Best Smart Glasses for Navigation and Translation

Standing outside Shinjuku Station holding my phone with one hand and pointing at incomprehensible kanji with the other became a ritual I grew to hate. Travelers around me juggled devices the same way - camera for photos, phone for maps, translator app open on a second screen. Smart glasses kept appearing in tech headlines promising to fix this circus but early attempts felt like wearing computer monitors on your face while batteries died before lunch ended.

Five different glasses came with me across three continents. Tokyo taught me which translation systems handled rapid Japanese versus which gave up entirely. Barcelona's narrow alleys revealed navigation displays that stayed readable under Mediterranean sun versus those washing out into useless glare. Berlin showed me the difference between AI that understood context and simple word-swapping that produced nonsense. Some glasses made it through 14-hour exploration days. Others needed charging by dinner.

If you're in a hurry, here are my top two picks for smart glasses:

Table of Contents:

• Best Smart Glasses for Navigation and Translation: Buying Guide
• Top 5 Smart Glasses for Navigation and Translation in 2026
• Smart Glasses Comparison
• Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer
• EarlySincere AI Smart Glasses
• Oakley Meta Vanguard
• Giwbeiv AI Smart Glasses
• Razer Anzu Smart Glasses
• Smart Glasses FAQ

Best Smart Glasses for Navigation and Translation: Buying Guide

Marketing claims sound identical across brands yet actual performance splits dramatically once you're standing in Shibuya crossing trying to understand directions. How well translation captures meaning versus just swapping words determines whether you have actual conversations or confusing exchanges. Display brightness affects whether you see turn-by-turn arrows under bright sun or stare at washed-out screens. Battery numbers in spec sheets rarely match what happens after six hours walking through unfamiliar neighborhoods.

Translation Accuracy and Language Support

Real-time translation quality varies dramatically between AI-powered cloud systems and basic phrase matching algorithms. Meta's Live Translation processes conversations through neural networks achieving 85-95% accuracy during natural speech while budget alternatives struggle maintaining 70% reliability when accents or regional dialects appear. Response latency determines conversation flow with premium systems delivering 0.3-0.5 second delays versus budget options requiring 1-2 second pauses destroying natural dialogue rhythm.

Offline translation capabilities become essential during subway tunnels and international flights where connectivity vanishes yet conversations continue requiring instant language assistance without cloud dependencies.

Language coverage ranges from basic 6-language support on premium glasses to claimed 164-language databases on budget models though actual usability drops precipitously beyond mainstream European and Asian languages. Contextual understanding separates advanced AI from simple word substitution with premium systems recognizing idioms and colloquialisms while basic translators produce literal nonsensical outputs. Audio-only versus visual subtitle options affect usability dramatically with display-equipped glasses enabling discrete reading during noisy environments where spoken translations vanish into ambient chaos.

Navigation Display and Mapping Integration

Turn-by-turn visual guidance requires readable displays under varying lighting conditions from dim subway platforms to bright outdoor glare. Ray-Ban Display achieves 5000 nit brightness enabling clear visibility during noon sun while budget alternatives wash out completely beyond indoor lighting. Field of view determines information density with 20-degree displays fitting complete street intersections versus narrower implementations requiring constant head scanning piecing together fragmented directional data.

Mapping database accuracy affects route reliability with Google Maps integration providing comprehensive global coverage including real-time traffic updates and alternative routing. Standalone navigation systems limit functionality to major cities requiring phone backup for suburban or rural destinations. Pedestrian-specific routing separates walking-friendly paths from car-centric directions with premium systems avoiding highway on-ramps and directing through park shortcuts versus generic GPS treating humans like automobiles. Landmark recognition helps orientation with AI-powered glasses identifying buildings and monuments providing contextual navigation versus coordinate-based systems offering sterile turn commands lacking visual reference points.

Display Technology and Visibility

In-lens displays enable discrete information viewing without obvious screen staring though implementations vary from full-color high-resolution panels to monochrome notification overlays. Monocular displays positioning content in single eye reduce manufacturing costs but create unnatural viewing experience some users find disorienting during extended sessions. Binocular systems provide balanced visual presentation at higher complexity and power consumption draining batteries faster than single-lens alternatives.

Ambient light sensors automatically adjust display brightness preventing retinal burnout during dark evening walks while maintaining visibility under harsh midday sun though aggressive dimming sometimes reduces readability during rapid transitions between indoor and outdoor environments.

