These upcoming smart glasses are adopting one of the worst trends in tech
Source: Android Authority
Joe Maring / Android Authority
TL;DR
- One smart glasses brand plans to charge a subscription fee for its AI features.
- The L’Atitude 52°N Berlin smart glasses will cost $399, but their best features are only free for the first 12 months.
- Kickstarter backers will get lifetime AI access, but post‑launch buyers will face an as‑yet‑unknown recurring charge.
Will 2026 be the year you buy your first pair of smart glasses?
The Berlin glasses go on sale on May 26 for $399 (via Wired), with photochromatic lenses costing an additional $50. After the first year, a subscription is required, though the company has not disclosed the price. Buyers who don’t pay after the first year will be limited to base features such as music playback and media capture.
If the company’s sales pitch is accurate, the AI does a lot of the heavy lifting. L’Atitude 52°N positions these as travel‑friendly glasses, offering an AI tour guide and live translation. However, the value proposition weakens when the clever bits come with a one‑year timer.
Kickstarter backers were promised free lifetime AI access, so they won’t face the extra charge later. Post‑launch buyers may end up subsidizing that lifetime perk, depending on the eventual subscription price.
Specs
- 12 MP camera
- 32 GB of storage
- Open‑ear speakers
- 1080p video recording
While not top‑tier for smart glasses, they’re acceptable for the retail price. Until the long‑term AI cost is known, many potential buyers may hesitate to commit.