How to Choose Video Glasses: Pros and Cons | Video Glasses Compared | Rokid Air Glasses Testing & Review

Since 2014 I have owned almost all VR headsets and video glasses: Oculus Rift, Quest I and II, Goovis Cinema, HTC Vive, Vive Pro, PlayStation VR, and Samsung Odyssey. And in August 2022, I bought AR Glasses from a new, not yet well-known Chinese brand Rokid, and my honest review you can read below.

This guide will discuss the most popular video glasses in 2021/2022. In fact, there are two types of video glasses designed for entirely different purposes.

• Created for people with an active lifestyle, camera video glasses are used to record videos and take photos hands-free.
• The second type of video glasses allows you to watch movies and play video games with more comfort and immersion.

July 30, 2022. An experiment — Rokid Air AR Glasses from the Hangzhou Lingban Technology Co., Ltd, appeared. There are few reviews yet, but this is something radically new in the segment of video glasses. So I decided to order it to test. 

Sure, these are not yet 100% augmented reality glasses. But it is an achievement to fit two screens and speakers into 83 grams. But the main question is: will the text be clear enough to read? And will my experience of playing Nintendo, PlayStation, or Xbox be as good as on my 55'' TV? But if you are a geek like me, you like to experiment and test new devices even when they seem a bit overpriced like this one.

Video Glasses Compared

Among video glasses for watching movies in 2022, I consider the Oculus Quest 2 to be the best one. It is an ideal all-in-one device for watching movies and TV series on a giant virtual screen (with the Netflix application installed by default), live concerts, as well as for playing offline VR games and playing games for PC VR.

Compared to earlier versions, the Quest 2 is lightweight and sits nicely on the head. From my personal experience, the Oculus is now the best replacement for a TV set and a console. And I think the Meta Quest headset is Still-the-Best-One for watching videos and playing and will stay the best one until the end of 2022.

Rokid Air Glasses Testing & Review

UPD: August 12, 2022. So, they arrived. And I will share my first impressions with you.

I am writing this review with the Rokid Air glasses on my head and typing on my laptop keyboard. They are light (83 grams / 2.93 ounces) and comfortable.

My impression of Rokid Air after 3-day use

As I said, these are not 100% AR augmented reality glasses. It’s a wearable display or video glasses for watching movies.

• Screen size.  They write about a virtual screen measuring 120 inches. In fact, the screen size subjectively seems to be a 14-inch screen at a distance of 30 cm or a 55-inch screen at a distance of one and a half meters.
• The brightness of the screen and the quality of the colors suit me. I do not use the maximum brightness.
• The resolution is not suitable for permanent work. The edges of the screen appear slightly blurred. The text is not clear enough to read. Small elements are not visible clearly, but typing is quite convenient.
• Watching videos and playing video games are OK. I should note that the brightness worsens in a bright room or in direct sunlight.

If we compare Rokid to the Goovis Cinego Cinema headset, the screens are comparable, while the glasses are lighter, more convenient, and cheaper. The Goovis is heavier and closes the eyes tightly when Rokid has transparent lenses.

Connection tests

To connect to a phone or tablet, be sure your phone supports video signal output through the USB C port.

When connecting to new phones or tablets on Android (I use Samsung Note & Galaxy Tab 10+), there are three options for working.

• The first is just mirroring your phone's screen. It is suitable for watching videos or playing games.
• The second option is the Samsung DEX when the phone turns into a full-fledged workstation. But for the full use of this option, you need a wireless keyboard with a touchpad.
• The third option is to connect through the manufacturer's app (unless you are not afraid to give access to your phone to this company). Then an AR interface is available (glasses have 3 DoF tracking), voice control, and access to the app store, which has many games (almost all of them are free at the moment).

Connecting Rockid to a computer or a laptop is simple. The computer must have a USB-C port combined with a DisplayPort. The glasses are defined as a second screen.

