← Reviews and readings

Hands-on review

Even G2 & R1: one week in

My verdict first: the Even G2, a ¥100,000 pair of smart glasses, scores 120 out of 100.

Naoki ·

First published:note · This article and photos are reprinted from note.

Article cover

AI-assisted English translation of the author’s Japanese article. Product screenshots and embedded source material are reproduced in their original language. Read the Japanese original.

In conclusion, these 100,000 yen smart glasses, Even G2, are120 pointsindeed.

However, with conditions.

About this article

In November 2025, before the release of Even G2, I wrote an article called "To those who are hesitant to buy Even G2". It was an article that asserted "buy it" even before I had it in my hands.

It's been a week since I actually purchased it.The answer to the purchase made with confidence in specs and philosophyLet's get started.

For those who read the previous article, this is an answer to "So, what actually happened with that story?" For those reading this article for the first time, this is a review of the actual Even G2 smart glasses, "So, what's the Even G2 like, anyway?" I'll make this article compatible with both.

The one in the back is the Even G2, and the one in the front is the Even G1
The one in the back is the Even G2, and the one in the front is the Even G1

What is Even G2 in the first place

If you already know, please skip ahead.

Even G2&R1 1-week review photo 2

Even G2 is asmart glasses with a displaydeveloped by Even Realities. It looks like ordinary glasses, but a MicroLED display is embedded in the lens, andinformation floats in your field of vision in real-time. The image on the official website is as follows, but it's no exaggeration - this is the actual reality.

Notifications, navigation, translation, AI assistant. You can do everything without taking out your smartphone, right in front of your eyes.

There is no camera. There is no speaker. As a result of CEO Will Wang (formerly of the Apple Watch development team) prioritizing "being able to wear it for more than 8 hours a day"it's a design that specializes in vision, with a focus on subtractionI've arrived at this point. Heavy and multi-functional devices are a waste of drawer space.

I sympathize with that idea. Recently, smart glasses have been too focused on romance, with many models having cameras, full-color displays, and lasting only 8 hours. I'm impressed by the concept of this product, which has identified the essential value and subtracted the rest.

I've been using the previous model, Even G1, every day. The G2 is its rightful evolution. The price is 99,800 yen. This time, a dedicated smart ring Even R1 (41,800 yen) was also released at the same time.

Conclusion after using it for 1 week

If you're a glasses user, buy it. This conclusion hasn't changed since last time. In fact, I'm even more convinced.

Currently, the most practical smart glasses are the Even G2.

The G1 was revolutionary, but honestly, it felt like it barely passed. The G2 is addressing each of those dissatisfactions one by one. I can no longer go back to the G1.

However, the story is different for people who don't wear glasses. I'll discuss that later.

Answer check 1: "Can't distinguish it from ordinary glasses"

My previous self:

The temple thickness has decreased by 53%. The G2 is now at a level where it's almost indistinguishable from ordinary glasses. The noise of "wearing a device" has completely disappeared.

Verdict: Correct. Rather, it's clearly better than the G1.

Even G2&R1 1-week review photo 3

The rim has become thinner. This isn't just about appearance. The side pressure has weakened, and the wearing experience has clearly become more comfortable. Even with the G1, I wrote that "no one would notice," but the G2 takes it to the next level.

Not only has the noise of "wearing a device" disappeared, but the comfort as glasses has also increased. I wrote last time that "this improvement will surely get me used to it," and I've been completely won over. I can no longer go back to the G1.

The nominal weight is approximately 36g (frame only), but I measured it with the same prescription lenses inserted.

Weight (including prescription lenses) Even G1: 47.3g, Even G2: 45.7g
Weight (including prescription lenses) Even G1: 47.3g, Even G2: 45.7g

The difference is about 1.6g. Just looking at the numbers, it might seem like a margin of error. But this is a matter of glasses. The difference in something you wear on your face from morning to night is different from the difference in a smartphone you hold in your hand.

