Smart glasses usually mean cameras, displays, or voice assistants. But a new startup called Povec Optics is trying something different. At CES 2026, the startup made its first public appearance with a pair of sunglasses that focus entirely on one problem: changing light.
The company’s debut product, called the Povec C1, uses electrochromic lenses that can shift tint in about one second. Instead of relying on automatic sensors alone, these glasses let the wearer decide how dark the lenses should be at any given moment. That makes them less about “smart features” and more about control.
Povec positions the C1 as sunglasses for people who move through unpredictable lighting. It could be early-morning runs, mountain bike trails with tree cover, or time spent on open water where glare can change quickly.
In such varying situations, fixed-tint lenses can feel limiting, and even photochromic lenses don’t always react fast enough. Povec’s approach puts adjustment directly in the user’s hands.
Povec C1 lets you adjust glasses’ tint in real-time
The core of the Povec C1 is electrochromic technology, which changes lens color when a low-voltage current passes through layered conductive materials. However, this isn’t brand-new tech.
We have seen a similar system in use in high-end cars for things like rearview mirrors and panoramic sunroofs. What Povec claims to have done differently is shrinking that automotive-grade system down enough to fit into a slim pair of glasses.
You can control the tint through a touch-sensitive strip along the temples. A simple slide adjusts the tint from light shade to very dark.
According to co-founder Alexis Marc Pons, the idea is to give users precise control rather than guessing what the lighting conditions require. The lens shade follows the movement of your finger, changing instantly as you adjust it.
Beyond tint control, the lenses include UV400 protection and anti-glare treatment. Povec also says the lenses are impact-resistant and have passed steel ball drop tests.
The glasses are rated to run up to 28 days on a single charge if used around four hours a day. It charges via USB-C, and the glasses automatically wake when unfolded and go to sleep when stored.
The frame itself is made from lightweight TR90 material and carries an IP65 rating, meaning it should handle sweat, rain, and splashes without issue. Povec also includes three interchangeable nose pads so users can fine-tune the fit for long sessions.
Povec Optics is planning to release the Povec C1 in May 2026, and the price could range somewhere between $250 and $350.
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