To connect to the PS5 or XBOX, you need a special HDMI adapter that supports connections from the USB source through which the glasses are powered and HDMI (for the video channel).

You can play on Nintendo Switch with glasses ONLY if you place Switch in the docking station. Switch Light doesn’t connect at all.

I didn't yet try to walk with glasses on the streets. I want to try this function, but it is still the question of safety.

Downsides

• My greatest disillusion is the low resolution of the picture projected from the monitor screen. It is not clear enough for work. I expect to work in Excel, but it is impossible as the text and figures are too small and blurred.
• There is no volume control on the frame, and you need to do it on the phone, which is not convenient.
• The built-in speakers are all right, but you should use third-party headphones for high-quality sound.
• Lack of portability when playing on Nintendo Switch.

But they are great for amblyopia.

But despite all downsides, there is a significant advantage for me personally. I have amblyopia (lazy eye), and Rokid glasses became the first wearables comfortable for my specific condition. Now I can see with both eyes for the first time in my life.

Warning! If you have small kids

Be careful if you have small children or sensitive menage. They can be scared if they see a monster with two burning eyes in the dark at night when all lights are switched off.

I didn't think it looked so scary before I saw this photo of mine. So, be careful and warn the kids before they see you:)

In the dark, I look like a monster with burning eyes and luminous Tab  

Verdict

In general, my impression is positive. I like playing, but googles are not as good as I expected for work. It’s a suitable replacement for a TV. But it is still not a substitute for a monitor. If you agree to spend about $400 on a geek tech gadget, not perfect yet, but want to be among the
pioneers who use wearable displays, then I recommend Rokid.

But still, if we compare Rokid glasses to the Oculus headset at approximately the same price, I consider the Oculus Quest 2 Still-the-Best VR Headset by the end of 2022. It is a more comfortable all-in-one device for watching movies and TV on a giant virtual screen (with the Netflix application installed by default), live concerts, as well as for playing offline VR games and playing games for PC VR.

Now let's move to the camera and video recording glasses from Snapchat and Ray-Ban and an HD wearable virtual display from Vufine.

Camera & Video Recording Glasses

As for the first type, these are glasses with a tiny camera installed in the middle or on the side of the device. Initially, video glasses were engineered as a wired device with a DV recorder. The latter was needed to capture the sound using a microphone. The user carried such a recorder in a unique backpack or a jacket, which was pretty inconvenient. Later, wireless video glasses appeared. The significant benefit here is that no unique backpack is needed while the device is much more portable.

A good example is the Spectacles 2 - Sunglasses for Snapchat that uses a combination of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to import snaps from the camera. First, the spectacles pair to your smartphone or another device via Bluetooth. Then, the snaps are imported over Bluetooth. And after that, an HD version of the snaps is imported through Wi-Fi Direct.

Video recording glasses

What makes sports camera glasses different from other models is enhanced sturdiness, durability, and footage quality. For example, the Spectacles 2 (Nico) — Water Resistant Polarized Camera Glasses can be used in a swimming pool or when it is snowing. With this device, you can capture up to 70 HD videos on a charge. The glasses have built-in 4GB flash storage allowing you to store as many as 150 videos simultaneously. Video Resolution: 1216 x 1216 pixels at 60 fps. 

Or, you can use a more advanced model, the Spectacles 3 — 3D Camera Glasses by Snapchat. It is available in two options — one is designed in a classic black style, and the other has a rich beige color. Both come with top-quality tinted lenses. 

These spectacles feature two high-performance HD action cameras capable of recording 3D videos and photos. The device shoots 1,216 x 1,216-pixel videos at 60fps and offers a resolution of 1728 x 1729 pixels for 3D photos. You can send images on Snapchat and add 3D effects as well as export recordings to share with your friends. There are a variety of export formats to choose from — widescreen, circular, vertical, and more.

