Leading gaming hardware manufacturers Razer have announced a new product. It's not a multicolor mechanical keyboard or a suave gaming headset. No, this time out, Razer is pushing into the smart eyewear scene.
The Razer Anzu Smart Glasses is the company's first foray into smart eyewear and represents something completely different from one of the most recognizable names in gaming hardware and peripherals.
Razer Launches Anzu Smart Glasses
Razer Anzu is a smart eyewear product for both indoor and outdoor wear, designed to protect against the steady stream of blue light we subject ourselves to from our monitors and smartphone screens, as well as actual sunlight when you head out into the world.
The glasses include 35 percent blue light filtering lenses, which also provide 99 percent UVA/UVB protection. The Razer Anzu frames only weigh 48g but also include touch controls and Bluetooth-enabled open-ear audio.
Razer Head of Sales and Marketing John Moore believes that "With Anzu, Razer is entering the market at a time when there is a surge of people working from home—where eye protection, hands-free communication, and smart features are now in high demand."
Each arm of the smart glasses contains a 16mm audio driver, which should deliver good audio quality, along with an omnidirectional microphone. Razer Anzu supports all major smartphone voice assistants, too. Oh, and they're rated IPX4, meaning they'll protect against splashes and moist weather.
Arriving with the Razer Anzu smart glasses is a companion app that will allow you to remap touch gestures, control playback volume, create custom EQ settings, and activate the Anzu's low latency audio gaming mode. You can also use the app to check battery life on the go, which should last for up to five hours on a single charge.
Finally, in case you were wondering, you can swap the Anzu's lenses out for your prescription lenses, opting for rectangular or circular style frames.
Why Is Razer Launching a Pair of Smart Glasses?
Those familiar with Razer's extensive line of gaming hardware might be confused about Razer Anzu. But, in Razer's words, it's time to "rethink eyewear," and part of that is eyewear that does more for you.
Smart eyewear in itself isn't a new concept. In recent years, audio hardware connoisseurs Bose have launched several audio sunglasses, combining Bluetooth technology, speakers, and sunglasses into a tidy package.
The biggest difference that the Razer Anzu's will bring is the blue light eye protection, helping to reduce the strain on your eyes during long gaming sessions, or even just for those who work with computers for long periods. Add in some high-quality audio, touch controls, and integrated gaming modes, and Razer could have an interesting, unique product for gamers.
Razer Anzu is launching on March 4, and will cost $199.99.