Meta revealed the latest version of its experimental smart glasses intended to help bolster research into artificial intelligence, robotics and machine perception.

“For researchers looking to explore how AI systems can better understand the world from a human perspective, Aria Gen 2 glasses add a new set of capabilities to the Aria platform. They include a number of advances not found on any other device available today, and access to these breakthrough technologies will enable researchers to push the boundaries of what’s possible,” Meta said in a blog post.

Arriving about five years after the first-generation Aria device, the Aria Gen 2 expands the platform's capabilities using Meta's proprietary technology and an enhanced sensor suite.  The Aria Gen 2 features a contact microphone to separate the wearer's voice from that of onlookers and a PPG sensor to measure heart rate.

According to Meta, the 75-gram Aria Gen 2 has open-ear "force-canceling" speakers, a battery that lasts up to eight hours on a charge, and the ability to conduct AI functions including speech recognition, hand tracking, and eye tracking.

Related Journey Frame – The Smart Eyewear for a Distracted World

Envision used the on-device SLAM capabilities of Aria Gen 2, along with spatial audio features via onboard speakers, to assist blind and low-vision individuals seamlessly navigate indoor environments. This innovative use of the technologies, which is still in the exploratory and research phase, exemplifies how researchers can leverage Aria Gen 2 glasses for prototyping AI experiences based on egocentric observations. The advanced sensors and on-device machine perception capabilities, including SLAM, eye tracking, hand tracking, and audio interactions, also make them ideal for data collection for research and robotics applications, Meta said in a blog post.

In the upcoming months, Meta intends to provide the glasses to commercial and academic research laboratories.  One early tester, Envision, is testing Aria Gen 2 to develop solutions for those who are blind or have low vision.

The thought of spending the night in a sleep clinic with several electrodes affixed to their skin can’t be appealing to anyone. For this reason, researchers have created a smart pajama top that can detect sleep issues while its user sleeps soundly at home.

A procedure called polysomnography is the gold standard for diagnosing sleep issues. The patient is usually linked up with electrodes that track bodily processes like muscle activity, heart rate, eye movements, and brain activity as they sleep through the night on a bed in a lab.

Now, University of Cambridge professor Luigi Occhipinti and colleagues have developed comfortable, washable "smart pajamas" that can monitor sleep disorders such as sleep apnea at home, without the need for sticky patches, cumbersome equipment or a visit to a specialist sleep clinic. The smart pajamas utilize fabric sensors that can monitor breathing by detecting tiny movements in the skin, even when the pajamas are worn loosely around the neck and chest, reports NewAtlas.

That data is wirelessly transmitted to a nearby device such as a smartphone, where it's processed by the machine-learning-based SleepNet program.

The program can then distinguish between six types of sleep patterns: central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, teeth grinding, nasal breathing, and mouth breathing. SleepNet demonstrated 98.6% accuracy in identifying the various sleep phases when it processed pajama-top data collected from two individuals with sleep apnea and seven healthy subjects.

Related LUNA Ring - A Sleek, Functional Smart Wearable

Importantly, wearers' frequent tossing and turning movements during the night do not interfere with the system. Furthermore, its collar is not uncomfortable because it fits around the neck somewhat loosely.

"Sleep is so important to health, and reliable sleep monitoring can be key in preventative care," says Occhipinti. "Since this garment can be used at home, rather than in a hospital or clinic, it can alert users to changes in their sleep that they can then discuss with their doctor."

A paper on the research, which also involved scientists from Capital Medical University (Beijing) and Beihang University, was recently published in the journal PNAS.

Phantom Technology has unveiled Journey Frame^TM, an evolution of its original smart glasses, refined and streamlined to focus on what truly matters; helping people reclaim their attention. By stripping away distractions like cameras and displays, Journey Frame^TM becomes something entirely new: a lightweight, everyday pair of glasses that seamlessly tracks focus.

Feels just like glasses, but equipped with focus sensing

Wearables track everything — heart rate, sleep, steps — but none measure focus. Journey Frame™ is the first of its kind, using discreet biosensors embedded in the nose pads to measure real-time attention, distractions, and engagement levels. The system detects activities like reading, working, and phone use, providing daily insights to help users optimise their focus.

Now, at less than 30 grams, Journey Frame™ is ultra-lightweight, designed to feel exactly like a normal pair of glasses: comfortable, discreet, and effortlessly wearable all day.

Turning focus into something you can see‍

Journey Frame™ introduces a simple, visual way to track focus through the Lotus Score™, a concept inspired by how fitness trackers use rings or streaks to encourage movement. Throughout the day, a digital lotus grows, or withers based on attention levels. Sustained focus helps it bloom, while distractions cause it to fade. Like tracking steps or exercise, it turns focus into something measurable, making mindfulness a habit rather than an abstract goal.

"Our attention is being hijacked, and we barely notice it happening. We’re building Journey Frame to help people take back control." – Farbod Shakouri, CEO & Co-Founder, Phantom Technology.

What sets it apart?

