How it works: the tech behind AI glasses.

AI glasses represent a significant step in wearable computing. But how do AI glasses work exactly? It's not magic, but a coordinated system of hardware and software designed to interpret your world—providing useful information when you need it.

At their core, AI glasses operate on a simple, three-part principle: Input -> Processing -> Output. Understanding this flow is the key to understanding the technology. For a broad overview of what these devices do, see our complete guide to AI glasses. To dive into the specifics, this article breaks down each stage to explain the core AI glasses features and functions.

Input: how AI glasses sense and connect.

The first step in making glasses "smart" is giving them the ability to gather information. Unlike a smartphone that you have to hold and point, AI glasses are designed to capture contextual data passively as you go about your day. This is done through a set of specialized sensors and connections.

Microphone array.

A high-quality microphone array is the primary way you interact with AI glasses. It's designed to capture your voice commands clearly, even in noisy environments, allowing you to ask questions, take notes, or get translations. It also listens to the world around you for features like live conversation captioning.

Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).

An IMU is a combination of an accelerometer and a gyroscope. This sensor tracks your head's orientation and movement. This AI glasses technology is fundamental for features that require spatial awareness. For example, it keeps the display stable even when you are walking—creating a steady, readable interface.

The privacy-first differentiator (no camera).

Many smart glasses use a camera as a primary input. However, this raises significant privacy concerns for both the wearer and those around them. Even G1 is built on a privacy-first principle, delivering core AI glasses capabilities without an outward-facing camera. By relying on audio and motion inputs, it focuses on AI-driven assistance, like the Even AI Teleprompt feature, without recording your surroundings. This makes it a more discreet and socially acceptable device for everyday use.

Connectivity (the digital lifeline).

AI glasses are not standalone computers; they're extensions of your smartphone. This connection is vital for their function.

• Bluetooth: A low-energy Bluetooth connection maintains a constant link between the glasses and your phone, transmitting sensor data and commands.
• Wi-Fi: While not always active, a Wi-Fi connection is used for more data-intensive tasks, like downloading software updates directly to the glasses.

Processing: the onboard and cloud brains.

Once the glasses collect input, the data needs to be processed. This is where the "AI" in AI glasses comes into play. The smart glasses AI features you use are powered by a hybrid processing model that splits tasks between the glasses themselves and the cloud.

The on-device System on a Chip (SoC).

Every pair of AI glasses contains a small, low-power processor, often called a System on a Chip (SoC). This is the local brain, responsible for running the device's operating system—managing the sensors and handling basic commands.

Local vs. Cloud AI processing.

A key part is deciding where to process a request. This decision balances speed, privacy, and power.

• Local processing: Simple tasks are handled directly on the glasses or on your connected smartphone. This is faster, uses less data, and keeps your information private.
• Cloud processing: For complex queries that require advanced generative AI models (like asking your AI assistant to brainstorm ideas), the request is sent to powerful servers in the cloud. An AI model processes the query and sends the answer back to your glasses. This hybrid approach allows for powerful AI glasses function without requiring a massive, power-hungry processor inside the frames. This dual approach is common in modern mobile and wearable AI systems.

The software ecosystem.

The final piece of the processing puzzle is the software. The glasses run a lightweight operating system, but most of your settings and personalization happen in a companion app on your smartphone. This app acts as the command center—allowing you to manage notifications, customize features, and review information captured by the glasses.

Output: how information is delivered to you.

After the data has been processed and a response is generated, it needs to be presented to you. AI glasses use discreet visual and audio methods to deliver information without pulling you out of the moment.

The Head-Up Display (HUD).

The most noticeable AI smart glasses feature is the visual display. Instead of a solid screen, AI glasses use a projection system to create a transparent image that appears to float in your field of view. This is often achieved with micro-OLED projectors and waveguide technology, which guides light across the lens and directs it toward your eye. It allows you to see digital information, like turn-by-turn directions or live translation subtitles, overlaid onto the real world. This creates a true heads-up experience, as you don't need to look down at another device.

Audio delivery.

For models without built-in display, audio cues are used for notifications or for the AI assistant to speak responses. This is typically done through small speakers located in the arms of the glasses, directed toward your ears.

Powering the system: battery and charging.

All glasses with AI technology require power. Designing a power system for a device that needs to be lightweight and comfortable enough to wear all day is a significant engineering challenge.

Battery technology.

AI glasses use custom-shaped, high-density Lithium-Polymer (LiPo) batteries. These are small and lightweight enough to be embedded into the arms of the glasses without adding excessive bulk or weight.

Battery life expectations.

Battery life varies depending on usage, but most AI glasses are designed to last for several hours of moderate use, which includes occasional AI queries, notifications, and audio playback.

The charging case.

To supplement the onboard battery, AI glasses come with a protective carrying case that doubles as a portable charger. When you store the glasses in the case, they automatically recharge—typically providing several full charges before the case itself needs to be plugged in.

FAQs.