Solos, makers of modular, open-platform smartglasses, has announced an interesting partnership with Envision, creators of an AI assistant focused on accessibility. The result is the Ally Solos Glasses, which takes what’s usually considered a lifestyle device and shifts it towards improving the lives of those who are blind or have low vision.
An audio-visual assistant
Ally, the name of Envision’s AI assistant, utilizes the camera on the smart glasses, and provides a wide range of helpful vision enhancements, including the ability to read anything you show it back to you, describe scenes and objects, scan and read books and letters, and translate signs, labels, and instructions.
Through the built-in speaker, Ally will help people better navigate through the day, and because it’s connected to the internet, it can answer questions, check the weather, and get information online for you.
Envision’s CEO and co-founder Karthik Mahadevan said:
We’re excited to partner with Solos to bring Ally to a smart glasses platform that’s truly built for real life. With Ally on the AirGo platform, we’re not just adding features, we’re creating a seamless, hands-free experience that understands what you need and responds naturally. Whether it’s reading a sign, describing a scene, or simply recognizing what’s in front of you, Ally is there, quietly, reliably, and on your terms. This partnership with Solos brings together cutting-edge AI and inclusive design to help people who are blind or have low vision move through the world with more confidence, comfort, and independence.
Established smartglasses platform
Solos has been producing smart glasses for a while, and its AirGo platform is intriguing due to its modularity. The front piece can be separated from the arms, allowing you to try new styles, and make use of specific features. For example, the Ally Solos Glasses have a camera, but it would be possible to swap this out with a front section without a camera, should it be appropriate.
The AirGo smartglasses weigh around 50 grams, are IP67 dust and water resistant, have an approximate 10-to-15 hour battery life on a single charge, and work with both Android and iOS. They are controlled with your voice and swipe gestures on the arm. The RTOS software is controlled by an app on your phone, which also includes access to a variety of other services and AI-based tools.
The Ally Solos Glasses are based on the Solos AirGo V platform, and come in either black, Dark Crystal Grey, or Shiny Clear Brown colors. There’s an early bird deal running for launch, with the glasses priced at $399 instead of the usual retail price of $699, and this includes a year’s subscription to Ally Pro.
After a year, Ally Pro is expected to cost $200 for a further year’s use. According to Envision’s website, the free version of Ally caps its conversations at 10 minutes, while the subscription version has unlimited minutes, and will provide access to more features as they’re launched over time. The Ally Solos Glasses are available to pre-order now, and are expected to ship in October.
