Brilliant Labs - Detailed Review

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Brilliant Labs - Detailed Review Contents

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Brilliant Labs - Product Overview

Introduction to Brilliant Labs and Frame

Brilliant Labs is an innovative company focused on developing AI-driven augmented reality (AR) products, particularly the “Frame” device. Here’s a brief overview of their primary product and its key features:

Primary Function

The Frame is an AR device designed to be a personal AI assistant. It integrates AI models such as Perplexity, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and Whisper, enabling users to receive answers to questions about their surroundings, experience live translation, and query the internet in real-time. This is achieved through their first-party app, Noa.

Target Audience

The Frame is targeted at imaginative hackers, developers, and individuals interested in leveraging AI and AR technology in their daily lives. It also appeals to those in the STEAM education sector, as Brilliant Labs is committed to fostering a culture of curiosity and imagination.

Key Features

AI Capabilities: The Frame comes with built-in AI models that allow for real-time interactions, such as object identification, live translation, and internet queries.
Display: It features a bright microOLED display bonded to a thin geometric prism optic, providing a ~20° diagonal field of view, similar to holding an iPad at arm’s length.
Hardware: The device is lightweight, weighing less than 40g, and has an all-day battery life when used with the included Mister Power accessory.
Open Source: Frame is completely open source, with design files and code available on Github. This encourages community development and customization.
Inter-Pupillary Distance (IPD): It is designed for an IPD range of 58-72mm, covering most but not all users. Users can use the Eye Measure app to check compatibility.
Audio: There are no built-in speakers; users are recommended to use wireless earbuds paired with their phone.
Language Support: Currently supports Latin languages like English, French, Italian, and German, with support for character-based languages like Japanese and Chinese in development.

Development and Community

Brilliant Labs provides a suite of tools and plugins for developers, including an AR Studio extension for VSCode, frameutils for Python, and a forthcoming Flutter package for iOS and Android. The company has a growing community of developers, with close to 2,000 members in their Discord community.

Overall, the Frame by Brilliant Labs is a versatile and innovative AR device that combines AI capabilities with a user-friendly and hackable design, making it an attractive option for both developers and everyday users.

Brilliant Labs - User Interface and Experience

User Interface and Experience of Brilliant Labs’ AI-Driven Products

The user interface and experience of Brilliant Labs’ AI-driven products, such as the Monocle and Frame, are characterized by several key features that aim to make the technology accessible and user-friendly.

Hardware and Design

The Frame by Brilliant Labs, for instance, is designed to look like ordinary prescription glasses, making them comfortable and unobtrusive. They are lightweight, weighing less than 1.4oz (40g), and have a form factor that is easily recognizable and wearable.

Interaction Methods

Users interact with the Frame using natural language and physical inputs. The glasses come equipped with microphones and a tiny camera, allowing them to take input from the user’s voice and the environment. Users can ask questions, request translations, and perform basic text generation tasks by speaking or tapping on the glasses.

User Interface

The interface is relatively simple and straightforward. When you ask a question or request information, the answers are displayed word by word on the glasses’ built-in display at a relatively slow and easy-to-read pace. This makes it convenient for users to follow along without feeling overwhelmed.

Ease of Use

While the Frame is functional, it does have some rough edges. For example, the hinges can feel loose, and the accelerometer can be overly sensitive, sometimes triggering the microphone unintentionally. However, the basic functionality of translating text, answering questions, and generating text is generally easy to use and helpful for quick queries.

Developer Tools

For developers, Brilliant Labs provides a range of tools to enhance the user experience. The AR Studio for VSCode allows developers to create, test, and upload apps directly to the Monocle device. This includes a drag-and-drop FPGA interface and support for MicroPython, which simplifies the development process and enables wireless interaction with the device.

Open-Source Ecosystem

One of the standout features of Brilliant Labs is its commitment to an open-source ecosystem. This allows developers to create apps without the restrictions of app store economics and review processes. The open-source nature provides a lot of flexibility for tinkerers and developers to experiment and create new experiences for the glasses.

Overall User Experience

The overall user experience is promising but still in its early stages. The Frame is comfortable to wear and provides useful functionality, such as translation and quick answers to questions. However, it may not be polished enough for widespread consumer use yet. The frequent disconnections from the Noa app can be annoying, but these issues are being addressed by the community and the company.