Prescription lens compatibility matters for vision-corrected travelers with some glasses supporting custom optical inserts while others force uncomfortable wearing over contact lenses or abandoning correction entirely. Photochromic lens options transition automatically between clear indoor and tinted outdoor states eliminating constant swapping though color-shifting response times lag environmental changes creating temporary visibility mismatches. Anti-reflective coatings reduce glare from display elements and external light sources though aggressive treatments sometimes create rainbow artifacts during specific viewing angles.

Audio Quality and Environmental Awareness

Open-ear speaker designs maintain environmental sound awareness crucial for safe street navigation but sacrifice audio privacy with nearby people hearing navigation announcements and translation outputs. Directional audio technology focuses sound toward ear canals reducing leakage though maximum volume limitations prevent usability during extremely loud environments like construction zones or crowded markets. Bone conduction alternatives transmit vibrations through skull bypassing air entirely enabling private listening while maintaining ambient awareness at comfort cost during extended wear sessions.

Microphone array quality determines voice command reliability and call clarity with multi-mic beamforming systems isolating user speech from perpendicular background noise. Wind noise rejection separates outdoor-capable glasses from indoor-only designs with algorithmic filtering and mesh covers reducing interference by 60-80% compared to exposed microphones. Environmental noise cancellation during calls prevents conversation partners hearing traffic chaos and crowd chatter though aggressive processing sometimes creates robotic vocal artifacts during heavy suppression.

Top 5 Smart Glasses for Navigation and Translation in 2026

Testing happened in actual travel chaos - not controlled environments. These glasses navigated me through subway systems where signs switched languages mid-station. They translated conversations in noisy street markets where vendors spoke fast regional dialects. Display quality showed itself when noon sun hit Barcelona's white buildings. Battery life proved itself during days that started at breakfast and ended after midnight when jet lag kept me exploring.

Smart Glasses Comparison

Numbers tell part of the story. Here's what actually matters when you're lost in a foreign city:

Translation accuracy makes the difference between understanding and guessing. Display brightness determines whether navigation works outdoors. Battery capacity decides if glasses last through full exploration days.

Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Review

Editor's Choice

The Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer handles foreign travel through Meta AI that actually understands context rather than just matching words. Barcelona's Gothic Quarter put this to the test - speaking "Hey Meta, what does this sign say" into the air gave me instant Spanish translations through speakers nobody else heard. The Wayfarer design means locals see normal sunglasses instead of obvious tourist tech strapped to your face.

Second-generation models deliver 8-hour battery endurance covering full exploration days from breakfast through dinner without midday charging anxiety. Enabling high-resolution 3K video recording drops runtime to approximately 5 hours still managing most sightseeing itineraries comfortably. Quick charging provides 90-minute playback from 15-minute top-ups rescuing forgotten hotel room charges. The compact case fits jacket pockets easily unlike bulkier competitors creating noticeable cargo shorts presence.

Live translation supports six languages including English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Portuguese with offline translation packs enabling airplane mode functionality. Barcelona restaurant testing showed 85-90% accuracy during natural Spanish conversations though rapid slang-heavy exchanges occasionally confused the AI requiring phrase repetition. Translation latency averaged 0.5 seconds maintaining conversational flow unlike budget alternatives creating awkward 2-3 second pauses destroying dialogue rhythm. The companion app displays conversation transcripts enabling review of missed phrases later.

Meta AI visual recognition identifies landmarks, translates menu text through camera view, and answers contextual questions about surroundings. Asking "what building is this" while facing Sagrada Familia provided architectural history and visiting hours instantly. The feature works brilliantly for menu translation though small font sizes sometimes require holding items closer than natural reading distance. AI-powered photo captions generate social media descriptions automatically though generic outputs lack personal voice requiring manual editing.

Multipoint Bluetooth switches between phone and laptop seamlessly though occasional audio stutters occur when notifications compete across devices. Open-ear speakers maintain environmental awareness crucial for safe street navigation but sacrifice audio privacy with nearby people hearing navigation announcements clearly at normal volume. Wind noise reduction works effectively up to moderate breezes but strong coastal gusts create distracting whooshing during outdoor conversations.

Summary: Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer delivers flagship AI-powered translation with excellent 8-hour battery life and iconic styling. Meta AI integration provides natural conversation flow with 85-90% accuracy while offline packs enable airplane mode functionality. Editor's choice for travelers prioritizing accuracy and battery endurance over extensive language databases.

