Focals, the smart glasses company founded by Thalmic Labs, announced in June 2020 that it was officially shutting down. The company had been in business since 2013 and was known for its groundbreaking smart glasses technology.
Focals were designed to offer a more natural way to access digital information by integrating a heads-up display directly into a pair of fashionable eyeglasses. Focals allowed users to stay connected with notifications, messages, and other important information without having to look down at their phone or other device.
The company had raised more than $120 million in venture capital funding and had even released a second-generation product. However, despite the technological advances and the potential for Focals to be a game-changer in the wearable technology space, the company ultimately failed to attract enough customers and generate enough revenue to sustain its operations.
The main reason behind the failure of Focals was likely due to the high cost of the product. At $999, Focals were far too expensive for most consumers, especially when compared to traditional eyewear which can cost as little as $50. Additionally, there were concerns that wearing such technology would make people look odd or strange.
Furthermore, the technology behind Focals was not yet mature enough to be adopted widely by consumers. The lack of applications available on the platform limited its appeal and prevented it from becoming an essential part of people’s lives.
Ultimately, Focals shut down due to a combination of factors, including high cost, lack of applications, and public perception about wearing such technology. Despite its promise, Focals failed to gain enough traction with consumers and could not generate enough revenue to sustain its operations.
How does Focals by North work
Focals by North, the cutting-edge smart glasses, are designed to help you stay connected and productive in your everyday life. They work by integrating with your smartphone, enabling you to view notifications, access Alexa, and more without ever having to take out your phone.
The Focals glasses are equipped with a wide range of sensors and cameras that allow them to detect motion and understand the environment around you. The glasses feature a built-in display that projects onto a transparent lens right in front of your eye, so you can see notifications, information, and more without having to take out or look at your phone. This makes it easy to stay connected while keeping your hands free for other activities.
The Focals also come with their own unique assistant called Loop. Using voice commands, you can ask Loop to show you directions, search for answers to questions, and more. The glasses also allow you to make and receive calls, control music playback, send messages, and more.
Focals by North come in a variety of styles and sizes so you can find the perfect pair for your face shape. They are also equipped with prescription lenses so you can easily swap out your regular pair for a pair of Focals when needed. The Focals also feature built-in noise cancellation technology so you can easily block out background noise when making or receiving calls.
In addition to their impressive features, the Focals are also incredibly stylish. With their sleek design and modern look, they are sure to turn heads when you walk into a room. Whether you’re looking for a way to stay connected while keeping your hands free or just want a stylish way to make a statement, Focals by North have got you covered.
Can you still buy Focals by North
Yes, you can still buy Focals by North. Focals by North are the world’s first smart glasses that are designed to be stylish and comfortable enough to wear all day. These glasses are packed with features that make them perfect for both work and play.
Focals have a built-in Alexa voice assistant, so you can access all of Alexa’s features with just your voice. You can ask for the weather, set reminders, and control your smart home devices. Focals also have a tiny display that’s only visible to you, so it won’t be distracting when you’re talking to people. This display can show you notifications from your phone, such as incoming calls or messages, as well as navigation directions and even items from your to-do list.
In addition to all the other features, Focals also come with prescription lenses so you don’t need to sacrifice style or vision when wearing them. They come in two frame styles—Classic and Loop—and four colors—black, tortoise shell, navy blue, and white. You can also choose between two lens types—polycarbonate or Trivex—and customize them with prescription lenses if needed.
Focals by North are available online through their website or at select retailers in the US and Canada. Prices range from $599–$899 depending on the frame style and lens type you choose. All frames come with a one-year warranty against manufacturer defects.
So if you’re looking for a pair of stylish smart glasses that will help you stay connected without sacrificing comfort or style, then Focals by North may be the perfect choice for you.
Why were Focals by North discontinued
Focals by North, the world’s first consumer-ready smart glasses, were discontinued in 2020 after a short two-year run. North, the company behind the product, had hoped to revolutionize the wearable tech industry with their innovative, stylish frames. Unfortunately, the ambitious product was not able to gain enough traction in the marketplace, leading to its demise.
The concept of Focals was attractive. The glasses featured a holographic display that could be used to access your phone, check notifications and perform other tasks without having to take out your phone. Additionally, they featured hand-tracking technology that allowed you to control the display with gestures. The glasses looked stylish and were made with high-end materials such as titanium and carbon fiber.
Despite all of these features, Focals failed to capture the public’s imagination or gain enough traction in the marketplace. One of the main problems was their high price tag; at $1000 per pair, Focals were too expensive for most people. Additionally, there were concerns about the privacy implications of wearing such a device since all of your data would be accessible through it.
Another issue was that Focals lacked mainstream appeal; while they may have been attractive to tech enthusiasts and early adopters, they didn’t quite have enough “cool factor” to capture a larger market share. Furthermore, there were questions about how practical they actually were; many people felt that it was easier and faster to just pull out their phones and use them instead of relying on the glasses.
Ultimately, these factors led to Focals by North being discontinued in 2020. While it is unfortunate that the ambitious product did not succeed in changing the wearable tech industry as hoped, North has already moved on to other projects and is still active in the tech space today.