Evaluation of Even Realities G2: Intelligent Eyewear with an Authentic Appearance and Sensation

### Even Realities G2 Smart Glasses: An In-Depth Look

Amid the hustle of CES 2025, the Even Realities G1 glasses piqued my interest, combining aesthetics with practicality that I found attractive. Fast forward to the present, Even Realities has launched their G2 glasses alongside the R1 smart ring, aiming to significantly improve the user experience. Here’s everything you should know about these groundbreaking products.

#### Updated Design and Battery Performance

The G2 glasses maintain the stylish look of their predecessor while being lighter, coming in at just 36 grams compared to the 50 grams of the Meta Ray-Bans. The upper part of the lens frame has been subtly flattened, and the user interaction has transitioned from a touch nub to an advanced touch pad control system situated on each temple tip. This upgraded system enables users to swipe, slide, scroll, tap, double-tap, and long-press for UI interaction, all while remaining unobtrusive.

The battery life is outstanding, providing up to two days from a single charge, with the case offering an extra 6-7 charges, allowing users up to two weeks without needing a recharge.

#### Display Technology Insights

The G2 glasses come equipped with a display on each lens that delivers notifications, teleprompter features, live translations, and stock updates. The display employs a green matrix font and has been enhanced with HAO 2.0 (Holistic Adaptive Optics) technology, which sharpens and brightens images, rendering them more lifelike even during motion. The new 3D spatial display organizes information into layers, ensuring a seamless user interface.

#### Smart Functionalities

The G2 glasses operate similarly to an Apple Watch for your eyes, providing discreet notifications without breaking your concentration. Notable features include:

– **Teleprompt**: Upload scripts or notes to view directly on the lenses.
– **Maps**: Navigate without needing to check your mobile device.
– **Conversate**: An AI-driven assistant for real-time conversations.
– **Translate**: Supports 29 languages for immediate communication.
– **QuickList and Dashboard**: Keep tasks and calendar entries in sight.

All processing is handled through the related app on your smartphone, keeping the glasses sleek and lightweight.

#### The R1 Smart Ring

To address the G1’s limitations in intuitive interaction, the R1 ring serves as a remote controller for the G2 glasses. Constructed from zirconia ceramic and stainless steel, it includes a touch-sensitive panel allowing users to swipe and tap. Additionally, the ring monitors wellness metrics and offers a Productivity Score to help maintain balance throughout the day.

#### Concluding Thoughts

The Even Realities G2 glasses mark a considerable improvement over the G1, taking into account user feedback while boosting functionality and retaining an elegant design. They provide a passive wearable experience, enabling users to gain from notifications and tools without active involvement.

#### Pricing & Availability

The Even G2 Smart Glasses and R1 Smart Ring are currently available on the Even Realities website. For a limited period, purchasers can enjoy a 50% discount on the R1 and additional accessories with their G2 purchase. The G2 starts at $599, while the R1 is available for $249, offered in grey, brown, and green.

What do you think about the current landscape of wearables? Have you experimented with smart glasses? Let’s have a conversation!

PowerWash Simulator and Other Titles Debuting on Apple Arcade Next Month

### New Titles Arriving on Apple Arcade on December 4

Apple has revealed an enticing selection of new titles scheduled for release on Apple Arcade on December 4. This reveal features beloved games like **PowerWash Simulator**, **SpongeBob Patty Pursuit 2**, and more, broadening the platform’s eclectic gaming selection.

#### Upcoming Titles

The following games will be available on Apple Arcade:

– **PowerWash Simulator**
– **SpongeBob Patty Pursuit 2**
– **Cult of the Lamb Arcade Edition**
– **Subway Surfers+**
– **NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM+**
– **Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss**

**PowerWash Simulator** stands out as a prominent entry. Originally a hit on other systems, its arrival on Apple Arcade is eagerly awaited by enthusiasts. The game provides a unique and rewarding experience of cleaning various surfaces using a power washer, optimized for mobile play with touch controls and gyroscope functionality.

#### Features of PowerWash Simulator

Apple describes PowerWash Simulator as follows:

> “PowerWash Simulator delivers the gratifying experience of erasing dirt and grime to mobile, available exclusively through Apple Arcade. Enhanced with touch controls and gyroscope functionality, players can wash away their concerns with the calming sounds of high-pressure water. Arcade users will also have access to popular packs and tasks at launch, including the SpongeBob SquarePants special pack and bonus tasks, with more special packs to follow after launch at no extra charge.”

#### Subscription Details

Apple Arcade is offered for **$6.99 per month**, granting access to a diverse range of games across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. All titles on the platform are free of advertisements and do not have in-app purchases. Moreover, Apple Arcade is included in the Apple One bundle, providing additional value to subscribers.

