Engo’s limited-edition glasses come in photochromic and high-contrast lens colors for more colorful options and improved lens technology. I tested the photochromic model — they switch to a clear lens that protects my eyes from the cold and rain while providing the heads-up AR experience I want from the glasses.
Matthew Miller/ZDNET
Apple Watch
One limitation of the Apple Watch is that it cannot be used with the native Apple Workout application when paired with the Engo 2 Vive glasses. There is, however, an ActiveLook app on your Apple Watch that allows you to connect to the glasses and run or bike with them.
Engo also supports several other Apple Watch apps that provide more extensive structured workouts, support for sports like rowing, and other features that you may prefer over ActiveLook.
You can choose an open run or set goals for distance, duration, or calories burned. The ActiveLook app supports Strava Live Segments, allowing you to race against your own PR, other record holders, the carrot (your friend just ahead of you on the leaderboard), and the wolf (your friend just behind you on the leaderboard).
This Strava functionality is one reason I prefer to run with my Apple Watch when I want to become a Local Legend or set a PR on a Strava Segment.
Matthew Miller/ZDNET
The one limitation with using a Garmin device is that Strava Live Segments will not project to the Engo 2 Vive, but will appear on the watch or bike computer, so you will have to glance down at them to help you achieve your PR. I’m not sure if it is possible for a developer to have Strava Live Segments appear on a Garmin connected to Engo glasses, but I check every few months.
Suunto
Support for Suunto is similar to Garmin, with no ability to have Strava Live Segments appear on the heads-up display; however, it supports nearly every sport where you want Engo 2 Vive to show you key data in the glasses.
Unlike Garmin, the data fields that appear on the glasses when connected to a Suunto Race 2, Suunto Vertical 2, or other Suunto watch cannot be customized. That said, battery status, time, elapsed time, distance, heart rate, cadence, current pace, and current speed are displayed.
glasses with a compatible Suunto watch:
Install the ActiveLook app on your compatible Suunto GPS sports watch through the SuuntoPlus store on your smartphone app.
Open the activity you want to participate in on your Suunto watch.
With that activity selected, swipe up to view SuuntoPlus and tap on it.
Scroll down to the ActiveLook app and confirm that it is toggled on.
Turn on your glasses and confirm that the connection is live.
Start your activity and enjoy key metrics right in view of your right eye.
Engo supports developers using the ActiveLook application to provide connectivity with various platforms; so as the popularity of Wear OS and Coros grows, I hope to see support for these platforms in the near future.