Switching between bright sun and tree shadows during trail runs forces an impossible choice: squint through dark lenses in shade or get blasted by glare in open areas. The Povec C1 electrochromic sunglasses eliminate this compromise with instant manual tint control, marking what the startup calls the world’s first consumer electrochromic eyewear designed for athletes constantly battling variable light conditions.
Touch Control Beats Automatic Everything
Unlike photochromic lenses that react to UV, these respond to your finger swipes in real time.
The C1 uses automotive-grade electrochromic technology—the same tech that darkens luxury car sunroofs—miniaturized into a sports frame. A touch-sensitive strip on the right temple lets you adjust tint with finger movements, changing lens darkness in about one second. This beats photochromic lenses that decide tint based on UV exposure, often leaving you stuck with inappropriate darkness levels indoors or under helmet visors where UV doesn’t penetrate.
CES 2026 demos showed the electrochromic stack responding instantly to finger swipes, with darkness following your movement along the temple strip. That’s faster than most people can blink—literally game-changing for cyclists hitting sudden shade patches or runners emerging from tunnels.
Three Colors, Infinite Adjustments
Clear, yellow, and green tints each offer opacity control from CAT 1 to CAT 3 levels.
Morning runners hitting fog-to-sunrise transitions get clear-to-dark adjustment, while cyclists navigating dappled forest trails can fine-tune yellow tints for contrast enhancement. The system offers continuous opacity control within each color option rather than discrete steps—like having a volume knob instead of preset buttons. Water sports enthusiasts benefit from green tints that cut glare while maintaining color accuracy for spotting obstacles or marine life.
Each tint option spans roughly CAT 1 to CAT 3 darkness levels, covering everything from overcast conditions to bright snow glare. You’re not stuck with someone else’s idea of appropriate tint timing.
Built for Real Athletic Punishment
IP65 rating and steel ball drop tests target serious outdoor use.
Povec didn’t skimp on durability specs that matter for trail sports. The TR90 frame survives impacts while staying lightweight, and IP65 rating handles everything from sweat storms to sudden downpours. Steel ball drop testing validates impact resistance for gravel-kicking crashes. The 28-day battery life eliminates charging anxiety during multi-day adventures, while USB-C charging and auto wake/sleep functionality keep maintenance minimal.
Three interchangeable nose pads let you dial in comfort for marathon sessions, while UV400 protection and anti-glare coatings handle the optical fundamentals that matter regardless of tint tricks.
The C1 launches in May 2026 for $250-$350, positioning itself between premium sports sunglasses and camera-equipped smart glasses. Unlike Meta Ray-Bans or similar devices, these focus purely on vision performance without privacy-raising cameras or attention-splitting notifications. For athletes who’ve accumulated multiple lens sets for different conditions, one pair that adapts instantly could justify the premium—assuming real-world performance matches CES demo promises.
Last modified: January 10, 2026
About the Author: Chris Peters