In addition to HD cameras, the spectacles have built-in microphones delivering clear and immersive sound. While being a pretty sophisticated device, it is easy to use. A 10-second 3D video recording starts with a push of a button. For a one-minute video, double press the button or hold it to take a 3D photo. The purchase includes the 3D Viewer and a charging case. Note that it takes more than an hour for the device to fully charge.

Another trusted brand is Ray-Ban® Ray-Ban® Stories | Wayfarer Smart Glasses with Photo, Video Recording & Audio. 

They feature 50/53 mm lens width, high-quality video (Up To 1414 x 1414px at 30fps), and memory capacity of 500 Photos or 100 15s Vids_4GB. You can choose shiny brown, blue, olive, or classic black frames.

For those on a budget, we recommend the WiFi Live Streaming Video Sunglasses for under $200. These glasses are designed to stream videos and photos to the user’s smartphone via the Vizen Cam app. Compatible with both iOS and Android phones, the application allows you to download, playback, and delete photos and videos to your smartphone as well as share them with others. You can turn on the WiFi feature by simply clicking on a button.

As for video recording quality, it is inferior to that offered by the Spectacles 3 model but still good. The 1080P UFHD resolution camera records at 30 fps and offers a wide field of vision. Made with 32GB memory, the sunglasses store up to 5 hours of video. The device is charged from a USB cable or a power charger, with the battery lasting for one hour on a full charge. One of the advantages of this item is that it can be fit with prescription lenses or blue-light-blocking lenses. The sunglasses come with impact-resistant brown polarized lenses with UV400 protection, meaning they filter out almost all UV rays.

Video resolution. Note that the video resolution you use for recording directly affects the quality of the finished video. 

HD Wearable Virtual Display

A product that stands out from others on the list is the Vufine VUF-110 Wearable Display. Made with an HD visual display, it is positioned as “the next evolution in wearable displays.”

The 3-mode display attaches to glasses with the help of the included magnetic docking station. To connect to smartphones, cameras, or drones, the Vufine uses an HDMI cable. You can use it at home or on the go, to watch videos or monitor live camera footage. This device is particularly popular with drone enthusiasts as an unsophisticated FPV system.

Budget Video Glasses Under $100

OhO sunshine Waterproof Video Audio Sunglasses are the first IP66 water-resistant video glasses. This product is particularly valuable for sports like surfing or snowboarding. It offers a comfortable sport design, a 70-degree field of view, 1080p video recording, and impact-resistant lenses to protect your eyes.

If you want to shoot a full HD video for TV, we recommend a 1080p model like Camera Video Sunglasses. Ideal for driving, hunting, camping, and other outdoor activities, this device offers full HD 1920x1080p recording. Powered by a Li-ion battery, the camera records up to 1.5 hours of video on a charge and comes with a 32G Micro SD. Once a video is recorded, you insert the 32G card into the card reader and open it on your computer.

A similar 1080p model, the Camera Glasses 1080P HD Outdoor Sports Camera, also supports a 32G card but does not include it. Additionally, you can connect the glasses to your computer’s USB interface and use them as a PC camera as well.

For outdoor sports and motorcycling, you should pick glasses with a more sturdy frame and longer battery life like the Video Camera Sunglasses Eye Glasses from the ISCREM brand. Equipped with an 18-hour battery, these 1080p camera glasses have a higher capacity and can record three continuous hours of video on a charge.

Products with a 5-star rating

Video glasses to watch 3D movies & play immersive video games

If you are looking for video glasses to watch 3D movies or play immersive video games, you should consider the VR headsets & video goggles like Oculus Quest 2 or GOOVIS, which are compatible with PS4 and Xbox.

Video Glasses & Theater Goggles

Video Glasses to Watch Movies and Play Video Games

It’s devilish hard to write something thoughtful about video glasses! It appears as if these devices are quite familiar to us, and the manufacture of such video gadgets is going swimmingly thanks to hi-tech industry giants… But we still lack something!