• Focus Sensing – Detects activities like reading, scrolling, and deep work
• Lotus Score™ - A visual representation of focus health, evolving throughout the day
• Focus Compass – Personalised insights and daily guidance
• Deep Focus Mode – Set timed focus sessions with biofeedback
• Seamless App Integration – Track long-term trends and build better habits

Why this moment matters‍

Wearables have transformed fitness and health tracking, but cognitive health remains an untapped frontier. Meanwhile, smart glasses are emerging, yet most focus on “AR” and social connectivity rather than attention and mental wellbeing. With rising concerns about smartphone addiction and digital fatigue, Journey Frame™ introduces a new category of wearable… One designed to improve focus in everyday life. Pre-orders for Journey Frame™ are now open priced starting at $195, with a streamlined membership offering: a free tier for basic tracking and a premium subscription ($15 per month) unlocking full insights, habit-building tools, and advanced focus analytics. The first batch is estimated to ship in the second half of 2025. More updates to follow.

About Phantom Technology‍

Phantom Technology Ltd is a Cambridge-based startup pioneering biosensor-driven wearables to enhance focus and cognitive wellbeing. Backed by SFC Capital and a network of strategic investors and advisors, Phantom is redefining how technology can support mental clarity in an age of digital overload. Journey Frame™ is the world’s first smart eyewear designed for focus. Disguised as a stylish, everyday pair of glasses, it features embedded biosensors that track attention in real time, offering users insights into their focus habits. With no screens, cameras, or distractions, Journey Frame™ is built to help people stay present, productive, and in control of their attention. Learn more at www.journey-frame.com

While waiting for a donor transplant, an Australian man who had an artificial titanium heart lived for 100 days—the longest duration of time anyone has ever used the technology.

This groundbreaking procedure, performed late last year, marks a new era in heart transplantation and offers new hope to patients suffering from heart failure.

For decades, St Vincent’s and its research partner, the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, have been at the forefront of heart health, pioneering life-changing treatments and cutting-edge technology. From Australia’s first heart transplant in 1968 by Dr Harry Windsor to Dr Victor Chang’s establishment of the National Heart Transplant Program, innovation has been at the heart of St Vincent’s mission, reports St. Vincents.

The latest breakthrough saw a team led by St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney’s Dr Paul Jansz implant the revolutionary BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart, a titanium device with a single moving part, no valves, and a no-contact suspension system, designed to eliminate mechanical wear.

Initially developed as a bridge to transplantation, the long-term vision for this device is to serve as a permanent replacement for a human heart.

Under the expert care of Professor Chris Hayward and his dedicated team, the patient was discharged in early February, making the patient the first person in the world to leave a hospital with the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart. After more than 100 days – the longest period for a patient with this implant – they successfully received a donor heart transplant in early March, and are now recovering well.

This historic achievement would not have been possible without the support of the St Vincent’s Curran Foundation, which has raised $41 million for the Heart Lung Innovation Fund since 2014. Thanks to this generosity, St Vincent’s continues to push the boundaries of medical science and improve outcomes for patients.

With heart failure claiming nearly 5,000 Australian lives each year, St Vincent’s is committed to pioneering new treatments and advancing heart health.

In May, the hospital will continue its leadership in this field by hosting Australia’s first Heart Health Summit, bringing together experts to discuss the future of cardiac care.

This latest success reaffirms St Vincent’s role as a global leader in heart health, offering renewed hope to patients and their families while shaping the future of cardiac treatment.

The CenWatch might be useful if you're sick of operating your devices with a dull old remote. Using basic hand movements in midair, this smartwatch can identify the bottom of your hand and provide you with a variety of commands.

The CenWatch is being produced by the same-named Hong Kong firm and is presently being offered on Kickstarter. Indeed, there is a 368 x 448 AMOLED screen on the gadget that shows the date, time, and battery level, reports NewAtlas.

What sets it apart is the device’s LiDAR (light detection and ranging) scanner.

This device, which is worn on the underside of the wrist, employs near-infrared lasers to measure the three-dimensional spatial position of each of the five fingers (in relation to the wrist) as they are moved to execute various preset movements. It is said to be accurate to within 1 mm of resolution.

Additionally, there is an IMU (inertial measuring unit) that measures the wrist's three-dimensional spatial location in relation to the body.

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Simply bring your arm out in front of your body at a 90-degree angle, as though you were checking the time, to activate the CenWatch. The LiDAR and IMU data are then processed in real time by an inbuilt HelioG99 8-core CPU, which determines which orders the user is issuing.

These commands are sent by Bluetooth up to 196 feet (60 meters) to a partnered Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, or Linux device. Other devices such as smart TVs can also be controlled via IFTTT (If This Then That) technology.

According to the designers, the CenWatch is particularly tailored to use with AR or VR glasses, as it allows users to perform actions in 3D worlds via 3D gestures. In addition, the technology may eventually enable considerably slimmer and more energy-efficient glasses by relocating the control circuitry from the glasses to the watch.

All of the standard interface operations, including tapping, clicking, swiping, scrolling, and even typing on a virtual keyboard, are available to users. However, you may also use hand movements in midair to write or draw on the projected display while creating PowerPoint-style presentations.

