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Solos launches AirGo A6 smart glasses at 19 grams, ditching cameras for voice AI

The Verge AI3h ago6 min read
Solos launches AirGo A6 smart glasses at 19 grams, ditching cameras for voice AI

Key takeaway

Solos has unveiled the AirGo A6 smart glasses, which weigh around 19 grams and omit cameras in favor of a voice-controlled AI assistant, cutting weight roughly in half compared to its previous model. The lighter design and privacy-first approach represent a shift in how manufacturers are competing in wearable glasses, particularly as Solos now offers clip-on camera shields and other privacy accessories to address user concerns.

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3 Key Points

  • What happened

    Solos announced the AirGo A6, a new camera-less smart glasses model weighing around 19 grams—roughly half the weight of last year's AirGo A5 (36 to 40 grams). The device relies on voice interactions with an AI assistant instead of cameras, and features hands-free functions including real-time translation, calendar reminders, and music playback.

  • Why it matters

    The dramatic weight reduction makes smart glasses more comfortable for all-day wear, a key barrier to mainstream adoption. The shift away from cameras addresses privacy concerns that have plagued wearable devices; Solos is separately selling privacy accessories for its older AirGo V2, including a clip-on camera shield and colored temple replacements, signaling that privacy is becoming a competitive selling point.

  • What to watch

    Pricing and availability for the AirGo A6 have not been finalized. The glasses will support full prescription lens compatibility and come in multiple styles, including transparent options. Privacy accessories for the AirGo V2 are priced at $39 for temple replacements, $49 for a privacy shield with sunglasses, or $79 for a full bundle.

Context & Analysis

The AirGo A6 represents a deliberate design choice to prioritize comfort and privacy over visual sensing. Solos has stripped away the cameras that dominated early smart glasses prototypes, betting that voice-only interaction and lightweight construction will resonate with users wary of always-on surveillance and physical strain. The weight comparison is telling: at 19 grams, the A6 is substantially lighter than Meta's newly announced glasses (54 to nearly 60 grams), suggesting that manufacturers are competing on wearability as much as capability.

The parallel rollout of privacy accessories for the older AirGo V2—including the $49 clip-on privacy shield—indicates that Solos sees privacy as a market differentiator. These add-ons acknowledge that previous models included cameras but allow existing users to retrofit privacy controls. The bundling of privacy shields with sunglasses (UV protection and glare reduction) frames privacy not as a limitation but as a lifestyle feature, potentially making it easier for users to adopt the device. Notably, pricing and full availability for the A6 remain undetermined, suggesting the company is still finalizing the commercial model for this lighter form factor.

FAQ

How much lighter is the new AirGo A6 compared to the previous model?
The AirGo A6 weighs around 19 grams, compared with 36 to 40 grams for last year's AirGo A5, depending on frame style.
What privacy features does the AirGo A6 offer?
The AirGo A6 has no camera; instead it relies on voice interactions. For the older AirGo V2, Solos offers a clip-on privacy shield that physically blocks the camera, available for $49 bundled with clip-on sunglasses or separately for the component price.
What can you do with the AirGo A6's voice AI?
The glasses include an AI assistant that can answer questions through voice commands, provide real-time translations, set calendar reminders, and enable music playback and calls while allowing the wearer to hear their surroundings.

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