Moreover, the G2 feels even lighter than the numbers suggest due to the 53% decrease in temple thickness. The reduced side pressure has made the sensation of "wearing it on my face" thinner. In fact, even after wearing it for over 10 hours a day, I don't feel any discomfort. There's hardly any stress from the usual glasses-related issues like nose pad marks or temple pain. It's as comfortable as, or even more comfortable than, ordinary glasses. The G1 had some people complaining about the side pressure and weight, but it's become much more comfortable.

The shape isPantos typeandSquare typeof two types. The colors are grey, brown, and green, totaling three colors. Ichose the square type in grey.

The materials are a magnesium alloy frame and full titanium temples. The temple thickness has been reduced by 53% compared to the G1. When I first picked it up, I exclaimed, "It's so thin!"

The fact that it contains a touch sensor and battery with this thinness makes me feel the engineers' dedication.

Answer key ②: Completely free from invisible stress

My previous self:

The display area has been expanded by 75%. The brightness has also increased, and I should be completely free from the stress of "not being able to see", making it possible to be "always connected" in the true sense.

Verdict: almost correct. However, saying "completely" was an exaggeration.

The fact that the display range has become nearly twice as large isrevolutionary. This may not sink in just by hearing the numbers, but when you actually see it, it's a whole different world. The information that was only "glanced at" on the G1 becomes "part of the field of vision" on the G2. This difference is huge.

Even G2&R1 1-week review photo 5

When I took a close-up shot of the actual projection, it looks like this. When it's visible, it's as large as the official image. It's never small and invisible.

Even G2&R1 1-week review photo 6

The vertical resolution has been expanded from 200 to 350, which has greatly increased the amount of translation text and notifications that can be displayed on a single screen. The display on the G1 was like a small window for glancing at notifications, but the G2 gives the feeling that there is an information layer in your field of vision. I will compare the display areas for teleprompters later.

The refresh rate of 60Hz is also a big improvement. The scrolling of text has become smoother, and eye fatigue has decreased. The G1 had a stuttering feel like a flip-book, but the G2 flows naturally. For monochrome displays, 60Hz is more than sufficient. After all, I'm not watching movies or playing games here.

The brightness of 1,200 nit is more than sufficient for indoor use. The Japanese font is also natural, and there is no problem with Chinese fonts, which is often the case with overseas smart glasses, such as the mixing of Ming fonts. It can be read without any discomfort.

However, in sunny outdoor conditions, a sunglasses clip is still desirable. While the brightness has increased and the screen range has become wider, making it easier to view, having a clip would be more comfortable in direct sunlight.

Even G2 with G1 Sunglass Clip
Even G2 with G1 Sunglass Clip

The G1 clip can be used barely, but it doesn't fit perfectly, so if you're particular, it's better to buy a G2-specific clip.

However, it's currently winter, and the opportunity to use a sunglasses clip is limited. The evaluation may change in the summer, but at least it's improved. What I said last time, 'completely liberated,' was an overstatement, but the direction was correct.

Answer key ③: Expansion of intelligence

My previous self:

Conversation support function. Specialized terms and personal names are supplemented with AI-powered displays. This is no longer just a 'cue card,' but an 'expansion of intelligence.' Those awkward times when I pretended to know something and searched for it on my smartphone are now a thing of the past.

Evaluation: The direction is correct, and the accuracy has improved slightly from the G1.

I've used the translation function extensively, including YouTube English videos, overseas news, and podcasts, in multiple scenarios.

Live translation  

X to view the original post ↗

The accuracy seems to have improved slightly from G1. It's not dramatic, but it's steadily getting better. The fact that the display area has expanded makes it easier to read the translation text, which is a big plus. Previously, subtitles were crammed into a small window, but now they are displayed with plenty of room.

Conversation Support

X to view the original post ↗

It's a pretty interesting feature that displays the transcription of the conversation and summarizes it. If there are technical terms, it extracts the keywords from the context and explains them. I can also review the transcription later and get a summary. The accuracy is surprisingly high, and it accurately transcribes and explains this presentation's unique model, Zenz.