The device weighs 92 grams (3.25 ounces), and the 1,700-mAh lithium-ion battery is said to last up to 10 hours on a single charge.
A pledge of US$299 will buy you a CenWatch, assuming it goes into production. $499 is the anticipated retail price.

German inline skater and entrepreneur Marcel Frerichs developed Blade Booster, a revolutionary electric drive attachment that boosts speed of inline skates.

“With the Blade Booster, you can effortlessly conquer longer distances, achieve thrilling speeds up to 25 km/h, and tackle inclines with ease, all while enjoying the pure joy of skating,” the startup said in their Kickstarter campaign. The patented design securely attaches to existing skates, providing a burst of power with a simple tilt of foot.
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Related AtmosGear Electric Rollerblades Reach Maximum Speed of 29KM/H
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The main device slides onto one of the user's inline skate boots, and gets screwed into place so it sits over and in front of the nose of the boot. A polyurethane driving wheel that extends from the bottom is connected to a 250-watt brushless electric motor at the top via a belt drive.

From that module, a rubber power cable ascends via two guides fastened to the user's leg and enters a 36V/6-Ah lithium-ion battery pack that is carried in a backpack. A wireless handheld remote is the only other part of the system, reports New Atlas.

The Blade Booster can reach a maximum speed of 25 km/h (16 mph) with a stated range of 10 to 20 km (6 to 12 miles) between charges, depending on the user's weight, among other parameters. It is said that the entire system tips the scales at 2.2 kg (4.9 lb), of which 1.4 kg (3 lb) are made up of the primary gadget.

Currently, the device is in a fully functional prototype that has been in regular use for a year, hence its rather scuffed appearance in the photos.

“The project financing enables the production of the first small series to establish the Blade Booster in the inline skate scene through early adopters, while we at Blade Booster continue to work on further development and commercialization,” the startup said.

Chicago-based medtech company Sibel Health developed a wearable device that helps stop dermatitis patients from scratching while they sleep, without waking them up in the process. Dubbed ADAM (Advanced Acoustic-Mechanic), the device is made up of a microprocessor, haptic feedback motor, Bluetooth module, IMU (inertial measurement unit) and a rechargeable battery.

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Itch, also called pruritus, affects 15% of the global population, disrupts sleep, and impacts quality of life. Traditional methods of measuring itch rely on subjective surveys, which can be inaccurate and are prone to bias. Alternatively, wearable devices offer a continuous, objective data-driven approach to quantifying itch by measuring scratch, but thus far, their performance has been mixed. Worn on the back of the hand, Sibel's ADAM sensor stands out by using AI to detect scratching with 99% accuracy, the company said in a press release.

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"Digital endpoints enabled by wearable devices like the ADAM sensor represent a paradigm shift in the way a drug's therapeutic effect is measured," says Evan Lund, Sibel's Head of Business Development for clinical trials. "We believe that the ADAM sensor is the best validated digital endpoint for scratch monitoring in clinical trials, and we're proud that it's one of only a handful of digital health technologies accepted into the FDA's Drug Development Tools program."
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For a study, Sibel Health embedded a haptic motor within the ADAM sensor. With advanced edge computing, an AI-enabled algorithm programmed into the sensor itself enables closed-loop haptic feedback whenever a scratch is detected. During the first week, the device only measured scratching in atopic dermatitis patients. In the second week, the haptic feedback was turned on to assess the sensor's ability to reduce scratching activity at night. Results showed that on average total scratch events and scratch duration per night dropped by 28% and 40%, respectively. These improvements suggest the closed-loop system is an effective, drug-free way to reduce nighttime scratching.

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"At Sibel Health, we believe we have the most accurate and best validated sensor for scratching motions in children and adults. We're even more excited to be offering a new therapeutic function. Reducing scratching breaks the itch-scratch cycle. As a board-certified dermatologist, I am always looking for new ways to help my patients manage itch—this would be one of the few non-pharmacological ways to do so and can also be paired with a traditional therapeutic," says Steve Xu MD, CEO and co-founder of Sibel Health.

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Read more Surgical Stitch Helps Healing by Generating Electricity

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Sibel Health has partnered with Maruho, a prominent pharmaceutical company specializing in dermatology, to further develop and distribute this technology. Together, they aim to deploy this first of its kind wearable device that reduces scratching behavior for people suffering from itch.

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About Sibel Health

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Based in Chicago with an international office in Seoul, Sibel Health is a leading provider of advanced healthcare technology, with FDA clearance for vital signs monitoring capabilities, sleep analysis, and novel digital endpoints such as scratch, swallow, and cough detection. Sibel Health is committed to improving patient outcomes through innovative digital health solutions.

We are thrilled to introduce G.Brain, a pioneering neurotechnology solution revolutionizing cognitive health and performance. Developed by NEUROG, G.Brain harnesses advanced brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to optimize mental well-being, enhance focus, and support neurological rehabilitation.

Utilizing state-of-the-art AI and neurofeedback systems, G.Brain provides a seamless, non-invasive way to monitor and train brain activity in real time. Whether for stress management, cognitive enhancement, or recovery from neurological conditions, this innovative platform empowers users to take control of their mental health with precision and ease.

