Lumus Expands Smartglasses Field of Vision at CES 2026

Transformative Enhancements in Optical Technology

Lumus experienced a surge in brand visibility after one of its waveguides was chosen for the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses. At CES 2026, Lumus showcased some of its cutting-edge technologies, indicating that they are ready to significantly enhance the visual capabilities of upcoming high-end smartglasses models.

Setting New Standards for In-Lens Displays

Originally, the Meta Ray-Ban Displays amazed consumers with its full-color displays embedded in the lenses and provided a minimum 20-degree field of vision. However, the specifications of Lumus' latest waveguides suggest a significant leap forward for future capabilities.

A New Era with 30-Degree FOV Waveguides

The initial model I evaluated was fitted with Lumus' enhanced Z-30 waveguides. Not only do they present a broadened 30-degree field of vision, but they are also about 30% lighter and 40% more slender than their predecessors. Lumus boasts that these waveguides are also more energy-efficient, achieving over 8,000 nits per watt. This is crucial, as the compact battery capacities in smartglasses restrict their usage time, especially when aiming for lightweight, all-day wearable devices. The Z-30s captivated me with their intense brightness and clarity, despite operating at a 720 x 720 resolution. The expanded field of view felt noticeably larger, with vivid colors, even whites, which often pose a challenge in color fidelity.

The 70-Degree FOV Waveguides: A Game Changer

Yet, the real surprise came when I experienced Lumus' 70-degree field of vision waveguides. Watching videos and examining test pictures, I was astounded by the vast coverage they offered, practically enveloping the central part of the lens. Although some distortion was observable along the edges, Lumus assured me this would be addressed in commercial models. These waveguides delivered the sharpest, most luminous, and visually striking optics I've encountered in smartglasses, whether in prototype or retail versions. It left me pondering the necessary breadth for such devices, though it seems we haven't reached excessive bounds yet.

Innovative Advantages of Geometric Reflective Waveguides

Lumus' geometric reflective waveguides boast enhanced overall performance compared to their refractive counterparts. They also allow for the direct integration of displays into the lenses of smartglasses. This feature enables pairing with transition lenses, eliminating the need for additional sunglass attachments for outdoor use. Lumus asserts that its design also streamlines the production process, leading to sleeker waveguides as thin as 0.8mm and generally higher production efficiency.

Capturing the refined details of content from smartglasses displays is extremely difficult, particularly with delicate prototypes, so please consider my written experience. As Lumus gears up for increased production with partners like Quanta and SCHOTT, it seems a multitude of smartglasses manufacturers are eager for these components as the industry anticipates this to be the upcoming 'big' innovation.