First, millions of users can hardly distinguish between video glasses, stereo helmets, and augmented reality visors. This terminology confusion turns the discussions in forums into something incomprehensible.    

Second, we can’t say that video glasses are now part of our routine life. Though many geeks are really keen on such devices, all these technologies are still regarded as something exotic, which is why we lack information from buyers and users.  

To put it shortly: this review is devoted to video glasses only, i.e., a compact gadget intended to watch films at home, on a plane, or car, as well as play modest experimental games. Together we will examine the main parameters of up-to-date holographic lenses, their cons, and pros.

WHAT FOR ARE THEY NEEDED?

Before getting acquainted with new technologies in the video sphere, you should first determine how you will use the unusual glasses and how much you are ready to spend on them.

To buy ordinary video glasses is not the reason to overpay. If you are looking for a road gadget to watch films and look through photos in any private area in plane or train, you may save money and pay minimally. If you are searching for high-quality and 100% video immersing, you have to pay much more.

WHAT DOES THE PRICE OF 3D VIEWERS DEPEND ON?

Let’s examine the price range. Drop in any large online market and you will see: today the price of video glasses varies from 75$ to … 3000-4000$ (as a rule, the latter models possess the home cinema functionality). There are even more expensive models, but their price can’t be regarded as reasonable.

For 75 – 400$ the buyer will get an ordinary variant: spectacles with internal memory, SD card slot and minimal complete set. Light and compact models can’t be customized at will and you are certain not to get a high-quality picture.  Nevertheless, they may be an optimal road gadget for many users. We advise buying models with AV interface, e.g.  Av-in and WGA.

From 400$, the ranging burst begins. Here are flat glasses which direct the ready image to the eye retina, more classic small screen glasses, adjustable diopter glasses, and real mini-helmets. Their functionality greatly exceeds that of “road models”.  Among them the following models are especially worthy of mention:

• Home cinema glasses, a real alternative to TV set;
• glasses for gamers with the total in-game effect;
• «remote displays» for different devices which can be useful for IT-specialists, designers, programmers, …and film fans again;
• universal products covering the functions of video glasses, augmented reality visors, etc., and claiming to compete with Google Glasses.

KEY PARAMETERS OF UP-TO-DATE VIDEO GLASSES

Some key parameters are standard for all models, including the cheapest ones, so every potential purchaser should know them. Let’s look closer at them.

1. Virtual screen size. The size of the virtual screen is significant as it is the screen you will have before your curious eyes. By the way, do you know that in the majority of models, the “picture” is transmitted to each eye separately? Commonly, video glasses work with 52, 72, 84 and 98-inch formats. However, some models make you believe you are watching many meters of plasma or even a movie screen.  You indeed appear to see it from a distance of some meters. It is normal. Otherwise, you would cast your eye over the whole screen “body”.  
2. Video screen resolution. We can’t avoid the problem of video screen resolution. The higher the resolution is, the more distinct and smooth the picture is. It is clear, though some producers have already begun to provide their low resolution glasses with image “special” smoothers. The most market models permit 640х480 resolution. It is not very cool, is it? But they have their own purchasers, and even very delighted ones (sometimes you may read their reviews like this “Oh, I simply can’t play at ordinary comp anymore after having tried this thing!») However, at the moment, you may buy video glasses with 1280х720 resolution and even FULLHD format. Among them, there are Avegant Glyph, Epson Moverio BT-200 and others. Warning! The price range strikes not less than the picture quality difference.  
3. Size and autonomy. Both the weight and size of such gadgets are significant, as well as the ability for off-line operation. First, nobody can ignore the comfort! You can hardly like the gadget which can turn you into an old ruin with pain in the neck and the nose bridge rubbed sore for just a couple of hours. Second, the energy blocks of some recent models resemble the backpacks of Ghostbusters! So heavy and big, they will entangle your legs and arms with cables: many video glasses can’t function offline. Even the expensive model Sony HMZ T3 is tightly connected with a power block. This is a great annoyance!
4. Whom the video glasses don’t suit. Finishing our examination of «main parameters», we can’t conceal that some people can’t use any video glasses. The weak vestibular system and poor vision can make you suffer badly when using this gadget. So, check the video glasses for yourself without fail before purchasing them.  Otherwise, you may be greatly disappointed.