With its groundbreaking approach, G.Brain is setting a new standard for brain health solutions. Experience the future of neurotechnology today!

About NEUROG

NEUROG is at the forefront of neurotechnology, dedicated to advancing brain health through innovative, AI-driven solutions. By combining neuroscience with cutting-edge technology, NEUROG delivers transformative tools that improve cognitive performance, mental well-being, and neurological recovery—helping individuals unlock their full potential.

Queva collar, a smart dog collar that tracks your pet's location, activity, and health around-the-clock, was one of the numerous technological advancements showcased at CES 2025.

The device’s inspiration comes from the company’s CEO adopting a Golden Doodle named Oscar. The Queva dog collar was developed after overcoming the difficulty of consistently checking on the dog's health in between vet appointments and working with several doctors to refine the concept, reports Tomorrow’s World Today.

The wearable device monitors your pet's health and helps identify health problems early on using a variety of sensors and artificial intelligence. To receive individualized guidance based on the breed of their dog, users can complete an in-app health exam.

Along with providing general health insights, Queva collar and related software let users keep an eye on their dog's activity level, exercise level, and sleep routine and make necessary adjustments to improve their pet's general health. An LTE-enabled GPS follows your pet's whereabouts remotely and notifies its owner through an app if it goes too far.

Related TCL Launches Pet Tracker

In order to determine whether there is an emergency or if their dog is just barking at a neighbor once more, the barking detection feature notifies owners when their dog is barking. The assessment enables the software to quickly analyze any problems it finds and offer recommendations for fixing them.

According to its website, Queva has a 99.2% accuracy rate in preventing health problems early. A monthly subscription is required for the program; the basic subscription costs $9.99, while the advanced subscription costs $18.99.

A symptom tracker, behavior monitoring, a vet AI chatbot that provides health advice and tips, and round-the-clock GPS monitoring are all included in the basic subscription. Additionally, the upgraded version connects to your particular veterinary clinic, provides RX on demand, and enables the addition of a family member to the program for alerts.

At CES 2025, wearables startup Halliday unveiled a distinctive line of smart glasses. Unlike other AR glasses that display phone notifications, live language translations, and advice from AI assistants on the glasses’ lenses, this device projects a 3.5-inch round display directly to your eye.

Small screens that fit perfectly in the wearer's line of sight have been used in earlier attempts to create futuristic, display-enabled eyewear (consider Google Glass, which placed a thumbnail-sized screen above the right-hand lens, or XREAL Air, which projects a theater-sized augmented reality display onto the wearer's environment using a Micro OLED panel.) However, these glasses appear silly to uninformed onlookers, and if you truly need prescription lenses, you probably won't wear them every day.

Halliday reverses this trend by positioning the display of its glasses in the frame. The screen, which is about the size of a cotton swab tip, is located at the top of the right-hand frame and appears to the wearer as a 3.5-inch display. Its positioning, according to Halliday, makes its display "completely private without light leakage or rainbow patterns." It also implies that Halliday Glasses are not much different from their analog counterparts, with the exception of having somewhat bigger frames than your typical pair.

Halliday's smart glasses are less expensive than other AR prototypes and work with standard prescription lenses since they are able to bypass costly AR lenses thanks to DigiWindow technology, reports Tomorrow’s World Today.

In addition to displaying phone notifications, notes, navigation directions, and more, the glasses provide real-time language translation for 40 languages. Users may read messages or play music aloud thanks to speakers built into the arms of the glasses.

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A "proactive AI assistant" will be included in the glasses, according to the company, however it was apparently not quite ready for CES 2025 demonstration. To access the many capabilities of the glasses, users will also be able to wear a control ring on their index fingers.

The Halliday smart glasses don't include a front-facing camera like other choices, so they appear more like regular spectacles.

Halliday plans to begin shipping these glasses in March 2025. The full price is $489, but you can preorder them for $369 by pledging $9.90 to their Kickstarter.

Lumus, a developer of geometric waveguide technology for augmented reality (AR) eyewear, announced the introduction of its Z-30 optical engine, which features the company's groundbreaking Z-Lens 2D waveguide architecture and a smaller field-of-view (30 degrees) to fit seamlessly within standard glasses sizes, offering major functional and aesthetic benefits.

"We're firmly committed to building optical engines for a diverse set of AR glasses designs and use cases, and the announcement of Z-30 specifically addresses what the entry-level consumer market needs," said Lumus CEO Ari Grobman. "Our solution features the same best-in-class image quality as the Z-50 but with a smaller field-of-view, which makes integration within standard glasses form factors easy. The design also extends device battery life, ultimately paving the way for broader widespread consumer adoption."

With Z-30, important performance aspects of AR glasses are optimized to improve the user experience. For example, glasses that feature an integrated Z-30 optical engine will require lower processing requirements and less powerful hardware thanks to having fewer pixels to render, which makes them more affordable to produce. Plus, devices with a mid-sized field-of-view operate more efficiently, creating a smoother visual experience and extending battery life – making them more compatible for long-term consumer use, Lumus said in a press release.

