EchoVision Wish List: Hardware

Last updated: October 31, 2026

The glasses, the charging case and their buttons. Hardware ideas wait for the next hardware version (guiding principle 5).

Part of the EchoVision Wish List. See also how we decide on ideas.

11 ideas: 2 in progress, 1 under review, 3 not planned, 1 already possible and 4 released.

In progress

HW-05: Better microphone pickup

• Status: In progress. Voice pickup in scene description improved in September 2026. Thanks for the cases you sent, mostly noisy rooms and phone calls; tuning continues.
• What owners asked: The microphone is … too sensitive, or (in some cases) not sensitive enough

HW-06: Louder speakers in noisy places

• Status: In progress. Maximum volume raised 20% in March 2026. Still open: too quiet in noisy places, and uneven volume between modes.
• What owners asked: The speaker volume is too low especially in noisy environments.

Under review

HW-11: A cellular connection in the glasses

• Status: Under review. This would need new hardware.
• What owners asked: Could a future EchoVision have its own cellular connection, so it works without the phone's hotspot?
• Related: GEN-02: Use Bluetooth when Wi-Fi or the hotspot isn't working and GEN-15: Some features without internet

Not planned

HW-02: More frame sizes

• Status: Not planned. Not for V1. Fit is now one of the most common requests, so a smaller size stays on the list for the next hardware iteration.
• What owners asked: Is it still intended that there will be different frame sizes in time for v1.0? (An alternative may be to use spring-loaded hinges similar to those used on Maui Jim sunglasses. The arms automatically adjust to various head sizes.)

HW-03: An easier touchpad

• Status: Not planned. Sensitivity tuned in February 2026. A gesture change tried in beta in September was rolled back; we're exploring more flexible gesture options.
• What owners asked: The touchpad is too … sensitive, complicated, hard to physically detect … are we stuck with it, as is, at least for v 1.0?
• Related: HW-04: Physical buttons instead of the touchpad and GEN-08: Change what buttons and gestures do

HW-04: Physical buttons instead of the touchpad

• Status: Not planned. This is a hardware change, so it waits for the next hardware version.
• What owners asked: In a future release, could there be several buttons on the side of the right arm to use for different functions in lieu of / in addition to the touchpad?
• Related: HW-03: An easier touchpad and GEN-08: Change what buttons and gestures do

Already possible

HW-10: Check the charging case's battery level

• Status: Already possible. Double-press the button on the back of the case. Production cases answer with 1 to 4 vibrations; pre-production cases beeped instead. While the case charges, the color and flashing of its light also show the level. See Charging the Case in the user guide.
• What owners asked: Could the app or the case tell me the charging case's own battery level?
• Related: HW-09: Hear the charging status

Released

HW-01: Firmer arms and hinges

• Status: Released. V1 glasses have a firmer, upgraded hinge. Pioneers get it with the V1 upgrade.
• What owners asked: The legs/arms are too loose or "floppy". Even though Buddy gave a good explanation as to why, is there any thought or possibility for any change in this regard

HW-07: A quieter charging case

• Status: Released. The V1 charging case vibrates instead of beeping.
• What owners asked: The beep for the case is … too loud, too shrill.
• Related: HW-08: A sound when the case is plugged in

HW-08: A sound when the case is plugged in

• Status: Released. The second-generation case comes with this. The V1 case vibrates instead of beeping.
• What owners asked: Speaking of the case, could it make a brief sound when you connect it to power?
• Related: HW-07: A quieter charging case

HW-09: Hear the charging status

• Status: Released. Press the power button 3 times to hear the battery level and charging status.
• What owners asked: Could the glasses say when they are charging and when they are fully charged?
• Related: HW-10: Check the charging case's battery level