The launch of the Inmo Air 3 smart glasses has generated considerable interest, but early user experiences suggest they may not live up to the hype. Priced at $900 during their crowdfunding campaign and expected to retail for $1,100, these glasses promise features like a 1080p display and a unique input method via a smart ring. However, many users have reported significant discomfort and usability issues, raising questions about their viability in an increasingly competitive market.
Design and Initial Impressions
Upon unboxing the Inmo Air 3, users may initially be impressed by the packaging and the array of included accessories. Alongside the glasses, the package features a touch-sensitive ring, a secondary touch controller, a charging cable, and magnetically attachable shades. Despite this positive first impression, the functionality of the glasses quickly comes into question.
The most immediate concern for many users is the fit of the glasses. Issues arise particularly for individuals with distinctive nose shapes. A user reported that the glasses obstructed their view, requiring them to position the device uncomfortably on their face to see the display. This discomfort was echoed by Raymond Wong, a Senior Editor at Gizmodo, who noted that wearing the glasses was painful and visually challenging.
Performance and Functionality
The promised functionality of the Inmo Air 3 includes the ability to run various applications downloaded from the Google Play Store. However, users have encountered difficulties in connecting the glasses to Wi-Fi and navigating the user interface. The connection issues reportedly forced users to input long passwords one character at a time, detracting from the overall experience.
Once connected, the performance of the display was a mixed bag. While some users found the 1080p screen to be sharp, the brightness levels fell short compared to competitors. The Inmo Air 3 reaches a maximum of 600 nits, significantly less than devices like Meta’s Ray-Ban Display, which can achieve 5,000 nits. This limitation further hampers usability, particularly in bright environments.
The smart ring, a key selling point designed to enhance user interaction, has also faced criticism. Users reported latency issues, making it challenging to navigate the interface smoothly. Unfortunately, the ring’s design proved fragile, with one user experiencing a break while attempting to resize it.
Despite these shortcomings, the Inmo Air 3 does include alternative control options such as a touch-sensitive surface on the glasses themselves and a separate controller for basic functions. However, many users expressed dissatisfaction with the responsiveness of these controls, which often required multiple attempts to register inputs.
Overall Assessment
The Inmo Air 3 smart glasses embody intriguing concepts, including the potential for wearable technology to offer an immersive experience. Nevertheless, the execution seems lacking at this price point. Users have noted that while the glasses are lighter than traditional VR headsets, they do not deliver the immersive experience one might expect from a device in this category.
Battery life remains another concern, with early estimates suggesting that the glasses last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours with continuous use. This limitation diminishes the appeal for outdoor or extended use, particularly as the design fails to blend seamlessly into everyday life.
While there are innovative ideas within the Inmo Air 3, the combination of discomfort, usability issues, and underwhelming performance raises doubts about its market readiness. As a result, many potential buyers may wish to explore alternatives that offer a more polished user experience, especially at such a premium price. In conclusion, the Inmo Air 3 may serve as a cautionary tale about the challenges of bringing augmented reality to the mainstream, leaving many to question whether these glasses are worth the investment.