Z-30 is exceptionally lightweight, measuring in at 14.5g, offering full color, 720 x 720 pixels resolution, and a brightness of >3,000 nits/Watt. With a 50% reduction in weight and volume compared to the Z-50, it enables the creation of even smaller form factors for AR glasses, which has been a critical barrier to entry.

Related Cinematic AR Glasses with Spatial Screen Control

"Offering a mid-range field of view option for consumer glasses grants major aesthetic benefits; manufacturers can build even smaller form factors that appeal to a consumer audience, and wearers will feel like they are wearing standard glasses and not clunky devices," Grobman added.

The Z-30 optical engine integrates Lumus' Z-Lens waveguide architecture, which offers industry-leading image quality and allows for smaller projector designs. It also enables flexible positioning of the eye-box; reduced world ghost effects, and the possibility for direct bonding of Rx lenses or protective plastic elements. Additional benefits of the Z-Lens waveguide architecture include compatibility with microLED projectors, enabling even slimmer and more power efficient design options.

About Lumus

Lumus reflective (geometric) waveguides set an industry benchmark for AR image quality. Far brighter than other solutions, Lumus is the only waveguide ideally suited for outdoor usage. With up to 10X better luminance efficiency over competing waveguides and supply chain partners like Quanta Computer Inc. and SCHOTT, Lumus is the leading choice for OEMs making AR glasses. Lumus waveguide technology provides unparalleled color uniformity and a true white due to the straight-forward light path inherent in its architecture.

The company is the leading designer of geometric waveguide technology at the core of several existing AR products, including Thales' Scorpion full-color head-mounted display, Augmedics xVision system for guiding surgeons, Lenovo's ThinkReality A6 released in 2019 as well as MediThinQ's ScopeEye and MetaScope.

Splashtop recently unveiled their AR remote assistance solution, which pairs with RealWear Smart Glasses. The move could potentially revolutionize industrial maintenance. Splashtop's daring move to greatly reduce the risk of dangerous work situations was announced on January 28, 2025.

With more than 30 million users and 250,000 businesses—including 85% of Fortune 500 companies—Splashtop already has a sizable market presence, reports Luke Williams in XR Today.

Key features

A full range of remote collaboration options are provided by the integration:

• Remote specialists can draw and highlight right in the worker's range of vision with two-way AR annotations.

• Clear communication is ensured by real-time camera sharing with integrated VoIP conversation.

• A safe file transfer method for exchanging technical instructions and documents

• For better visibility in low light, use a remote flashlight control.

• Capabilities to record sessions for training, documentation, and auditing

The system's hands-free design makes it especially useful in industrial environments where workers must use both hands to do intricate operations.

Related How Augmented Reality Is Helping Workers In The Cement Industry

Repairs can be guided by remote specialists as if they were physically present with the wearer, potentially avoiding hours or even days of expensive downtime. The system guarantees smooth and rapid communication by utilizing high-performance technology that can support many monitors, operate at 60 frames per second with extremely low latency, and provide 4K HD resolution.

The efficacy of the system lies in its capacity to deliver immersive remote help while upholding safety regulations in the workplace. The platform's recording features offer useful documentation for training and compliance needs, and the combination with RealWear Smart Glasses guarantees that employees may receive professional guidance without sacrificing their capacity to operate safely and effectively.

According to Splashtop, their technology can increase safety in oil and gas environments by up to 70%, which is a noteworthy statistic for dangerous workplaces.

By addressing OSHA compliance directly, the platform makes identifying hazards as easy as looking at and chatting with the assistant.

Consider trying on these smart glasses if you are one of the 1.25 billion people who are thought to have mild to moderate hearing loss worldwide. Without the need for conventional in-ear hearing aids, these glasses use ingenious technology hidden in the frame to improve your hearing in noisy settings.

The glasses are from Nuance Audio, a recently launched brand owned by the giant eyewear company EssilorLuxottica. The company has now obtained FDA clearance and EU certificates that enable it to sell these spectacles over-the-counter in the US and Europe as early as the first quarter of this year, after showcasing the technology for more than a year, reports NewAtlas.

Here's all you need to know about the Nuance Audio glasses.

Hardware

With the help of 'beamforming' technology and microphones, these glasses record sound in the direction you're facing. You should be able to hear discussions in front of you more simply and clearly because this is sent amplified for your ears and delivered via air conduction speakers built into the frame.

Related Starkey’s New AI-Powered Hearing Aid

They can detect and enhance noises and speech up to nine feet (3 meters) away. According to Nuance Audio, the glasses are designed for audio output with "exceptionally low latency response," meaning that there is absolutely no delay when you hear speech in front of you.

Additionally, according to the company, the glasses weigh roughly the same as regular spectacles. They will come in two colors each and two styles (rounded and square).

The glasses are bundled with a wireless charging pad and a carrying case; you can also pick up a tiny remote control to quickly adjust volume and audio modes.

Because of its IPX4 rating, the wearable should withstand exposure to mild rain and vigorous exercise.

A full charge, which takes around three hours, should provide you roughly eight hours of continuous use. Your glasses can hold a charge for roughly six days when not in use.