Even G2&R1 1-week review photo 8

In meetings, when someone says something like 'I've been talking about this for a while, but to be honest, I forgot what it means,' it can subtly assist me. It also explains difficult technical terms, making it a pretty convenient feature.

Saying it's an 'expansion of intelligence' might be an exaggeration at this point, but this conversation support feature is certainly interesting and gives me a sense of the future. If the translation gets even stronger, I think we can really call it an 'expansion of intelligence.' For now, it feels like I'm standing at the entrance to that future.

Answer key ④: Operating in the digital world without being noticed by others

My previous self:

With the ring, I can just tap or swipe casually with my hand. I can even do it with my hand in my pocket or my arms crossed. It's the feeling of operating in the digital world without others noticing.

Score: 120 points. I was more reserved last time.

Even R1 is seriously good.

I wrote about the problems with G1's temple touch operation in my previous article. Touching the smart glasses during a conversation is suspicious. In the summer, the sweat makes the response bad. As a countermeasure, I even cut my hair short.

R1 has solved all of that, especially the operation while moving is the best. I can operate it easily while walking, on the train, or with my hands. The feeling of being freed from the action of reaching out to the glasses' temple is a pleasure that only those who have used it can understand.

Also, I feel that the touch sensor of the G2 itself has improved its detection performance. In other words, even without R1, it is easier to operate than G1, but with R1, it becomes an even higher level of experience.

Even R1 specs

Material: Zirconia ceramic + stainless steel Weight: actual measurement 6.0g Waterproof: IP68 (50m / 30min) Battery: up to approximately 4 days Size: US 6-15 (10 sizes) Measurement items: heart rate, step count, calories, sleep stage, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, SpO₂, skin temperature

Price: 41,800 yen (approximately 20,900 yen when purchasing as a set)

I chose size 9. 6.0g is a bit heavy as a ring, but it doesn't make my finger tired when wearing it.

Even G2&R1 1-week review photo 9

To be honest, the wearing feeling is a bit bulky. It has a presence that is different from a normal ring. However, in exchange for the improvement in operability, it is within a tolerable range. It's like the Oura Ring, so it's not a level that I'm concerned about, but if I wear it for business, I might think "this guy is wearing a fitness tracker ring". The texture of zirconia ceramic is not bad, and it doesn't feel cheap.

Even G2&R1 1-week review photo 10

The healthcare function (heart rate, step count, sleep tracking) was something I wrote about last time as "just an extra feature". In reality, the accuracy is generally rough. If you expect the accuracy of Apple Watch, you will be disappointed. However, being able to know the "reference value" is normally convenient. My previous evaluation of it being "just an extra feature" was, in a good way, still accurate.

Even G2&R1 1-week review photo 11

The battery life is officially 4 days. In reality, I haven't had it run out during the 1-week usage period, so I'm not sure exactly, but I feel it can easily last 2-3 days. If you use it with the G2 body and charge it in the case, you don't have to worry about the battery.

Answer key ⑤: Evolution of software (what I didn't write last time)

In my previous article, I focused on the hardware and the CEO's philosophy, but what surprised me the most after using it for a week wasthe evolution of the softwareindeed.

G2 requires a new app. Visually, it looks similar to the G1 app, but the feel is quite different.

  • I feel like the touch sensor's response accuracy has improved. Although I'm not really sure, it doesn't matter since I have the R1.

  • The app's design has been improved

  • The dashboard can be customized to some extent

  • The setting for the display position's depth is graphical and easy to understand

In particular, customizing the dashboard and adjusting the display position allows me to get used to my smart glasses faster.

Even G2&R1 1-week review photo 12

The G1 had a feel of 'using it as is out of the box', but the G2 has room for adjustment to my liking. The software level has slightly improved. Also, with the expansion of the display area, operations such as hierarchical structures and menus have become possible. I can feel progress in the operation, which is similar to the Apple Watch's app list, although it's only around the level of the first-generation Apple Watch.

