Just like other sunglass frames with built-in speakers, the Chamelo Magic Shield lets you listen to music on-the-go without having to cover up your ears. Unlike them, it comes with lenses that can change their tint on command, allowing you to darken or lighten them at will.
That’s right, these sports sunglasses take the erstwhile familiar accessory to a whole new level, combining two novel features you don’t usually find in your typical wraparound eyewear. Whether you wear them for your daily runs, your weekend hikes, or your trips to the beach this summer, this thing brings a few added elements that you’re bound to find useful during your time out in the sun.
The Chamelo Magic Shield is a pair of wraparound sunglasses that look much like any of the running, cycling, and all-around sports sunglasses available today. Like other audio glasses, it has Bluetooth speakers built into the temples, allowing you to discreetly play music directly to your ears, so you can enjoy your playlists while staying fully aware of your surroundings. Specifically, it houses 16mm drivers on each side of the temples, along with a MEMS digital microphone, so you can use it to take hands-free calls, much like any Bluetooth headset.
The main innovation, though, is the Dusk HVL lens it uses, which can change its tint gradient in a fraction of a second, making it a whopping 1,800 times faster than traditional photochromic glasses. Even better, the tint can be adjusted using a slider on the right temple, allowing you to lighten or darken it by simply sliding your finger back and forth, which is very convenient. Once you find the tint you want, just stop and it will stay there until you adjust again. That means, you can instantly lighten it during cloudier days, darken it a bit as the sun starts shining through, and push it to the limit when the sun is at its peak. According to Chamelo, it has a tint range of 17 percent to 63 percent visual light transmittance (VLT), making it an incredibly versatile pair of specs.
The Chamelo Magic Shield has a 180mAh battery rated at around 6.5 hours of audio playback. Do note, it also uses the battery for tint adjustments, so you won’t be able to change it if ever the battery runs out. It comes with a wireless charging case, which can replenish the battery to 80 percent in 30 minutes. Because it comes with built-in electronics, the whole thing is IPX4-rated, allowing it to withstand sweat and splashes. We’re not sure if that allows it to handle rain, but you might want to double check that to be sure.
According to the outfit, the frames have an enhanced grip that keeps them securely in place, allowing you to run, jump, and stay active without losing them. The lenses are impact-resistant, too, so they should handle all the knocks, bumps, and hits they are bound to experience during intense activities. Other features include TR-90 frame construction, a unisex design, and a profile that should fit medium-to-large head sizes.
The Chamelo Magic Shield is available now, priced at $249.