According to a recent review by The Verge, the Halliday Gen 2 smart glasses addressed many of the issues found in the original model. The review highlights a much better display experience and introduces innovative AI features designed to assist users during work meetings, signaling a more focused and practical approach for this iteration.
- Upgraded dual waveguide displays improve visibility and comfort
- AI-powered meeting tools help track decisions and commitments
- Priced at $599, focused on professional users prioritizing privacy
Product angle
The Verge’s review of Halliday’s Gen 2 smart glasses reports a major enhancement over the initial model, primarily through the elimination of the tiny movable display window in favor of monochrome green waveguide displays for each eye. This change results in a more practical, comfortable visual experience during extended use, with good visibility even in low-light environments like bars. The glasses pack a four-mic array for voice commands and claim about 12 hours of typical use, largely enabled by the omission of a camera to preserve battery life and privacy.
More interestingly, the Gen 2 integrates AI features tailored for work meetings, including Meeting Flow, Thread Tracker, Decision Confirmation, and Commitment Check. These functions help users follow conversations, track how topics evolve, confirm decisions made, and highlight assigned tasks with deadlines. Additional capabilities such as real-time captioning, translations in over 45 languages, and voice-controlled AI assistance extend the glasses’ usability beyond meetings, supporting various professional scenarios.
Best for / avoid if
The Halliday Gen 2 is best suited for professionals who regularly participate in meetings and need discreet, on-the-go AI assistance to stay organized and engaged without constantly monitoring screens or notes. Its design caters to users who prioritize privacy, given the deliberate exclusion of cameras, making it a good fit for corporate settings sensitive to surveillance concerns. Lightweight and unassuming, these glasses can be worn comfortably for long sessions.
Potential buyers should avoid these glasses if they require full-color displays or outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, as the monochrome green waveguides and 600x300 resolution per eye may not meet such needs. Casual users seeking a general-purpose wearable or consumers wanting integrated cameras for social or creative purposes will likely find the Gen 2’s features limited and the price point steep for non-professional use.
Pricing and alternatives to check
Halliday’s Gen 2 smart glasses are priced at $599, which places them in the premium segment of smart eyewear. The price excludes optional additions like prescription lenses, which may be necessary for some users. While this cost might deter average consumers, it reflects the specialized nature and business-oriented feature set of the device, especially the AI-driven meeting tools and privacy-first design.
Buyers considering alternatives should explore other smart glasses brands like Meta’s smart displays, which offer near-invisible screens but may differ in battery life and AI features. Other competitors might include models integrating cameras for broader media use or offering color displays if that aligns better with user priorities. Carefully evaluating the balance between display technology, AI functionality, privacy considerations, and price will help determine the best fit.