#### Conclusion

With the introduction of these new titles, Apple Arcade continues to enrich its gaming catalog, catering to a wide range of interests and tastes. Whether you enjoy simulation games, action-packed adventures, or nostalgic characters, there’s something for everyone in this upcoming release. Which new title are you most eager to try?

iOS 26.2 Brings Improved Notification Capabilities for iPhone Users

### iOS 26.2: Fresh Features and Notification Upgrades

iOS 26.2 is scheduled for launch next month, introducing several changes and enhancements to Apple’s system applications, along with a prominent new notification feature designed to improve user experience.

#### iPhone Screen Flash for Notifications

The rollout of iOS 26.2 brings an intriguing new function that makes the iPhone screen flash brightly when a notification arrives. This feature complements the existing option that activates the camera flash for notifications, which has proven to be a helpful accessibility tool for those who are hard of hearing.

To utilize this new capability, users can head to the Settings app, then navigate to Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Flash for Alerts. This section will present options to enable both the LED Flash and the new ‘Screen’ flash feature. When the ‘Screen’ flash setting is turned on, the iPhone’s display will illuminate fully for a quick moment upon receiving a notification, providing a clear signal, particularly when the always-on display is inactive.

This feature could be a significant alternative for users who do not possess an Apple Watch and depend on visual notifications for alerts.

#### Additional Significant Features in iOS 26.2

Beyond the new notification functionality, iOS 26.2 brings several improvements across different applications:

– **Reminders**: The app now features ‘Urgent’ alarms, helping users prioritize important tasks more efficiently.
– **Podcasts**: AI-generated chapters have been incorporated, simplifying navigation through episodes for users.
– **Apple News**: The app has seen design updates for a more smooth user experience.
– **Apple Music**: Users can now access offline lyrics, enriching the music listening experience.

These enhancements showcase Apple’s dedication to boosting user accessibility and overall utility within its ecosystem.

As the launch date nears, users are encouraged to investigate these new features and ponder how they may improve their everyday engagement with their devices.

Apple asserts that research indicates the EU has incorrectly assessed the impact of app price reductions.

**Apple’s Resistance to the EU’s Digital Markets Act: A Comprehensive Examination**

Apple’s objection to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) has escalated, especially after its claim in September that the legislation ought to be rescinded. The corporation has expressed worries that the DMA might result in delays concerning new features and hardware for customers in the EU. Lately, Apple has asserted that a study it financed indicates the DMA has not delivered on its promise to cut app prices.

### A Brief Overview of Apple and the DMA

The DMA represents a key piece of antitrust legislation in Europe that designates certain technology firms as “gatekeepers.” These firms hold sufficient market power to potentially hinder competition. Apple was identified as a gatekeeper because of its significant user base and its control over iPhone app sales. Consequently, the company was required to permit the sale of iPhone apps outside its App Store. In response, Apple has enabled the establishment of alternative app stores and has proposed adjusted terms for developers which could potentially lower commissions.

### Apple Refutes Claims of Reduced App Prices

The EU suggested that the launch of competing app stores would result in lower commissions, thus leading to decreased app prices for users. However, a study carried out by The Analysis Group, funded by Apple, uncovered limited evidence supporting this assertion. The study examined the impact of three significant developments that lowered commissions for app developers:

1. The introduction of third-party app stores with diminished commissions.
2. Altered terms provided by Apple to EU developers, reducing commissions from 30% to 17% for larger developers and from 15% to 10% for smaller firms.
3. The prior adoption of the Small Business Program, which cut commissions in half for smaller developers.

According to Apple, if the EU’s claims were valid, a noticeable decrease in app prices would be anticipated. Nevertheless, the study indicated that around 90% of developers did not reduce their app prices at all, and among those who did, the average reduction was only 2.5%.

Apple remarked, “The DMA has not met its promises, resulting in diminished security, reduced privacy, and a poorer experience for consumers throughout Europe. This study offers further proof that the DMA is not advantageous to consumers in terms of lower prices. Simultaneously, we recognize that the regulation is establishing new obstacles for innovators and startups while exposing consumers to additional risks.”

The company highlighted that the majority of developers do not incur commissions as they opt for ad-supported free apps and pointed out that over 90% of the $1.3 trillion generated by the App Store is directed to developers.

### 9to5Mac’s Perspective

A fundamental premise of antitrust legislation is that heightened competition benefits consumers, either through lower prices or improved product quality as companies retain more revenue. The study financed by Apple implies that the price reductions attributed to the DMA are minimal. While the credibility of The Analysis Group enhances the findings, it is also recognized that developers may opt to preserve savings to reinvest in app upgrades, indirectly benefiting consumers.

Apple has previously contended that the altered commission structure would allow small developers to invest more in their businesses, thus improving the overall quality of offerings within the App Store ecosystem.

### Conclusion

Apple’s resistance to the DMA underscores the intricacies of regulating digital markets and the difficulties in balancing competition with innovation. As the discussion progresses, the ramifications of the DMA on app pricing and developer relations remain a crucial issue for both Apple and the larger tech sector.