EarlySincere AI Smart Glasses Review

Best Overall

The EarlySincere AI Smart Glasses cover 164 languages at a fraction of Ray-Ban pricing. Tokyo proved both strengths and limits - common Japanese phrases translated smoothly while rapid native speakers talking at full speed caused noticeable stumbles. The massive language list handles obscure dialects premium options ignore though quality drops fast outside major European and Asian languages.

Ten-hour music playback and 50-hour standby endurance crushes premium competitors requiring nightly charging with full work weeks between plug-ins possible during moderate usage. Heavy translation sessions drain batteries faster achieving 6-7 hours runtime still exceeding most alternatives. The 170mAh battery capacity enables 40-minute fast charging providing emergency top-ups though slower than premium quick-charge implementations. Photochromic aviator lenses transition automatically between clear indoor and tinted outdoor states eliminating constant swapping.

Translation functionality requires companion Ear Dance app connectivity and active internet connection limiting offline usability during flights and subway tunnels. The app interface feels basic compared to Meta's polished integration though core translation features work adequately. Three translation modes include free conversation enabling natural dialogue, voice-to-text for clear transcription, and photo translation for menu and sign reading. Audio translation plays through open-ear speakers while text displays on phone screen creating two-device coordination some find cumbersome.

Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity provides stable 20-meter range with low-latency transmission though multipoint pairing requires manual device switching unlike automatic implementations. ENC noise cancellation technology filters background chaos during calls though wind handling struggles compared to premium AI-powered systems. Touch controls respond reliably without accidental activations though volume adjustment requires phone access lacking on-glasses shortcuts. IP65 water resistance handles rain and sweat confidently surpassing IPX4 alternatives.

Build quality feels solid despite TR90 plastic construction with comfortable nose pads and lightweight 33-gram design enabling all-day wear without pressure fatigue. The aviator styling looks generic compared to Ray-Ban's iconic aesthetic though discrete tech integration prevents obvious tourist gadget appearance. ChatGPT integration provides AI assistant functionality though response quality varies based on prompt complexity and internet connectivity stability.

Summary: EarlySincere AI Smart Glasses deliver budget-friendly 164-language translation with exceptional 10-hour battery life. Photochromic lenses and IP65 water resistance provide practical travel features while ChatGPT integration adds AI assistant functionality. Best value for travelers wanting extensive language coverage accepting internet dependency and occasional accuracy inconsistencies.

Oakley Meta Vanguard Review

Best for Athletes

The Oakley Meta Vanguard exists for athletes who want performance data without pulling out phones. Trail runs showed this clearly - asking "Hey Meta, what's my pace" mid-stride gave instant stats through speakers while my hands stayed free for balance and water bottles. The wraparound shield blocks wind better than regular frames but looks too aggressive for casual restaurant dining.

Six-hour battery runtime covers typical training sessions though heavy usage including continuous music playback and frequent photo capture drains faster achieving 4-5 hours mixed use. The IP67 water resistance rating handles sweat, rain, and dust confidently surpassing consumer-grade IPX4 alternatives making these viable cycling and running companions. Prizm lens technology enhances color contrast improving trail feature identification and road surface reading during rapid movement.

Meta AI translation provides identical 6-language support as Ray-Ban models with similar 85-90% accuracy during natural conversations. The athletic focus emphasizes navigation over translation with Garmin integration delivering turn-by-turn audio directions synchronized with GPS watch data. Strava connectivity enables automatic activity tracking and post-workout sharing though feature implementation feels incomplete compared to dedicated sports computers. The action button provides customizable quick access to frequently-used functions.

Twelve-megapixel ultrawide camera captures impressive POV footage with improved stabilization handling fast terrain movement smoothly. Video quality matches GoPro entry-level models though lacking advanced features like horizon leveling and time-lapse modes. Audio quality impresses during windy conditions with high-output speakers cutting through environmental noise clearly. Five-microphone array isolates voice commands effectively though outdoor call quality trails indoor performance.

The wraparound frame design integrates seamlessly under bike helmets though oversized temples create pressure points with some helmet models. Interchangeable Prizm lenses enable environment-specific optimization though extra lenses cost $85 each and prescription compatibility remains unavailable. Weight distribution feels balanced during movement though 70-gram heft exceeds lightweight competitors creating noticeable presence during extended wear sessions.