Conclusion

In summary, Brilliant Labs’ products offer a user-friendly interface that leverages natural language and physical interactions, with a strong focus on developer accessibility through open-source tools. While there are some areas that need refinement, the overall experience is promising for both users and developers.

Brilliant Labs - Key Features and Functionality

The Frame AI Glasses by Brilliant Labs

The Frame AI Glasses by Brilliant Labs are packed with several key features and functionalities that make them a unique and powerful tool, especially for developers and users alike.

Integrated AI Assistant – Noa

Noa is the AI assistant embedded in the Frame glasses. It is a multimodal AI that uses various AI models such as OpenAI for visual content analysis, Whisper for translations, and Perplexity for internet searches. Noa evolves and adopts a unique personality based on the user’s interactions, making it a personalized assistant.

Augmented Reality (AR) Capabilities

The Frame glasses feature AR optics that display visual information directly onto the lens, providing users with hands-free access to information. This AR capability allows users to check product prices in-store, look up information on the web, and more, all through tap and voice commands.

Customizable and Open-Source

One of the standout features of Frame is its open-source nature. Brilliant Labs provides full resources, including living documentation, an open-source codebase, and hardware schematics, allowing developers to modify both the hardware and software. This openness encourages innovation and community-driven development.

Developer Tools

Brilliant Labs offers a range of tools for developers to create custom experiences for the Frame glasses. These include:

AR Studio extension for VSCode: Allows developers to quickly test, develop, and share Frame Lua apps.
frameutils for Python: Enables the creation of desktop apps that users can access through their smart glasses.
Flutter package for iOS and Android: Facilitates the building of mobile apps integrated with the Frame glasses.

Real-Time API Integration

The Frame glasses can be integrated with real-time APIs, as demonstrated by their win at the Horizon SF Hackathon. This integration allows the glasses to listen to conversations and deliver answers directly on the lenses, which can be particularly useful in applications such as customer service in restaurants.

Personalization and Learning

Noa, the AI assistant, learns and adapts to the user’s habits and preferences over time. It can process visual information, generate images, and interact with content on the smart specs, making it a highly personalized and adaptive tool.

Hardware and Display

The Frame glasses have a ~20° diagonal field of view (FoV) with the display in the right eye, similar to holding an iPad at arm’s length. They do not have built-in speakers, so users need to use wireless earbuds for audio. The glasses can also be fitted with prescription lenses by a local optician, provided the lens is flat on one side.

Language Support

Currently, the Frame glasses support Latin languages such as English, French, Italian, and German. Support for character-based languages like Japanese and Chinese is in development.

Conclusion

Overall, the Frame AI Glasses by Brilliant Labs combine advanced AI capabilities with customizable and open-source features, making them a versatile and innovative product for both users and developers.

Brilliant Labs - Performance and Accuracy

Evaluating the Performance and Accuracy of Brilliant Labs’ Frame

Evaluating the performance and accuracy of Brilliant Labs’ Frame, an AI-driven smart glasses product, reveals several key points and areas for improvement.

Performance Issues

The Frame has faced significant challenges in terms of performance and user experience. One of the primary issues is the difficulty in setting up and using the device. For instance, the initial release lacked a downloadable app for Android users, and the iOS app was available only for a limited time during the review period. Additionally, the consumer package included no physical instructions, only a QR code leading to a website with minimal setup information.

The charging mechanism is another friction point, as the Frame requires a specific adapter rather than a standard USB-C connector, which can be inconvenient for users who typically have multiple USB-C cables.

Accuracy and Reliability

The accuracy of the Frame’s AI, known as NOA, is inconsistent. In tests, the device struggled to identify objects correctly, even in simple scenarios. For example, when trying to identify an apple, the Frame gave incorrect responses, such as identifying it as a burger and fries or a banana.

In real-world scenarios, such as identifying items in a densely populated environment like a book shop or museum, the Frame’s performance is unreliable. This lack of confidence in the device’s ability to provide accurate information is a significant limitation.

