After years of prototypes, TCL’s Wearable Display will finally be available for purchase later this year. The company announced the news during its press conference at this year’s CES.
But rather than a clunky headset, the device comes in the form of sunglasses equipped with dual 1080p displays. When connected to a device via USB-C — such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or 2-in-1 PC — you can do things like watch movies, play video games, and read books.
Regardless of what you’re casting to it, the displays mimic the effect of a 140-inch screen from 4 meters away. Even though you’re tethered to a device, the shades still give you the freedom to see and hear everything around you when needed.
I tried a prototype about two years ago while at IFA in Berlin and remember having the ability to watch a video while still comfortably taking notes on my phone and hearing conversations around me. So, even though it’s an immersive experience, you can still safely wear them during commutes (like trains or flights) without being completely distracted.
Even though these sunglasses aren’t the most fashionable, they’re more discrete than a virtual reality headset. But I do hope to see more variety of styles in the future.
As for exact availability, TCL says the Wearable Display “will be commercially available later this year in select markets” and more details will be available closer to the launch date.