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Uvex electric-powered cycling glasses adapt to light in a fraction of a second

Published September 3, 2015

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — Uvex' new Variotronic glasses adapt their tint to the light situation in less than 0.1 seconds, automatically or at the press of a button. 

This is made possible by a laminate of liquid crystals with electrochromatic activation by a photocell light sensor. The Uvex Variotronic is available as the Sports Shield for cyclists, and as the full frame version optimized for mountain bikers.

The light setting has a light transmission of 64 percent, while the tinted glass only allows 16 percent of light to pass through. The glasses are powered by a rechargeable, integrated accumulator with a claimed 50-hour operating duration. The glass technology is part of an exclusive cooperation between Uvex and the U.S. comapny AlphaMicron. Uvex has previously shown ski goggles with similar technology.

The new sunglasses were shown at Eurobike and have a recommended retail price of 299.95 euros. U.S. pricing was unavailable. 

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