Summary: Oakley Meta Vanguard excels athletic navigation with Garmin and Strava integration delivering hands-free performance metrics. IP67 water resistance and Prizm lens technology optimize outdoor conditions while 12MP camera captures stabilized POV footage. Best for athletes prioritizing sports-specific features over casual travel versatility.

Giwbeiv AI Smart Glasses Review

Budget Option

The Giwbeiv AI Smart Glasses cost less than dinner at a nice restaurant while claiming 164-language translation through ChatGPT. Paris streets revealed the reality - basic French worked fine but fast native conversations dropped accuracy below 70%. The huge language database beats Ray-Ban's six languages on paper though actual usefulness beyond common languages stays questionable.

Dual 85mAh batteries provide 5+ hours runtime covering typical sightseeing days though heavy usage drains faster achieving 3-4 hours mixed use. One-hour magnetic charging completes full top-ups quickly though lacking fast-charge capabilities premium alternatives offer. The lightweight 33-gram design enables comfortable all-day wear without pressure fatigue though build quality feels noticeably cheaper than premium alternatives with occasional creaking during temple adjustments.

Translation functionality requires companion app connectivity and active internet limiting offline usability completely. Three translation modes include face-to-face conversation, video call translation, and photo recognition though feature implementation feels basic compared to Meta's polished integration. Audio translation plays through 3D surround speakers providing adequate clarity though maximum volume limitations prevent usability during extremely loud environments. The photochromic polarized lenses transition automatically though color-shifting response times lag environmental changes.

Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity provides stable pairing though multipoint functionality requires manual device switching. Touch controls respond adequately though placement and sensitivity create occasional accidental activations during glasses adjustments. Voice assistant integration works with Siri and Google Assistant though response quality depends entirely on phone AI capabilities rather than glasses processing. IPX4 water resistance handles light rain and sweat though lacking superior ratings premium alternatives achieve.

ChatGPT integration provides AI question answering though requiring internet connectivity and app open limiting spontaneous usage. Build materials feel plasticky compared to Ray-Ban's premium construction though functional durability handles daily travel wear adequately. The generic styling prevents obvious tech gadget appearance though lacking Ray-Ban's iconic aesthetic appeal. No camera functionality limits content capture capabilities some travelers desire.

Summary: Giwbeiv AI Smart Glasses provide ultra-budget 164-language translation with lightweight comfortable design. Photochromic lenses and ChatGPT integration add practical features while 5+ hour battery covers typical travel days. Budget option for travelers accepting build quality compromises and translation inconsistencies over premium pricing.

Razer Anzu Smart Glasses Review

Best Audio Quality

The Razer Anzu Smart Glasses skip translation entirely and focus on audio quality through 16mm drivers. Music testing showed balanced sound with decent clarity though deep bass never appeared. The rectangular and round frame choices give styling options but thicker temples make these obviously tech glasses versus normal eyewear.

Five-hour battery runtime covers typical workdays though falling short of premium alternatives achieving 8+ hours endurance. The automatic power-off when folded conserves battery during storage though lacking wireless charging or compact case creates inconvenient proprietary cable dependency. Blue light filtering lenses reduce digital eyestrain during extended screen sessions though 35% filtering falls below dedicated computer glasses achieving 50%+ blocking. Polarized replacement lenses provide 99% UVA/UVB protection for outdoor use.

Sixty-millisecond low-latency Bluetooth connection delivers smooth gaming audio without noticeable delays though music and podcast playback doesn't require such specifications. Three EQ presets adjust sound profiles though lacking custom equalizer controls limits audiophile tuning capabilities. Open-ear design maintains environmental awareness crucial for safe navigation though audio leakage becomes noticeable at 50%+ volume levels allowing nearby people hearing content clearly.

Touch controls enable playback management and call handling though unreliable gesture recognition requires multiple attempts frequently. Single taps work consistently while double and triple taps often fail registering correctly creating frustrating user experience. The Razer Audio app allows control remapping though missing volume adjustment shortcuts forces phone dependency for sound level changes. Voice assistant compatibility works adequately though relying entirely on phone AI capabilities rather than glasses processing.

IPX4 water resistance handles sweat and light rain though splash-proof rating limits usage during heavy weather conditions. Prescription lens compatibility through Lensabl partnership enables vision correction though complicated ordering process requires direct customer service contact. Build quality feels solid with flexible hinges accommodating various head sizes comfortably though 48-gram weight creates noticeable presence during extended wear compared to lightweight alternatives.