Capabilities and Potential

Despite the current issues, the Frame has the potential to be a valuable tool with its AI capabilities. The idea of having AI assistance through smart glasses is appealing, especially for tasks like querying information about objects or receiving health-related advice. However, these capabilities are not yet realized consistently due to the device’s performance and accuracy problems.

Open Source and Community Engagement

On a positive note, Brilliant Labs has taken an open-source approach with the Frame, allowing developers to optimize the AI and software for the hardware. This openness can lead to community-driven improvements and innovative uses, as seen with their previous product, Monocle.

Areas for Improvement

Setup and User Experience: Improving the setup process with clear instructions and ensuring cross-platform compatibility is crucial.
Accuracy and Reliability: Enhancing the AI’s ability to accurately identify objects and provide consistent responses is essential.
Hardware Design: Simplifying the charging mechanism and addressing optical issues could improve user satisfaction.
Software Optimization: Continuous updates and community engagement can help refine the AI model and improve overall performance.

In summary, while the Brilliant Labs Frame shows promise with its concept and open-source approach, it currently falls short in terms of performance, accuracy, and user experience. Addressing these limitations will be key to realizing the full potential of this AI-driven product.

Brilliant Labs - Pricing and Plans

Pricing Structure

The pricing structure for Brilliant Labs’ AI-driven product, the Frame, is relatively straightforward and focused on its developer-centric approach.

Price

The Brilliant Labs Frame glasses are priced at $349. This cost includes the basic features of the AI glasses, such as access to AI models like ChatGPT and Perplexity, translation features, and an augmented reality display.

Additional Costs

If you need prescription lenses, you will have to pay extra, although the exact additional cost is not specified.

Credits System

Users receive 2,000 free credits per month. However, the exact definition and usage rate of these credits are not clearly explained by Brilliant Labs. It is mentioned that these credits relate to the use of multiple Large Language Models (LLMs).

No Subscription Fee

There is no ongoing subscription fee for using the Frame. You can use the device without additional monthly payments beyond the initial purchase.

Developer Features

The Frame is heavily focused on developers, with features like a dedicated Developer Program, support for OpenAI’s GPT-4o model, and an in-house developed graphics and vector engine. Developers can also use their own Perplexity and OpenAI subscriptions with the device.

Summary

In summary, the primary cost is the one-time purchase of the Frame glasses for $349, with no additional subscription fees but a monthly cap on credits used for AI services.

Brilliant Labs - Integration and Compatibility

Brilliant Labs Overview

Brilliant Labs offers several products and tools that integrate with various platforms and devices, ensuring a versatile and compatible development environment.

b.Board and Brilliant Labs Cloud

The b.Board, an open-source development board, is compatible with micro:bit and CPX, allowing it to connect with thousands of different Clickboard™ sensors and modules. This board integrates seamlessly with the Brilliant Labs Cloud, where users can collect data and control their IoT devices using HTTPS, MQTT, and WebSockets. This setup enables real-time data collection and device control, making it a comprehensive solution for makers and students working on IoT, Big Data, or Open Data projects.

Frame Smart Glasses

For the Frame smart glasses, Brilliant Labs provides a range of development tools and integrations:

SDKs and APIs

Frame supports development through platform SDKs for Python, Swift, Kotlin, Flutter, and React Native. These SDKs simplify the process of building mobile or desktop apps that communicate with Frame over Bluetooth. The SDKs handle low-level Bluetooth and Lua APIs, making it easier to develop apps without writing extensive boilerplate code.

Bluetooth LE

For platforms not supported by the SDKs, developers can use the Lua API directly over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). This method provides full control but requires more technical expertise.

Cross-Platform Development

Frame can be integrated with various platforms, including Mac, Linux, and Windows for desktop apps, and iOS and Android for mobile apps. The use of Flutter and other frameworks ensures that developers can build apps that run across multiple devices.

Development Tools and Environments

Brilliant Labs supports multiple development environments and tools:

AR Studio Extension for VSCode

For developing Frame apps, the AR Studio extension for Visual Studio Code is available, which helps in testing, developing, and sharing Frame Lua apps.

Python and Other Languages

Tools like `frameutils` for Python facilitate quick setup and development of desktop apps.

Block-Based and JavaScript IDE

The b.Board can be coded using a block-based or JavaScript IDE, making it accessible for developers of all ages and skill levels.

