The Evolution of AR Running Eyewear: Exciting Progress, However Still Not Fully Prepared
Title: I Tried Out the ENGO 2 HUD Glasses for Running — An Incomplete Peek Into the Future of Fitness Technology
In the constantly changing realm of fitness technology, augmented reality (AR) is starting to gain momentum. One of the newest advancements aiming to transform the way athletes engage with their performance metrics is the ENGO 2 — a lightweight pair of heads-up display (HUD) smart glasses that project real-time statistics right into your line of sight. I recently evaluated these AR glasses during my runs and hikes, and while the idea is intriguing, the execution still necessitates enhancement.
A Preview of Tomorrow — Without Glancing at Your Wrist
The ENGO 2 glasses are crafted to address a widespread dilemma for runners: how to track performance metrics like pace, heart rate, and elevation without repeatedly checking a smartwatch. By connecting with devices such as the Garmin Fenix 8, the ENGO 2 displays crucial stats in the edge of your vision, enabling you to concentrate on the path ahead.
This hands-free method is particularly advantageous for cyclists, who benefit from keeping their gaze on the road. For runners, however, the practicality is more complex. Many already depend on audio cues to receive updates mid-stride, so the real question is whether a visual HUD provides added value or turns into a distraction.
Design and Comfort: A Lightweight yet Flawed Fit
ENGO evidently prioritized weight and comfort in crafting the ENGO 2. Weighing in at just 36–41 grams, these glasses are lighter than numerous traditional smart glasses, including Meta’s Ray-Bans and rival AR products like the Xreal One. They also feature an outstanding 12-hour battery life, making them ideal for lengthy training sessions or races.
However, the design is not without its shortcomings. The HUD and battery are positioned on the nose bridge, which shifts the weight of the glasses forward. During runs, this resulted in the frames sliding down my nose, disrupting the display and necessitating constant adjustments. Furthermore, the monocular display — designed to prevent obstruction of vision — is small and blurry for those with vision impairments, rendering it difficult to read without diverting focus from the trail.
User Experience: Creative, Yet Unwieldy
The ENGO 2 incorporates motion sensors to enable users to swipe through data fields with a hand wave. Although this is a smart alternative to physical buttons, it often proved unreliable in practice. Frequently, I had to wave multiple times to recognize a command, and lacking a “back” function made navigating the data frustrating.
I experimented with the photochromic lens version, which adjusts to varying lighting conditions. While useful, the absence of a mirrored finish rendered them somewhat awkward, particularly in race scenarios where appearance matters.
Despite these drawbacks, the capability to see real-time stats like elevation gain, heart rate zones, and ascent speed kept me motivated and aware during workouts. It offers a glimpse into a future where performance data is seamlessly integrated into our surroundings — but we aren’t quite there yet.
The Bigger Picture: AR and Smart Glasses for Athletes
The ENGO 2 fits into a larger trend of incorporating AR into fitness wearables. Companies such as Meta, Google, and Samsung are exploring the realm of smart glasses for fitness use. Meta’s forthcoming Hypernova AR glasses, for instance, are rumored to include a monocular display, an enhanced camera, and gesture-based controls. Simultaneously, Samsung’s Project Haean endeavors to deliver lightweight holographic smart glasses that might showcase health and navigation information.
These advancements indicate that AR glasses may soon provide an all-encompassing fitness toolkit: real-time visual stats, audio cues, AI coaching, and even first-person video recording. The challenge lies in balancing functionality with comfort, battery longevity, and unobtrusiveness — all essential for athletes who seek minimal distractions.
Final Thoughts: A Promising Beginning, Yet Not Fully Prepared
The ENGO 2 HUD glasses represent a significant move toward a future where runners and cyclists can access performance data without losing their stride. While the notion is solid and the possibilities are exciting, the current version falls short in critical areas such as comfort, display sharpness, and user interface.
Nevertheless, the ENGO 2 functions as a significant proof of concept. As AR technology evolves and hardware improves, we can anticipate smart glasses that genuinely enhance athletic performance without compromise.
For the time being, runners must assess whether the benefits of a HUD outweigh the dependability and simplicity of a smartwatch. But one thing is evident: the journey toward smarter, more immersive fitness technology is well on its way — and the finish line is nearer than ever.
Image Credits: Michael Hicks / Android Central, ENGO Eyewear
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