Betabot: Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references

2026-01-07T22:12:48Z

Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references

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{{Device Infobox
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Type = [[Smart glasses]]
|Subtype = Consumer smart glasses (lifestyle)
|Platform = iOS, Android
|Creator = [[North]] (acquired by [[Google]])
|Announced = October 2018
|Release = 2019
|Price = $599 (reduced from $999)
|Website = https://www.bynorth.com (discontinued)
|OS = Proprietary
|CPU = Qualcomm APQ8009w (quad Cortex-A7 @ 1.09 GHz)
|GPU = Adreno 304
|Storage =
|RAM =
|Display = Holographic projection
|Resolution =
|Refresh =
|Brightness =
|FOV = Small (notification-sized)
|PPD =
|Lenses = Holographic element in lens
|IPD =
|Eye Tracking =
|Hand Tracking =
|Tracking =
|Spatial Mapping =
|Speakers = Built-in
|Microphone = Yes
|Audio Jack =
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
|Ports =
|Battery = 18 hours (+ 3 charges via case)
|Weight = Lightweight (glasses-like)
|Materials = Fashion-forward design
|Colors = Black, Tortoiseshell, Grey Fade
|Sensors =
|Input = Loop ring controller, voice (Alexa)
}}

The '''North Focals''' are lifestyle-focused [[smart glasses]] developed by [[North]] (formerly Thalmic Labs), released in 2019 at $599 (reduced from $999 launch price). Unlike most AR devices, Focals prioritized fashion over technology visibility, using a tiny projector and holographic film element in the right lens to display notifications discreetly. Controlled via the Loop ring joystick and featuring Amazon Alexa integration, Focals offered phone notifications, Spotify control, Uber, maps, and weather in a design that looked like regular prescription glasses. North was acquired by Google in June 2020, and the Focals product line was discontinued, with the technology believed to be integrated into future Google AR projects.<ref name="north">{{cite web|url=https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/north-focals-smart-glasses-ar,5968.html|title=North Focals Review|publisher=Tom's Hardware}}</ref>

== History and Development ==

=== Thalmic Labs Origins ===
Company previously known for Myo gesture armband.

=== October 2018 Announcement ===
Revealed as fashion-first smart glasses.

=== 2019 Release ===
Required in-person fitting at showrooms.

=== June 2020 Google Acquisition ===
North acquired by Google; Focals discontinued.

== Design Philosophy ==

=== Fashion-First Approach ===
* Designed to look like regular glasses
* No visible electronics on front
* Stealth technology integration

=== No Camera ===
* Intentionally omitted camera
* Avoided privacy concerns (unlike Google Glass)
* Focus on "glanceable" information

== Display Technology ==

=== Holographic Projection ===
* Tiny projector in right temple
* 2-micron precision light scanning
* Holographic photopolymer film in lens
* Light reflects pixel-by-pixel to eye

=== Visual Experience ===
* Image appears in front of right eye
* Small, notification-sized display
* Unobtrusive for quick glances

== Processor ==

=== Qualcomm APQ8009w ===
* Quad-core ARM Cortex-A7
* Clock Speed: Up to 1.09 GHz
* GPU: Adreno 304
* Optimized for wearables

=== Connectivity ===
* Built-in Bluetooth
* Built-in Wi-Fi

== Loop Controller ==

=== Ring Input Device ===
* 5-way joystick
* Discreet control method
* Available in 10 sizes (6-15)
* IP66 water resistant

=== Controls ===
* Navigate menus
* Select options
* Scroll through content

== Battery ==

=== Glasses ===
18 hours on single charge.

=== Charging Case ===
* Provides 3 additional charges
* Full day of regular use

== Features ==

=== Phone Integration ===
* Notifications from iPhone and Android
* SMS response (preset replies)
* App alerts

=== Amazon Alexa ===
* Built-in voice assistant
* Weather, timers, questions
* Smart home control

=== Applications ===
* Spotify control
* Uber ride status
* Google Fit integration
* Map directions
* Sports scores
* Flight information
* Games

=== Driving Safety ===
Automatic feature disable when driving detected.

== Styles and Options ==

=== Frame Styles ===
* Classic
* Round

=== Colors ===
* Black
* Tortoiseshell
* Grey Fade

=== Prescription Support ===
* Range: -4.00 to +2.00 diopters
* Custom fitting required
* Non-prescription option available

== Custom Fitting ==

=== In-Person Requirement ===
* Showroom fitting necessary
* 3D face scanning
* Custom lens alignment
* Initial limitation to Brooklyn and Toronto

== Durability ==

=== IP55 Rating ===
* Dust resistant
* Splash resistant
* Water nozzle protection

== Specifications ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || Holographic projection (right eye)
|-
| CPU || Snapdragon APQ8009w
|-
| Voice || Amazon Alexa
|-
| Control || Loop ring (5-way joystick)
|-
| Battery || 18 hours (+3 case charges)
|-
| Water Resistance || IP55
|-
| Prescription || -4.00 to +2.00
|-
| Styles || Classic, Round
|-
| Colors || 3 options
|-
| Price || $599 (launched at $999)
|-
| Status || '''Discontinued (2020)'''
|}

== Google Acquisition ==

=== June 2020 ===
North acquired by Google for reported $180 million.

=== Technology Integration ===
Focals technology expected to influence future Google AR products.

=== Product End ===
Focals sales and support discontinued.

== See Also ==
* [[North]]
* [[Google Glass]]
* [[Smart glasses]]
* [[Consumer AR]]
* [[Amazon Alexa]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Smart glasses]]
[[Category:Consumer AR]]
[[Category:North]]
[[Category:Google]]
[[Category:Discontinued devices]]
[[Category:Fashion technology]]
[[Category:2010s AR]]

North Focals - Revision history

Betabot: Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references