Compatibility and Support

Brilliant Labs ensures compatibility across different devices and platforms by providing extensive documentation and support. Their resources include technical documentation, tutorials, and project examples to help developers get started and maintain their projects effectively.

Conclusion

In summary, Brilliant Labs’ products, such as the b.Board and Frame, are designed to be highly compatible and integrable with various tools and platforms, making them versatile options for developers and makers.

Brilliant Labs - Customer Support and Resources

Customer Support

For any questions or issues, you can contact Brilliant Labs directly through various channels:

You can call them at 506-442-9059 to speak with a live representative or be connected with a specialist in your area.
For support inquiries, you can email hello@itsbrilliant.co or support@brilliant.tech depending on the specific product or service you are using.

Additional Resources

Community Projects and Libraries

Brilliant Labs has a vibrant community that creates and shares useful resources. These include various apps, libraries, and tools that can be used for inspiration or integrated into your own projects. Some examples include:

Apps like a teleprompter for Google Slides, QR-code scanner, and a heads-up display workout app.
Libraries such as the Monocle communication driver for Python, MicroPython vector graphics library, and NodeJS communication library for Monocle.

Brilliant Labs Cloud

The Brilliant Labs Cloud is a platform that allows makers and students to collect data and control their b.Board powered IoT devices. This cloud service supports HTTPS, MQTT, and WebSockets, enabling real-time IoT device development and sensor data collection. You can connect your b.Board, transfer data, and visualize it from the cloud.

Documentation and Guides

The Brilliant Labs documentation provides detailed information on how to use their tools and services. This includes guides on setting up the b.Board, using the cloud services, and developing IoT projects. The community-driven documentation is open for contributions, allowing users to share their own projects and resources.

By leveraging these support options and resources, developers can effectively engage with Brilliant Labs’ products and community, ensuring they have the necessary tools and assistance to succeed in their projects.

Brilliant Labs - Pros and Cons

Advantages of Brilliant Labs’ Frame AI Glasses

Developer-Friendly

The Frame by Brilliant Labs is notably open-source, allowing developers to explore and modify both the hardware and software. This includes access to full resources such as living documentation, open-source codebase, and hardware schematics.
Developers can adjust the parameters of the AI models supported by Noa, the AI assistant, giving them significant flexibility.

AI Capabilities

The Frame features AI-powered functions like accessing Perplexity for questions and web searches, translating text using OpenAI’s Whisper model, identifying objects, and generating images. These are displayed on the right lens of the glasses.
Noa, the AI assistant, evolves and adopts a unique personality based on user interactions, making the experience more personalized.

Practical Design

The glasses have a lightweight design and a comfortable fit, making them wearable for extended periods. They can also be fitted with prescription lenses for an additional cost.
The Frame displays two-dimensional images and text, which is more practical for everyday use compared to attempting to create an augmented reality illusion.

Community Engagement

Brilliant Labs encourages the open-source community to develop and share their own applications and experiences, which can be featured in a storefront for easier access.

Disadvantages of Brilliant Labs’ Frame AI Glasses

Consumer Readiness

The Frame is not particularly consumer-friendly at this stage. It lacks polish in terms of fit and finish, and the AI might not be useful to everyone.
The product is more suited for developers and early adopters rather than the general consumer market.

Technical Limitations

The Frame does not operate independently and requires a companion app to connect to the internet and access AI models. This is due to the high processing demands of AI requests.
There are no onboard speakers because they were deemed too power-hungry for the 210mAh battery, which can limit the auditory experience.

Usage Restrictions

Brilliant Labs plans to cap the number of AI requests users can make once they understand usage patterns. A premium subscription will be offered for additional features.

Charging Requirements

The need to charge the glasses regularly can be inconvenient, especially since they need to be charged frequently due to their battery size.

Overall, while the Frame by Brilliant Labs offers significant advantages for developers and early adopters, it still has several limitations that make it less appealing for general consumer use at this stage.