According to Nuance Audio, the battery should last up to 1,000 cycles at 85% capacity after 500 cycles in the first year and a half before its capacity begins to decline.

App management

You may adjust the volume and sound modes of the glasses, as well as calibrate the audio output, using a companion smartphone app. To utilize the glasses, though, you don't need to carry your phone or the app with you.

It's worth noting that you don't need to take a hearing test to buy these. But if you're curious, Nuance Audio offers an online test to determine if this wearable is right for you.

Pricing and availability

These glasses would cost US$1,100, according to Eyes On, which reported on Nuance Audio during the American Academy of Optometry's 2024 annual meeting last November. However, we'll have to wait for the brand to formally confirm the price. Prescription hearing aids, for example, can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $4,000.

France, Germany, and the UK will follow after the US and Italy, where the deployment will commence in the first quarter of this year.

The SoleFlux Relax Compression Boots by Ubilives are designed to effectively relieve leg pain and discomfort. Launched in October, 2024, these boots are essentially a pair of zipped-up leg compression/massage boots that feature an assortment of programs that control the inflation and deflation of a series of airbags inside the comfortable cocoon-like 'boots,’ reports NewAtlas.

Leg pain is a common issue among adults, especially as they age. It can be caused by various factors, including long hours of standing or sitting, or due to medical conditions. For parents, this discomfort can be a significant hindrance to their daily activities and overall well-being.

Features of Ublives SoleFlux Relax Compression Boots‍

The SoleFlux Relax Air Compression Boots utilize intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) technology, which simulates manual massages to enhance blood circulation and alleviate various symptoms:

Muscle Pain and Fatigue: These air compression leg massager boots help reduce muscle soreness and tension, particularly after exercise, by improving blood flow and accelerating recovery.

Poor Circulation: They are beneficial for individuals with conditions like varicose veins, as they stimulate blood flow, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the muscles. Improved blood circulation could help your body heal faster and become revitalized.

Swelling and Edema: The gentle compression helps push excess fluid back toward the heart, effectively reducing swelling and discomfort associated with conditions like lymphedema.

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Benefits of Using Ublives SoleFlux Relax Compression Boots

Relieve Pain and Itching: Better blood flow could bring more oxygen and nutrients to your skin and tissues. This enhanced circulation is helpful in reducing muscle tension and soreness, providing relief from discomfort.

Enhanced Recovery: Users can experience a significant reduction in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and faster recovery times post-exercise.

Improved Circulation: They promote better blood flow, which can help prevent serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). People suffering from varicose veins or other blood circulatory problems can benefit greatly from the improved blood flow.

Relaxation and Comfort: The rhythmic inflation and deflation can provide a soothing experience, making it ideal for relaxation after a long day. Anyone who spends a long period of time sitting or standing will appreciate the relief these boots provide.

It is like having a professional personal leg therapist, ready to serve you and rejuvenate your legs whenever needed.

With just 20 minutes of massage a day, you can relieve leg pain and swelling with an easy routine.

Pricing and availability

The boots normally retail at US$599, but as of publishing, a sale has them at under $479 with free shipping (US). You can order them through the company’s website.

Eight years after Pebble shut down its beloved smartwatch business, the company has decided to bring back its beloved E-paper smartwatch.

When Pebble first shipped its watches in 2013, it predated the Apple Watch and Google's WearOS, and garnered hardcore fans with its thoughtfully designed user interface, novel screen technology, and the extensible capabilities afforded by its app store, reports NewAtlas.

Unfortunately, Pebble failed after shipping two million units and earning US$230 million. It was unable to adequately manage its funds and meet subsequent sales projections. Founder and CEO Eric Migicovsky, who founded the firm in 2008 with a group of friends, filed for bankruptcy in 2016 and sold Fitbit the Pebble brand and intellectual property, which Google ultimately purchased.

The Pebble owners kept the company afloat while Migicovsky closed it down by creating unique web services to power its numerous cloud-connected applications and features, which together make up the Rebble project. Therefore, the devices have remained in the possession of devoted devotees for many years after Pebble's official demise.

Related Zepp Health Integrates ChatGPT into Its Smartwatches

This leads us to the most recent development. A year ago, Migicovsky politely requested that the owners of the Pebble IP to open source the operating system. They did as of today!

This means that everyone, including Migicovsky and the Rebble project volunteers, can now access the OS's code base, with the exception of some parts that have been deleted and others that require updating.

Additionally, it means that someone may use PebbleOS to create a new watch. And that someone is Migicovsky. He wrote in a blog post yesterday that no wearable currently on the market has all the characteristics he wants, including tactile buttons, long battery life, an always-on e-paper display (like a Kindle), an easy-to-use interface, and the option to hack it and install your own programs.

"Manufacturing hardware for a product like Pebble is infinitely easier now than 10 years ago," he wrote. "There are plenty of capable factories and Bluetooth chips are cheaper, more powerful and energy efficient."

Migicovsky also said that he will not be able to provide a release date for the new Pebble for some time. The PebbleOS code base is available on GitHub, and on the rePebble website, you can register to receive project updates via email.

