REVIEW VIDEO IN PROGRESS – SUBSCRIBE FOR UPDATES
If you’re looking for smart glasses that ‘do the right thing‘, then it’s worth checking out HTC’s VIVE Eagle. I’ve been testing them over the last few weeks, and the privacy-first approach is real. They even put the power in the hands of the people around you by giving them the ability to stop video recording. It’s just one of a number of privacy features that make the VIVE Eagle a compelling alternative to Meta’s camera glasses.
- ◆Transparent design with a choice of styles and colours
- ◆Privacy-focused cameras, secure local storage, and no VIVE AI user data used for AI training.
- ◆VIVE AI is ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 certified, with data management practices that adhere to strict international standards for privacy and security
- ◆OpenAI architecture, with the flexibility to choose between OpenAI GPT and Google Gemini, while de-identified requests help reduce personal profiling
- ◆3K video, live translation, meeting notes and more, supported by 4GB RAM
- ◆A$799 RRP VIVE.COM/AU and selected Harvey Norman stores
VIVE are experts in VR headsets, but from my early experience with the Eagle AI smart glasses, I think they’ve nailed this category too. They have all the features of the Meta range without the need to be part of the Meta system. VIVE Eagle gives users access to translation, smartphone AI, and photography for a hands-free experience. The glasses come with premium ZEISS lenses, including sun, blue light blocking, and adaptive options, with prescription lenses also supported through HTC’s partnership with Lenswap.
“Technology should free our imaginations, and allow us to create and experience and improve our lives,” said Cher Wang, Co-Founder and Chairperson of HTC.
“VIVE Eagle is where style meets intelligence, it taps into powerful AI tools and frees your hands so you can be more present in the moment. You can explore new cultures, learn about paintings in galleries, and share your adventures effortlessly.”
Privacy
A visible LED indicates when the glasses are recording and automatically adjusts its brightness to remain noticeable across different conditions. A multi-sensor approach ensures VIVE Eagle will not film if the notification LED is obscured or when the glasses are not being worn, while a voice command allows people nearby to say “stop filming” to end a recording.
The glasses also give users greater control over their content. Photos and videos are encrypted and stored locally, while requests sent to third-party AI services (i.e. OpenAI, Google Gemini) are de-identified. Users can decide whether to transfer their content to the VIVE Connect app or a cloud-connected photo service. VIVE AI is ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 certified, meaning that data management adheres to strict international standards for privacy and security.
Hands-Free
VIVE Eagle lets users capture photos and videos hands-free using the “Hey VIVE” voice command, or a programmable shutter button. Its 12MP camera captures 3K video, slow-motion clips, and vertically formatted videos for easy social sharing. The stills are good, if slightly undersaturated, and video results are not as good as you’ll get from Meta’s cameras. They are fine, but I’m hoping for improvement in colours and saturation in future updates.
Open-ear directional speakers and four built-in microphones support spatial audio with enhanced bass and minimal sound leakage. Again, the sound is good, but they are edged out by Meta’s glasses in this area. They also have an IP54 dust and water resistance rating.
Flexible AI Ecosystem
VIVE AI includes live speech translation for real-time conversations in 96 languages. Users can also translate written text, such as signs and restaurant menus, across 70+ languages with image-to-text translation, and receive detailed meeting notes through VIVE Eagle’s audio-recording capability and VIVE AI Notes.
VIVE Eagle lets users choose the AI that works best for them, with Google Gemini and OpenAI GPT available through the VIVE Connect app. Users can switch between models at any time, while VIVE AI handles simpler requests directly and routes more complex questions to the selected model through the user’s phone.
Battery Life
The VIVE Eagle battery is good for four to six hours of active use and up to 36 hours of standby time. Its magnetic charging design means the glasses can be used while charging, with fast charging delivering 50% battery in 10 minutes and 80% battery in 23 minutes.
There’s also a small Power Boost battery bank that attaches to the glasses and provides up to 80% additional battery life. It’s only 8 grams, so you’ll barely notice it.
Availability and Pricing
- VIVE Eagle is available now via VIVE.com/au for A$799.
- It’s also available from selected Harvey Norman stores, with further retailers to follow.
- VIVE Eagle is available in Square and Pantos styles, with clear, sun and adaptive ZEISS lens options. Colourways include Black, Coffee, Berry, Charcoal Black, Clear Brown and Navy, depending on the style and lens combination.
- VIVE Eagle Power Boost is available via VIVE.com or Harvey Norman for A$79.
- VIVE AI Plus is included at no additional charge for two years with eligible VIVE Eagle purchases via the VIVE Connect app, available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
- To make prescription lens options more accessible, HTC has partnered with Lenswap to include a voucher in all commercially sold VIVE Eagle boxes in Australia.