Brilliant Labs - Comparison with Competitors

Brilliant Labs – Frame

AI-Powered Glasses: Frame integrates AI models like Perplexity and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, providing real-time translation, internet queries, and contextual information about the user’s environment.
Development Tools: Brilliant Labs offers an AR Studio extension for VSCode, frameutils for Python, and a forthcoming Flutter package for iOS and Android, facilitating development for the Frame platform.
Unique Feature: The use of AI-enhanced glasses sets it apart from traditional coding tools, offering a hands-free, augmented reality experience.
Limitations: Language support is currently limited to Latin languages, and there is no built-in speaker, requiring the use of wireless earbuds.

GitHub Copilot

AI-Powered Coding Assistant: GitHub Copilot provides advanced code autocompletion, context-aware suggestions, and automated code documentation and testing.
Integration: Seamless integration with popular IDEs like Visual Studio Code and JetBrains, making it a strong choice for developers already within the GitHub ecosystem.
Unique Feature: Real-time coding assistance and automation capabilities, including pull request summarization and change description generation.
Alternatives: While GitHub Copilot is well-established, it faces competition from newer tools with more advanced features, such as Windsurf IDE and OpenHands.

Windsurf IDE

AI-Enhanced Development: Windsurf IDE by Codeium offers intelligent code suggestions, cascade technology for continuous contextual support, and deep contextual understanding of complex codebases.
Collaborative Intelligence: Real-time AI collaboration and intelligent collaboration mode, allowing the system to act as both a copilot and an autonomous agent.
Unique Feature: Multi-file smart editing and rapid prototyping capabilities, significantly accelerating the development process.
Alternatives: This IDE is a strong competitor to GitHub Copilot, offering more advanced AI integration and collaborative features.

OpenHands

Comprehensive Feature Set: OpenHands includes immediate deployment, enterprise-grade security, natural language communication, and real-time code preview and modification capabilities.
Advanced AI Integration: Support for multiple language models, including Claude Sonnet 3.5, and autonomous complex application generation from backend to frontend.
Unique Feature: Dynamic workspace management and extensible plugin architecture, making it versatile for various development tasks.
Alternatives: OpenHands is notable for its strong community support and Docker compatibility, but may require additional documentation for some configuration steps.

JetBrains AI Assistant

Seamless Integration: Integrates into JetBrains IDEs, offering smart code generation, context-aware completion, and proactive bug detection.
Development Workflow: Automated testing, documentation assistant, and intelligent refactoring suggestions based on project context.
Unique Feature: In-line code generation and an interactive chat interface within the IDE, enhancing developer productivity.
Alternatives: While it integrates well with JetBrains IDEs, it may lag behind some competitors in terms of features and has premium pricing.

Key Differences and Alternatives

Brilliant Labs focuses on augmented reality and AI-powered glasses, making it unique but less directly comparable to traditional coding tools.
GitHub Copilot, Windsurf IDE, OpenHands, and JetBrains AI Assistant are more traditional coding tools with advanced AI features, each with their own strengths and areas for improvement.
If you are looking for a hands-free, augmented reality coding experience, Brilliant Labs’ Frame is a standout. However, for traditional coding tasks with AI assistance, the other tools offer more conventional but highly effective solutions.

Brilliant Labs - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Frame AI Glasses

Q: What is the price of the Frame AI Glasses?

The Frame AI Glasses are priced at $350. This includes the glasses with their integrated AI capabilities and the necessary accessories.

Q: How do the Frame AI Glasses connect to my device?

The Frame AI Glasses pair with your smartphone via the Noa app. This app is available for both Android and iOS devices and integrates the glasses with various AI services.

Q: What AI models are used in the Frame AI Glasses?

The Frame AI Glasses utilize several AI models, including Whisper for translation, OpenAI for visual content analysis, and Perplexity for web search. These models enable a range of functionalities such as translation, content analysis, and web searches.

Q: Can I develop my own applications for the Frame AI Glasses?

Yes, Brilliant Labs provides a comprehensive suite of tools and resources for developers. These include the AR Studio extension for VSCode, frameutils for Python, and a Flutter package for Android and iOS. All design files, code, and documentation are available on GitHub, allowing developers to modify and extend the glasses’ capabilities.

Q: How long does the battery of the Frame AI Glasses last?

The Frame AI Glasses are designed to achieve all-day battery life with normal use. They weigh less than 40g and feature a bright microOLED display bonded to a thin geometric prism optic.

Q: Are the Frame AI Glasses open source?