Notification: Main function for daily use

In my previous article, I focused on translation and navigation, but after using it for a weekThe function I use the most is notificationsindeed.

Notifications from LINE, email, and various apps appear in my field of vision. I don't need to take my smartphone out of my pocket. Even during meetings or while walking, I can judge whether I should respond immediately or ignore it just by moving my gaze.

You might think, 'But you can't reply, right?' That's right, I can't. It's only for checking notifications.

But I want to askHow many of you check notifications on your Apple Watch and then reply on your Apple Watch? But I don't think that's the case. That's the point. The essence of notifications is not about "replying" but about "selecting and prioritizing". It's enough to be able to know about emergency situations immediately and decide whether to respond right away.

Navigation: Mini-map feeling like a game

The navigation has evolved from G1. It's equipped with a geomagnetic sensor, andthe map rotates in sync with the direction of my head. This is fun. It feels like the mini-map in a game is floating right in front of me.

Even G2&R1 1-week review photo 13

Thanks to the wider display range, it's also become easier to grasp the overall route. Pedestrian navigation is easy to understand, andit's quite good for cyclists. I can see the route in front of me without having to mount my smartphone on the handlebars.

Since there are parts related to personal information such as location information, it becomes a screenshot of the official website, but it actually looks like this

Even G2&R1 1-week review photo 14

I can also view large maps, which is convenient. I tried using it while moving around on Luup's bicycle, and with this, I can move around without looking at Google Maps at all

However, it's not yet optimized for use in Japan. What Japanese people want to see most in navigation is train transfers. It would be great if I could see "which line and what time I should take next" in my field of vision, but that's not possible. I hope this can be improved.

Although it can provide pseudo-navigation by sending transfer guidance notifications, I expect official support.

Even AI: Convenience of being able to hear with voice

Even AI is a voice assistant. When you talk to the smart glasses, AI displays the answer in your field of vision.

Even G2&R1 1-week review photo 15

Honestly, when asked if I use it every day, it's not that much. I use it occasionally. However, it's definitely convenient to be able to search hands-free. When my hands are full or it's a hassle to take out my smartphone, I can use it with a sense of just asking. Even AI's performance still has room for growth, but I can choose Perplexity as the AI provider in the app settings, so I think the quality of the answers is better.

I use the default Even AI to check the weather before leaving home. As Alexa, it's more than enough. The history of what I've asked is also saved, so I can look back on it later.

Since it doesn't have a speaker, the answers are displayed as text in the field of vision. This is convenient in situations where I shouldn't make noise, such as on a train.

Teleprompter: I feel the possibility even though I've only tried it to some extent

In the previous article, I wrote that it would be useful for people who frequently give presentations or lectures.

Even G2&R1 1-week review photo 16

Honestly, I've only tried it for about a week, and I haven't actually used it in a real situation. However, with the increased display area, I can now read while seeing the context. It's also reassuring that I can send text from my smart glasses with the R1. Previously, I had to touch the temple to turn the page, which often resulted in misoperations, but with the R1, I don't have to worry about that. This function will likely be more useful when I have my next presentation opportunity.

The display range has increased by about one line, I think. The black one is the G1 display, and the white one is the G2 display. The area that is not grayed out is the range that can be seen with the smart glasses.

Points that are a shame

Although I've been praising it so far, there is a point that I clearly think is regrettable.

It cannot be linked with external apps.

I want to display Todoist tasks, view Notion memos, directly link with Google Maps, and stream Kindle text. However, the current Even G2 is a closed ecosystem, and only Even's genuine functions can be used.

This is regrettable.Seriously, the potential is high. The interesting elements are already in place. The hardware has a high level of completion. It's up to the openness of the software from now on, and it can become a monstrous device.

