Learning from a Rocky Start

After launching what many considered to be the most disappointing smart glasses of 2025, Halliday is attempting a corporate turnaround. The company's initial offering was widely criticized for poor build quality, unreliable features, and an impractical display system. Halliday COO Carter Hou acknowledges these early failures, noting that the first generation was far from their desired vision.


The primary critique of the original device was the "DigiWindow," a tiny microLED module meant to project text into the user's periphery. As Hou admitted, the design failed to deliver a usable experience, leading the company to pivot toward industry-standard waveguide technology for the G2 model, which offers a broader field of view and superior readability.


Strategic Overhaul and Hardware Upgrades

The transition to the G2 model involves more than just a change in display technology. Halliday has restructured its engineering and supply chain teams to ensure better manufacturing quality control—an area where the company previously struggled due to inexperience. According to Hou, the company is prioritizing core functionality over experimental features to ensure a more stable user experience.


Key hardware improvements for the G2 include:

  • Improved Optics: Waveguide prisms integrated into prescription-ready lenses.
  • Enhanced Audio: Upgraded playback and recording capabilities, reportedly comparable to Meta’s hardware.
  • Charging: Moving away from the problematic USB-C port in favor of a magnetic pogo-pin clip.
  • Simplified Control: Replacing the unreliable ring controller with a dedicated side-arm touchpad and gesture support.

Focusing on AI-Driven Meetings

The G2 aims to differentiate itself by focusing on "real-time" assistance during professional meetings. Unlike current AI tools that summarize conversations after they conclude, Halliday’s new software utilizes a fleet of AI agents to monitor threads and decisions as they happen. These agents can track action items, nudge users toward firm commitments, and even provide real-time suggestions during discussions.


«Navigation sounds like an easy choice, but it is actually very hard to make it good,» Hou stated, explaining why the company decided to cut complex features like GPS navigation to maintain focus on their core AI meeting utility.

Path to Redemption

For a startup, a second chance is rare. To address concerns regarding financial stability and product delivery, Hou emphasized the company's backing from the successful Moody Lenses brand. Furthermore, Halliday has initiated an early production run for beta testers to ensure that the retail version is "mature on day one."


The G2 is priced at $599, with a $10 deposit program that secures a $100 discount for early backers. Existing G1 owners are also being offered a loyalty discount, allowing them to purchase the new hardware for $299. Shipments are currently projected to begin in September, leaving the industry to watch if Halliday can indeed deliver on its promises of improved quality and reliability.