Yes, the Frame AI Glasses follow an open-source model. Brilliant Labs makes all design files, code, and hardware schematics available on GitHub, allowing developers to explore and modify both the hardware and software.

Q: Can I customize the AI assistant, Noa?

Yes, Noa, the AI assistant integrated into the Frame AI Glasses, can be customized. Upon activation, Noa evolves and adopts a unique personality based on the user’s interactions. Users can influence Noa’s personality by answering a series of questions, making the AI assistant more personalized.

Q: What is the return and exchange policy for the Frame AI Glasses?

If the Frame AI Glasses are clearly broken, defective, or faulty, you can exchange them for a new unit by providing visual evidence to the Brilliant Labs support team. For an outright return, you will receive a full refund minus a restocking fee of $49, and you are responsible for the cost of shipping the device back.

Q: Will there be a subscription model for the AI services?

Currently, the AI services provided by the Noa app are free with a daily cap. However, Brilliant Labs plans to introduce a paid subscription tier in the future.

Q: How do I know if the Frame AI Glasses fit me?

The Frame AI Glasses are designed to fit most people with an inter-pupillary distance (IPD) range of 58-72mm. You can use the Eye Measure app to gauge whether the Frame is suitable for you.

Q: What kind of support does Brilliant Labs offer for developers?

Brilliant Labs provides extensive support for developers through its Discord community, living documentation, and open-source codebase. Developers can find all the technical documents and details needed directly on the Brilliant Labs website or via their Discord channel.

Brilliant Labs - Conclusion and Recommendation

Final Assessment of Brilliant Labs in the Developer Tools AI-Driven Product Category

Brilliant Labs stands out in the developer tools and AI-driven product category with its innovative approach to augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). Here’s a comprehensive look at what they offer and who would benefit most from their products.

Key Features and Benefits

Customizability and Open Source

Brilliant Labs’ products, such as the Frame AI Glasses, are highly customizable due to their open-source nature. This allows developers to modify the software and hardware to suit their needs, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications.

AI Integration

The Frame AI Glasses come with an AI assistant, Noa, which leverages models like Whisper, OpenAI, and Perplexity for tasks such as translation, visual content analysis, and web search. This integration enhances the user experience by providing real-time information and assistance.

Developer Tools

Brilliant Labs offers a suite of tools for developers, including the AR Studio extension for VSCode, frameutils for Python, and a Flutter package for Android and iOS. These tools enable developers to create and share AR and AI experiences with minimal effort.

Community and Support

The company has a strong community of developers, with close to 2,000 members in their Discord channel. This community support is crucial for developers looking to collaborate and get help with their projects.

Who Would Benefit Most

Developers

The open-source nature and extensive developer tools make Brilliant Labs’ products highly appealing to developers who want to create custom AR and AI experiences. Whether you’re working on desktop apps, mobile apps, or unique AR projects, the flexibility and support provided by Brilliant Labs are significant advantages.

Innovators and Hackers

Individuals who enjoy tinkering with technology and creating new applications will find the Monocle and Frame AI Glasses particularly appealing. The ability to clip on an AR lens or wear smart glasses that can be fully customized aligns well with the creative and innovative mindset.

Educational Institutions

Given Brilliant Labs’ focus on STEAM education and their mission to empower the next generation of creators, educational institutions could benefit greatly from integrating these tools into their curriculum. This can foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Overall Recommendation

Brilliant Labs’ products are highly recommended for anyone looking to integrate AI and AR into their daily life or development projects. Here are a few key points to consider:

Innovation and Customization

If you value the ability to customize your technology to fit your specific needs, Brilliant Labs’ open-source approach is a significant advantage.

Community Support

The active and supportive community can be a great resource for learning and troubleshooting.

AI Capabilities

The integration of AI models like Whisper and OpenAI makes these devices particularly useful for tasks that require real-time information and analysis.

However, it’s important to note that while the Frame AI Glasses offer a lot of functionality, there are limitations such as a daily cap on using the Noa assistant, and there is no current ability to share content directly to the web.

In summary, Brilliant Labs offers a unique and powerful set of tools that can empower developers, innovators, and educational institutions to create and integrate AI and AR into their projects with ease and flexibility.