Smart Glasses and the Razer Anzu. They conclude that the Meta Smart Glasses offer the best sound quality, while the Razer Anzu are a more affordable alternative.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Future of Smart Glasses
This Chapter delves into the future of smart glasses and their potential for AR/XR experiences. David discusses the challenges and opportunities of developing smart glasses that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. He highlights the importance of finding the right balance between providing useful information and avoiding an overwhelming user experience. David believes that the future of smart glasses lies in a more subtle and integrated approach, with a focus on heads-up displays and voice-activated interfaces. He also discusses the role of smart rings and other wearable devices in shaping the future of AR/XR technology.
Keywords
Meta Smart Glasses
The Meta Smart Glasses are a pair of smart glasses developed by Meta Platforms in collaboration with Ray-Ban. They were released in September 2021 and are designed to provide a hands-free way to make calls, listen to music, and take photos. The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses feature a built-in microphone and speaker, as well as a small display that can show notifications and other information.
Razer Anzu
The Razer Anzu are a pair of smart glasses developed by Razer Inc. They were released in 2020 and are designed to provide a hands-free way to listen to music and take calls. The Razer Anzu feature a built-in microphone and speaker, as well as blue light filtering lenses to reduce eye strain.
North Focals
North Focals were a pair of smart glasses developed by North, a company that was later acquired by Google. They featured a laser projector that projected a small display onto a polymer in the lens, creating a heads-up display (HUD). The Focals were known for their sleek design and innovative technology, but they were also expensive and had some limitations, such as difficulty for people with long eyelashes or mascara.
AR/XR
AR/XR stands for Augmented Reality/Extended Reality. Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world, enhancing the user's perception of their surroundings. Extended Reality (XR) is an umbrella term that encompasses AR, Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR). XR technologies are used in a variety of applications, including gaming, entertainment, education, and healthcare.
Heads-Up Display (HUD)
A heads-up display (HUD) is a transparent display that projects information onto a user's field of vision. HUDs are commonly used in aircraft cockpits to display flight information, but they are also becoming increasingly popular in other applications, such as automotive, gaming, and wearable technology. HUDs can provide users with important information without requiring them to look away from their primary task.
Voice-Activated Interface
A voice-activated interface is a user interface that allows users to interact with a device using their voice. Voice-activated interfaces are becoming increasingly common in a variety of devices, including smartphones, smart speakers, and cars. They offer a hands-free and convenient way to interact with technology, making it easier for users to access information and control devices.
Smart Ring
A smart ring is a wearable device that is worn on a finger. Smart rings can be used for a variety of purposes, including tracking fitness data, making payments, controlling smart home devices, and providing notifications. Some smart rings also feature biometric sensors that can monitor heart rate, sleep patterns, and other health metrics.
Metaverse
The metaverse is a collective term for immersive digital environments that are accessed through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. The metaverse is envisioned as a persistent, shared space where users can interact with each other, create content, and participate in a variety of activities. The metaverse is still in its early stages of development, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way we work, play, and socialize.
Google Glass
Google Glass was a wearable computer developed by Google. It was released in 2013 and featured a small display that projected information onto the user's field of vision. Google Glass was designed to provide users with a hands-free way to access information and interact with the internet. However, Google Glass was met with mixed reactions, and it was discontinued in 2015. Despite its short lifespan, Google Glass was a significant milestone in the development of wearable technology.
Project Astra
Project Astra is a research project by Google that focuses on developing new technologies for augmented reality (AR). The project has been teased in videos and presentations, showcasing prototypes of AR glasses and other devices. Project Astra is a testament to Google's continued commitment to AR technology and its potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the world.
Q&A
What are the best smart glasses for phone calls?
The Meta Smart Glasses are considered the best option for sound quality, while the Razer Anzu are a more affordable alternative.
What are the challenges and opportunities of developing smart glasses for AR/XR experiences?
The biggest challenge is finding the right balance between providing useful information and avoiding an overwhelming user experience. The opportunity lies in creating a more subtle and integrated approach, with a focus on heads-up displays and voice-activated interfaces.
What is the future of smart glasses?
David believes that the future of smart glasses lies in a more subtle and integrated approach, with a focus on heads-up displays and voice-activated interfaces. He also discusses the role of smart rings and other wearable devices in shaping the future of AR/XR technology.
What is the difference between AR and XR?
AR (Augmented Reality) overlays digital information onto the real world, while XR (Extended Reality) is an umbrella term that encompasses AR, VR (Virtual Reality), and MR (Mixed Reality).
What are some examples of companies working on smart glasses technology?
Google, Apple, Meta, and Brilliant Labs are all investing in smart glasses technology.
What is the role of voice-activated interfaces in the future of smart glasses?
Voice-activated interfaces are expected to play a key role in the future of smart glasses, allowing users to interact with devices hands-free and conveniently.
What is the significance of smart rings in the development of AR/XR technology?
Smart rings are starting to experiment with gesture control, which could be a key component of future AR/XR interfaces.
What is the biggest question about the future of smart glasses?
The biggest question is whether anyone can create a product that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with a user interface that is both useful and enjoyable.
What is David's advice for people who need glasses today?
David advises people to buy a regular pair of glasses, as there is no smart glasses product available today that is both smart and good enough to justify a huge investment.
Show Notes
Today on the flagship podcast of nose bridge microphones:
03:10 - The Verge’s David Pierce enlists help from Alex Cranz and Sean Hollister to figure out the best gadget setup for his handheld gaming needs.
- The Steam Deck wasn’t born ready, but it’s ready now
- Nintendo Switch OLED review: screentime
- Sony PlayStation Portal review: flawed but fun
- Asus ROG Ally updated review: it’s a bit better now
- This amazing knockoff GBA SP comes stuffed with software piracy
42:10 - Victoria Song joins the show to test out the microphones on a bunch of smart glasses and headsets.
- Razer’s new Anzu smart glasses break from the pack with truly wireless audio
- The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses actually make the future look cool
- Amazon’s latest Echo Frames are more style than substance
- Meta Quest 3 review: almost the one we've been waiting for
- Apple Vision Pro review: magic, until it’s not
01:10:26 - Later, David answers a question from the Vergecast Hotline.
Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices