Smart glasses cut runner recording time to under a second

Recording video on a street crossing now takes less than a second for a runner using smart glasses. This capability functions as personal insurance against traffic incidents.

The practice began when a writer named Nick took up running this summer. Nick noted that friends questioned the activity because nothing is chasing the runner. Despite this, Nick occasionally speeds up to avoid vehicles. This urgency is most common when crossing roads, even at marked crosswalks.

The need for evidence led to a search for a recording device. A handheld phone was impractical for running. A pocketed phone was too slow to deploy. An armband holster failed to allow quick retrieval. The solution was already on Nick's face.

Nick already wore Meta glasses on runs to capture short clips for Strava. These clips included smartwatch health statistics. Adding more clips required no change to the routine. The camera button initiates recording in under one second.

The current setup uses two pairs of glasses. Nick wears a Meta Nova pair and an Oakley Meta HSTN pair. When a car approaches, Nick holds the camera button to start recording. Pressing the button again stops the footage. The glasses record in three-minute segments. This duration ensures a potential incident is not cut off. Footage remains on the device until it reconnects to a phone. The files then sync automatically.

Nick describes the process as effortless. The writer considers the footage impressive insurance. If buying new eyewear today, Nick would likely choose a model with a camera. While some users dislike the cameras, Nick cites strong reasons to keep one available.

For other runners, Nick recommends the Oakley Meta HSTN for fit and style. The basic Meta-branded pairs offer a budget option without functional loss. Rokid AI Glasses serve as a non-Meta alternative.