Inmo Air 3 AR Glasses Fall Short in Design and Functionality
The launch of the Inmo Air 3, a pair of augmented reality (AR) smart glasses priced at $900, has raised considerable eyebrows in the tech community. Despite promising features like a full-color 1080p display and a unique smart ring for user navigation, initial user experiences reveal significant design and functional shortcomings.
Inmo, a Chinese company, introduced the Inmo Air 3 through a Kickstarter campaign, aiming to provide a new way to experience augmented reality. The glasses feature a range of accessories, including a touch-sensitive control ring and a magnetic charging cable. However, the excitement surrounding the product has been tempered by practical issues that surfaced almost immediately upon use.
Initial Impressions and Design Flaws
Upon unboxing the Inmo Air 3, users may be impressed by the packaging and the variety of included accessories. However, the first challenge arises when wearing the glasses. Many users, including tech reviewers, reported difficulty seeing the display due to the placement and fit of the glasses on their faces. This issue is particularly pronounced for individuals with unique facial features, such as a prominent nose.
One reviewer noted that to see the full display, they had to adjust the glasses in an uncomfortable manner, leading to physical discomfort. The glasses do not offer any adjustment options for the screen’s position, forcing users to compromise on comfort and visibility. This design oversight significantly detracts from the overall user experience.
The initial testing phase also revealed issues with the smart ring, designed to control the glasses’ interface. Users experienced latency and imprecision when navigating, leading to frustration. One reviewer described the experience as “a nightmare,” emphasizing that novel hardware can often be more challenging to execute than anticipated.
Performance and Usability Concerns
Once users managed to navigate through the setup process, which involved entering Wi-Fi credentials manually via the glasses’ interface, they could access apps from the Google Play Store. The display quality was noted as the standout feature, providing a sharp image for viewing content. Nonetheless, the brightness level, topping out at 600 nits, proved insufficient for outdoor use, diminishing the overall experience in bright environments.
Moreover, the physical appearance of the Inmo Air 3 has drawn criticism. The glasses have a bulky design that may not appeal to all users. Even those who do not have small heads find the frames conspicuous, possibly leading to unwanted attention in public settings.
Battery life remains another significant drawback, with estimates suggesting 1.5 to 2 hours of continuous use. This limitation restricts the glasses’ utility, particularly for users who might want to utilize them for longer sessions.
Despite the potential for features like multi-window viewing and cloud gaming, the technical issues encountered during testing prevented a comprehensive evaluation of these capabilities. The Inmo Air 3’s intended use as an everyday device feels hindered by its cumbersome design and functional limitations.
In summary, while the Inmo Air 3 presents an interesting concept in the realm of AR smart glasses, the execution appears lacking. Retailing at $900 as an early bird price, with a projected standard price of $1,100, many potential users may be left questioning the value of such a product. For those interested in augmented reality, the Inmo Air 3 serves as a reminder of the challenges that often accompany innovative technology.
