Brilliant Labs unveils Halo: World's thinnest AI smart glasses debut

Singapore-based Brilliant Labs has unveiled Halo, a new pair of AI-powered smart glasses that the company positions as potentially the world’s thinnest wearable of its kind. Designed to offer a seamless blend of advanced technology and a familiar aesthetic, Halo introduces capabilities such as memory retention and on-the-go application development.

Weighing approximately 40 grams, Halo aims to feel like a regular pair of eyeglasses. It features a full-color display, advanced sensors, and bone conduction speakers for audio. A central component of the device is its integrated AI assistant, Noa. This open-source AI is engineered for real-time, conversational interactions, capable of processing ambient conversations, identifying objects, and retaining these details. Brilliant Labs states that Noa can provide useful insights even in busy environments and is designed to respond in a human-like manner.

A distinguishing feature of Halo is its unique display module, integrated subtly within the eyeglasses frame to provide visual data alongside audio. This design choice differentiates it from the company's earlier products, such as Monocle and Frame, which were also known for their compact form factors.

Halo incorporates a "narrative system" for memory, functioning as an AI-powered daily journal. Utilizing the glasses' sensors, this system records daily experiences, building a context-aware memory that allows Noa to understand user preferences, routines, and social interactions. Brilliant Labs claims this enables Noa to recall details about individuals or events from minutes or even years ago.

In terms of privacy, Brilliant Labs emphasizes that protection is built into every layer of Halo. The company asserts that Noa converts all data inputs into secure, irreversible mathematical representations, and crucially, does not store any rich media like audio, video, or images. Furthermore, no data is relayed to third parties, ensuring users retain full control over their information.

Another innovative aspect of Halo is its "Vibe Mode," which enables users to create custom AI applications using only voice commands. Users can simply articulate their desired functionality to Noa, and the system reportedly generates an application almost instantly. This feature positions Halo as a developer-friendly smart glass, empowering users to customize their experience without complex coding.

Despite its slim and lightweight design, Halo is stated to offer up to 14 hours of battery life. It is powered by Alif Semiconductor's B1 chip, which is optimized for AI processing and low power consumption. The glasses come equipped with a comprehensive suite of sensors, microphones, cameras, and speakers, and are reported to excel in tasks such as live translation and ambient context recognition.

Currently available for pre-order at $299 in a matte black finish, Brilliant Labs anticipates commencing global shipments of Halo by late November. The company also offers the option for users to purchase prescription lenses for the smart glasses. While Halo is in its pre-release phase, with full SDK and hardware details yet to be publicly revealed, its announced features suggest a focus on integrating AI seamlessly into daily life through a discreet and user-controlled wearable form factor.