Samsung has unveiled its first extended reality (XR) headset, “Project Moohan,” during the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event on January 22 in San Jose, California.

The XR market, which had a slump last year because of Apple's Vision Pro's poor performance, is reaching a turning point with this announcement. There was a need for innovation in the industry because of the Vision Pro's shortcomings, which included uncomfortable wearability and a lack of available content.

Samsung is entering the XR market with the "Project Moohan" headset, which will be the first to use the Android XR platform. The gadget, which was created in partnership with Google and Qualcomm, integrates state-of-the-art technologies from the three tech behemoths.

XR technology has advanced with Project Moohan. Android XR, a platform created especially for XR devices by Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm, is featured in this headset for the first time. The goal of this partnership is to resolve previous problems with XR devices, namely wearability and content restrictions. Project Moohan will also use Google's Gemini generative AI service, which is anticipated to improve user experience by providing more dynamic and tailored interactions.

Google's "Find My Device" service is one of the new capabilities available on the headset that will assist customers in finding their XR headset in the event that it is lost. Google will also launch "Home Space" and "Full Space," two new app modes for the smartphone. While the Full Space option gives one program full-screen access, allowing users to concentrate on a single job at a time, the Home Space mode allows users to multitask by running applications side by side.

Related The AI Multidisciplinary XR Therapeutic Platform

Companies like TCL and Xreal displayed their smart glasses solutions at CES 2025, demonstrating the growing interest in XR technology. This demonstrates how the XR market is becoming more innovative and competitive. Later this year, Meta, which has previously collaborated with Ray-Ban on smart glasses, is anticipated to launch a new product featuring a display.

Cutting-edge technologies will be used by Samsung's Project Moohan headsets, which will provide a thorough, immersive experience at a competitive price. Samsung is working with Google and Qualcomm to provide a more accessible and reasonably priced substitute for Apple's XR gadgets, emphasizing wearability, simplicity, and high-quality content. Samsung's product might revolutionize the XR market as it develops, putting the business in a position to profit from the rising demand for next-generation smart glasses and headsets.

Researchers from the School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have successfully developed the world’s smallest multifunctional biomedical robot, which is 60% smaller than current models. Capable of imaging, high-precision motion, and multifunctional operations like sampling, drug delivery, and laser ablation, the robot offers competitive imaging performance and a tenfold improvement in obstacle detection, paving the way for robotic applications in narrow and challenging channels of the human body, such as the lung’s end bronchi and the oviducts.

With a slim profile of just 0.95 mm—60% smaller than current endoscopic robots—this robot has accomplished an “impossible trinity” by simultaneously integrating all three significant specifications in one robot. It offers competitive imaging performance and extends obstacle detection distance up to ~9.4 mm, a tenfold improvement from theoretical limits. It also achieves remarkable motion precision (less than 30 μm) and substantially widens the imaging region by ~25 times the inherent view, reports HKUST.

Developed by Prof. SHEN Yajing, Associate Professor at the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering (ECE) and his team, the robot’s tiny size is made possible with four major components. These include an optical fiber array for capturing images inside the body, a custom tool for delivering treatments precisely where needed, a hollow skeleton to hold the fibers and tools in place, and a functionalized skin that enables precise control of the robot's movements. The hollow skeleton is created by a microscale 3D printer, while the functionalized skin is produced through a magnetic spray technique, which helps keep the robot small and allows it to glide easily during surgery. It also features a gel-like outer layer that reduces friction. The team has tested this robot within in vitro bronchial models and ex-vivo porcine lungs, demonstrating smooth navigation in tight spaces while successfully capturing clear images and performing treatments on difficult areas.

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Prof. Shen said that this groundbreaking robot holds tremendous potential for clinical applications. “Small-scale continuum robots hold promise for interventional diagnosis and treatment, yet existing models often struggle with compactness, precise navigation, and visualized functional treatment all in one. Our study provides a significant solution for developing a surgical robot aimed at achieving early diagnosis and therapeutic goals in hard-to-reach areas of the body. With ongoing technological advancements, we believe that the fiberscopic robot will make greater contributions to human health in the foreseeable future,” he said.

Thanks to their ability to navigate narrow cavities while enabling quick recovery and low infection risk, small continuum robots have been employed in the treatment of several diseases, including heart disease—through the deployment of stents and electrophysiology catheters—as well as the repair of perforations in gastric and duodenal ulcers using single-port laparoscopy, among other applications. Building on this successful invention, the research team plans to further refine the robot’s features to fit them into practical settings.

“We aim to further optimize the design and control of the fiberscopic robot, prioritizing safety and reliability during interventional surgery. We look forward to implementing in vivo trials to demonstrate its performance in clinical scenarios,” said Dr. ZHANG Tieshan, a postdoctoral fellow at HKUST. He is one of the two co-first authors of the study, along with Dr. LI Gen. Other co-authors from HKUST include Research Assistant Professor Dr. YANG Xiong and PhD student ZHAO Haoxiang, also from the ECE Department. Their findings have been recently published in Nature Communications.