Even G2&R1 1-week review photo 17

Even Realities has already released the SDK"Even Hub" (there is also a repository on GitHub). If this matures, the situation will likely change dramatically. Currently, they are recruiting early developers, so it might be good to apply (I did)

One thing I think is that even if smartphones become popular, there are people who use the minimum required feature phone after cutting out the rest. Similarly, even if smart glasses develop to a ridiculous extent, there will be people who want the minimum required features. The current functions provided by Even G2 are necessary and sufficient as that "minimum required". If third-party expandability is added to this, it will be perfect.

Unstable connection.

This has been happening since the Even G1 era, but the connection often drops. In reality, the instability often ruins the experience. In the demo of the translation I showed earlier, the connection drop display appeared frequently. However, in the case of the video I showed earlier, it didn't interrupt in the middle, so there's a high possibility that it's a false detection of connection failure

Also, there are points where you can get stuck during the initial setup. Sometimes, the R1 can't be paired properly at first. I also got stuck during the setup

X to view the original post ↗

Resetting didn't work, but after canceling the device, releasing the Bluetooth connection, and then re-registering the device, it started working. If the Even R1 can't be used, the usability of the Even G2 will be halved. I was worried.

People who are suitable and not suitable (updated version)

I wrote this last time.

Not suitable for people: those without glasses. It's cheaper and more functional to buy an Apple Watch.

Judgment: basically unchanged, but supplements are now necessary.

After using it for a week, what became clear is,the experience with Even G2 differs greatly depending on whether you're a glasses user or notthat's what it is.

If a glasses user uses G2: 120 points.

The glasses you wear every day become a smart device as is. You can take off your Apple Watch from your wrist. Notifications, navigation, and translation are all done just by moving your line of sight. This is beyond just being convenient, it's on the level of I couldn't go back to how it was before. If I were to compare it to Apple Watch and Even G2 & R1 without considering the cost, glasses users can confidently use it as an alternative.

If someone without glasses uses G2: 60 points.

It's certainly convenient and fun, with a unique feel to it. However, for someone who doesn't normally wear glasses, being required to wear them all the time is honestly tough. As for whether it provides functions that Apple Watch can't, with the highest quality, it's not quite there yet.

However, if the conversation support and translation functions are further enhanced, this evaluation will change. There's definitely potential for it to provide value that Apple Watch can't. People without glasses can wait a little longer.

Differences from other smart glasses

Products with the name 'smart glasses' have been increasing, but in reality, they're all just shaped like glasses, with completely different origins. As I wrote in the G1 review last time, this isConvergent evolutionis similar to how birds and bats both have wings, but the direction they are heading is fundamentally different, even if their shapes are similar.


Even G2&R1 1-week review photo 18

It's easiest to understand when thinking about the sales floor of Yodobashi Camera.

Ray-Ban Meta, Xiaomi smart glasses → Camera corner These are 'glasses that can take pictures' with a camera and speaker, but no display, so no information floats in your field of vision. Essentially, they are wearable cameras with earphones attached to a glasses frame, and are in a completely different category from Even G2. You wouldn't hesitate between buying a camera or a watch, would you? That's what I mean.

Xreal Air, Viture One → Monitor corner These are 'portable external monitors' that you can use to watch movies or as a display for work. They're convenient, but not devices you wear all the time. No one wears Xreal all day, every day. You only put them on when you need to work. That's what monitors are for, after all.

Even G2 → Smartwatch corner Even G2 is like a 'glasses-type Apple Watch'. It's specialized in displaying information in your field of vision, and has abandoned cameras and speakers. That's why it's 36g and can be worn all day. On the other hand, if you don't wear it all the time, it's pointless. This 'subtraction' is Even G2's greatest strength and what sets it apart from other smart glasses.

And for glasses users,the number of devices is the number of shacklesis true. Two devices, glasses and an Apple Watch, become one Even G2. The number of shackles decreases. This is also the biggest reason why I can confidently say that glasses users should buy it. Moreover, when considering the R1 as well, I feel that the experience of Even G2 + R1 is better than glasses + Apple Watch.

Battery: Enough for a full day, 7 times with the case

The battery of the G2 main unit issaid to last for about 2 daysit is said to last.