HOW TO MATCH THE IDEAL VIDEO GLASSES

Well, everything has become clear about key parameters. Let’s look closely at those important aspects when choosing video glasses. They are as follows:

1. The opportunity to change and select diopters, adjust the focus, and “the distance to the eye”. Not all prospective buyers of video glasses can boast of ideal vision. What to do if you are a myopic or hyperopic film fan? Such models as Vuzix Wrap 920 allow changing diopters. This is very cool! What a nuisance that the focus adjustment for persons with vision disorders is not provided even by such cool gadgets as Sony HMZ-T3. What to say, then, about mass models...

The developers suggest their clients wear … ordinary glasses under video glasses. As for us, we are frightened by such practice: for the simple reason that it is so uncomfortable!

2. Image display technique. There is a main trend and … its recent competitor. Most often, the image  is displayed on small screens hung before your eyes.  Such technology is represented, for example, by the glasses of PROBER firm, it being the most reliable and tried. Much depends on the device quality and the opportunity to adjust the distance between “eye-pieces” and eyes.  

What concerns such devices as Avegant Glyph, here the image is projected on to the eye retina directly – independently for the left and right eye. As a result, “a very bright and distinct picture” occurs. What troubles us about this novelty most of all is its safety for the buyer’s vision.  Till now no such a device has been sold officially!

By the way, there is still one more exception, a Moverio model. The image sources are placed in glasses’ arms, and the picture itself is projected on to special inserts inside lenses – the transparent glasses may be used while walking.  

3. Sound! Here we find difficulty in examining thoroughly. The most of models possess the ordinary jack for headphones and don’t process the sound independently. Still, there are exceptions. Are you a music fan? Do you highly appreciate both visual and sound accompaniment? We know what to offer to you. Thus, Sony T3 glasses may process up to 8 audio channels. Above mentioned Avegant Glyph… are headphones by one half! However, we will represent more detailed information about this device in a separate review.

4. Additional «cool things» are services and functions. Into this column we will note down 3D support and compatibility with particular operating systems, the possibility of picture response to the turn of the head (a rare pleasure) and a multiscreen function.  Some of these points are important only for gamers, and 3D is of no special value, in our opinion. But many buyers pay attention at such “filling” as well. So, we can’t pass it by.

5. Battery. Usually the video glasses of average price category work from 3 to 6 hours without recharging. Exceptions are also known. Thus, Epson Moverio is announcing future models capable to work for 30 hours without recharging!!! Negative exceptions to the rule are represented by the most of “Chinese cheap models”. All of them can hardly endure for 2-3 hours on the home battery. It’s rather bad, especially considering that some films and serials may be watched for hours. The conclusion: it is not worth to save money on the device battery.

LOOKING BACK AT THE PRICE TAGS OF VIDEO GLASSES

In conclusion, let’s look at the price tags of the models mentioned in our text. Some of them have already quitted sale, others haven’t been put on our market yet. So, we will direct our attention to the average prices of world markets.

• TBS 3170 – from 150$
• Karlton 50 inch – about 240$
• Vuzix Wrap 920 – from 240$
• Avegant Glyph – from 500 $
• Еpson moverio bt-200 – about 700$
• Sony HMZ-T3 — about 750$
• Carl Zeiss Cinemizer Oled - from 950$
• Google Glasses – from 1.000$

One should buy the video glasses orienting oneself by the functionality and keeping the price tag in mind. And … discussing them with Gadgets-reviews!