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XRHealth has acquired NeuroReality, including its flagship product "Koji's Quest" to further establish its position as a leading XR therapeutic platform. This acquisition follows XRHealth's purchase of Amelia Virtual Care and enhances its suite of therapeutic offerings for physical, emotional, and cognitive rehabilitation through immersive XR experiences. CEO Eran Orr described the acquisition as a step towards providing a more comprehensive XR platform for patients and clinicians.
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XRHealth's mission is to revolutionize healthcare by combining AI-powered XR technology with clinical expertise, supporting a range of therapies and expanding accessibility to digital health solutions worldwide, says a press release.
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"Koji's Quest" offers users unique interactive experiences designed to aid in physical, emotional, and cognitive rehabilitation, making it a valuable addition to XRHealth's platform. By integrating "Koji's Quest" into its suite of offerings, XRHealth is expanding the ways healthcare providers can engage patients in their therapeutic journeys, using VR and XR to support better health outcomes across a broad range of conditions.
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"The acquisition of NeuroReality and its flagship product, Koji's Quest, represents another leap forward in our mission to provide the most comprehensive XR therapeutic platform available." – Eran Orr, CEO of XRHealth.
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Related The AI Multidisciplinary XR Therapeutic Platform
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Eran Orr, CEO of XRHealth, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition: "The acquisition of NeuroReality and its flagship product, Koji's Quest, represents another leap forward in our mission to provide the most comprehensive XR therapeutic platform available. We are focused on creating a transformative experience for patients and clinicians alike, and Koji's Quest will allow us to offer an even richer, more engaging set of tools for therapy and rehabilitation."
The addition of "Koji's Quest" underscores XRHealth's commitment to advancing the accessibility and effectiveness of XR therapies, setting the stage for even more impactful innovations in digital healthcare.
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About XRHealth
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XRHealth is a leading provider of AI-powered, immersive healthcare solutions, leveraging extended reality (XR) technology to transform patient care and rehabilitation. With a mission to enhance medical treatments and improve patient outcomes, XRHealth offers an advanced platform supporting various applications, including physical therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, pain management, and mental health. In addition to developing cutting-edge technology, XRHealth operates its own clinics and collaborates with healthcare organizations worldwide, enabling seamless integration of XR therapies into diverse clinical settings. Following the acquisition of Amelia Virtual Care, XRHealth has expanded its mental health expertise, further advancing the accessibility and effectiveness of digital healthcare solutions. With a unique blend of AI-driven insights and clinical expertise, XRHealth is at the forefront of the digital health revolution, empowering patients and healthcare providers globally.

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Human-Computer Interaction Institute developed a tool that uses AI to control AR/VR interfaces by touching your skin with a finger.
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The team wanted to ultimately design a control that would provide tactile feedback using only the sensors that come with a standard AR/VR headset. OmniTouch, a previous method developed by Chris Harrison, an associate professor in the HCII and director of the Future Interfaces Group, got close. But that method required a special, clunky, depth-sensing camera. Vimal Mollyn, a Ph.D. student advised by Harrison, had the idea to use a machine learning algorithm to train normal cameras to recognize touching, reports Charlotte Hu at Carnegie Mello University.
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"Try taking your finger and see what happens when you touch your skin with it. You'll notice that there are these shadows and local skin deformations that only occur when you're touching the skin," Mollyn said. "If we can see these, then we can train a machine learning model to do the same, and that's essentially what we did."
Mollyn used a special touch sensor that went along the palm and underneath of the index finger to gather data for EgoTouch. While remaining undetectable to the camera, the sensor gathered information on various touch kinds at various forces. Without human annotation, the model then learned to associate skin abnormalities and shadows to touch and force. The team collected hours of data in a variety of scenarios, activities, and lighting settings, expanding its training data collection to include 15 individuals with varying skin tones and hair densities.
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Related Wearable Ring Turns Any Surface into Touchpad
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EgoTouch can detect touch with more than 96% accuracy and has a false positive rate of around 5%. It recognizes pressing down, lifting up and dragging. The model can also classify whether a touch was light or hard with 98% accuracy.
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"That can be really useful for having a right-click functionality on the skin," Mollyn said.
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Developers may be able to imitate touchscreen gestures on our skin by detecting changes in touch. For instance, your smartphone can detect when you tap and hold an icon, zoom in, swipe right, or scroll up or down a page. The camera must be able to distinguish the minute variations between touch type and force in order to convert this into a skin-based interface.
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Across a range of skin tones and hair densities, as well as at various locations on the hand and forearm, such as the palm, back, and front of the arm, the accuracy was roughly the same. Bony regions such as the knuckles were not effectively served by the system.
"It's probably because there wasn't as much skin deformation in those areas," Mollyn said. "As a user interface designer, what you can do is avoid placing elements on those regions."
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Mollyn is exploring ways to use night vision cameras and nighttime illumination to enable the EgoTouch system to work in the dark. He's also collaborating with researchers to extend this touch-detection method to surfaces other than the skin.
"For the first time, we have a system that just uses a camera that is already in all the headsets. Our models are calibration free, and they work right out of the box," said Mollyn. "Now we can build off prior work on on-skin interfaces and actually make them real."