In actual use, a full day is no problemat all. From morning to night, I've never worried about the remaining charge. Even on days when I used translation a lot, I've never felt anxious about the battery when I got home.

Charging isas simple as putting it in the dedicated case. If you put it in the case when you sleep, it will be fully charged by morning. The case can charge the smart glasses up to 7 times, so the frequency of charging the case itself is also low.

Even G2&R1 1-week review photo 19

Compared to the G1 case, the G2 case has less play, meaning it doesn't rattle and can be set precisely. It may take a little time to set it, but you get used to it. Besides, you only touch it in the morning and evening.

Water resistance: IP65

IP65. While it's not "waterproof", it can be used normally on rainy days. Since I use smart glasses in my daily life, this water resistance is quietly appreciated.

Setup: To be honest, it wasn't straightforward

The basic flow of downloading the app and pairing it via Bluetooth is simple. However, Firmware update is forced immediately after pairing is completedThis was a bit of a hassle.

In my case, the update failed halfway through, and the pairing also died. I repeated the process of deleting the Bluetooth device, re-pairing, and re-updating several times, and finally got it to work.

During the update, change the setting so that the smartphone screen does not turn off. If it goes to sleep and the communication is cut off, the update may fail.

Once the setup is complete, it's comfortable to use every day. However, this initial hurdle may cause people who are not used to gadgets to give up. I expect Even Realities to improve this.

Purchase guide

Price

Even G2&R1 1-week review photo 20

If you're going to buy the R1Buying it as a set is overwhelmingly cheaperThe ring, which costs 41,800 yen individually, costs around 20,900 yen when purchased as a set.

Prescription lenses

Even G2&R1 1-week review photo 21

The Even G2 supports prescription lenses, from -12.00 to +12.00, for single-focus lenses for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. If you have a prescription, you can order it immediately by just entering the numbers.

I chose the thin Enhanced Slim ($229). The total cost is around 135,000 yen, with the main unit costing 99,800 yen and the lens costing around 35,000 yen. There were comments in the previous comment section saying that the prescription lens is expensive, and I understand why.

Where to buy?

Online (Even Realities official website) andJUN GINZA (a physical store in Tokyo's Ginza) is where you can buy them.

I bought them online immediately. As a G1 user, I was familiar with the size, and I wanted to buy them as soon as they were announced.

However, for those buying smart glasses for the first time, or who want to try them on with their prescription I strongly recommend visiting JUN GINZA. You can try on the actual product, have your eyes checked, and consult with specialized staff. Considering that we had to buy from overseas sites in dollars during the G1 era, this is a significant improvement.

According to Will Wang, CEO of Even Realities,JUN GINZA is the best-selling store in the world apparently.

Orders have exceeded expectations, and production capacity has been expanded threefold

it seems. This is likely because Japanese glasses users were quick to recognize the value of this product. Note that the delivery schedule at JUN GINZA is scheduled for mid-February to early April 2026 (in order of reservation).

Even G2 was also selected at CES 2026 Best in Show and has received high praise from the industry.

Conclusion

I wrote last time that it's 'equipment for humans to move on to the next stage'.

Now, after using it for a week, I can add120 pointsa seal of approval to those words. For glasses users, at least.

The Even G1 was still rough around the edges. While it was revolutionary, I also had a sense of 'just barely passing'. The G2 has been addressing those dissatisfactions one by one: the thinness of the rim, the display range, the touch sensor, the software, and the new companion R1.

To be honest,Currently, the most practical smart glasses are the Even G2. I can say this with confidence.

Last time, I wrote that 'even though it's not in my hands yet, I can be confident just by looking at the specs and philosophy'. That confidence was correct.

I can no longer go back to the G1. I can no longer go back to a life without G2 & R1.

For those who read my review last time and bought it, the result of the answer check is 'correct'I do. I want those who are still worried to read the previous article again. Almost everything I wrote in that article was correct.

Article


Naoki

I'm transmitting the actual experience and usage of smart glasses.

About the author and this site →