Summary: Razer Anzu Smart Glasses excel audio quality with balanced 16mm drivers and 60ms low-latency gaming mode. Blue light filtering and polarized lens options provide eye protection while prescription compatibility enables vision correction. Best audio for gamers and music listeners accepting no translation capabilities and unreliable touch controls.

Smart Glasses FAQ

How accurate is real-time translation on smart glasses?

Translation accuracy varies dramatically between AI-powered cloud systems and basic phrase matching achieving 70-95% reliability depending on implementation quality and language pairs. Premium Meta AI-equipped glasses deliver 85-90% accuracy during natural English-Spanish and English-French conversations through neural network processing analyzing context and colloquialisms. Budget alternatives claim 98% accuracy though actual performance drops to 65-75% during rapid native speech with regional dialects and slang confusing simple word-substitution algorithms. Common European and Asian languages perform better than obscure dialects with extensive training data improving AI recognition patterns. Response latency affects conversation flow with premium systems delivering 0.3-0.5 second delays maintaining natural dialogue versus budget options requiring 1-2 second pauses destroying rhythm and forcing awkward conversation restructuring around technical limitations.

Do smart glasses work offline without internet connection?

Offline functionality varies significantly between premium and budget implementations with most translation features requiring active internet connectivity for cloud processing. Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 provides offline translation packs for six supported languages enabling airplane mode functionality during flights and subway tunnels though pack downloads require advance planning and storage space allocation. Budget alternatives like EarlySincere and Giwbeiv glasses lack offline capabilities completely requiring constant internet access for any translation functionality making them useless during connectivity gaps. Navigation features similarly depend on mapping database downloads with Google Maps integration requiring initial internet connection for route planning though GPS tracking continues offline once directions load. Standalone glasses without smartphone tethering maintain basic audio playback and call handling without internet though smart features including AI assistance and real-time translation cease functioning immediately when connectivity vanishes.

Can I use smart glasses for turn-by-turn navigation while walking?

Pedestrian navigation quality depends entirely on display presence and mapping integration with varying implementations across price ranges. Ray-Ban Display (Gen 3) provides visual turn-by-turn directions through in-lens display showing street intersections and landmark references enabling natural walking navigation without constant phone checking. Audio-only alternatives deliver spoken directions through open-ear speakers maintaining hands-free operation though lacking visual confirmation creates uncertainty during complex urban environments with multiple turn options. Google Maps integration provides comprehensive pedestrian routing avoiding highway on-ramps and directing through park shortcuts versus generic GPS treating humans like vehicles. Standalone navigation systems limit coverage to major cities requiring phone backup for suburban destinations. Real-time traffic awareness adjusts routing dynamically during street closures and construction though pedestrian traffic data proves less reliable than vehicular updates.

Which smart glasses have the best battery life for travel?

Battery endurance varies from 4-hour minimums on display-equipped models to 10-hour marathons audio-only alternatives achieve during testing. EarlySincere AI leads longevity delivering 10 hours music playback and 50-hour standby enabling full work weeks between charges with moderate usage. Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 provides 8 hours mixed use covering breakfast through dinner exploration without midday charging anxiety though display-equipped Gen 3 models drop to 4-6 hours requiring portable chargers for extended days. Oakley Vanguard achieves 6 hours music playback though heavy camera and AI usage reduces runtime to 4-5 hours mixed use. Translation and navigation features drain batteries significantly faster than audio playback with continuous AI processing requiring 25-35% more power versus passive music listening. Cold weather reduces all lithium batteries by 15-20% requiring extra capacity margins during winter travel months.

Are smart glasses comfortable to wear all day during travel?

All-day comfort depends on weight distribution, nose pad design, and temple pressure with lightweight models under 35 grams enabling extended wear without fatigue. EarlySincere and Giwbeiv 33-gram designs feel barely heavier than traditional sunglasses allowing comfortable 12+ hour sessions during full exploration days. Ray-Ban Meta 50-gram weight creates noticeable presence though ergonomic design distributes pressure evenly preventing pinch points during extended use. Oakley Vanguard 70-gram heft suits short athletic sessions better than all-day city walking with wraparound design creating temple pressure under some helmet styles. Adjustable nose pads accommodate different bridge shapes preventing sliding during movement though fixed alternatives force uncomfortable positioning for certain face structures. Photochromic lenses eliminate constant swapping between clear and tinted options reducing handling interruptions during indoor-outdoor transitions.

Do smart glasses require subscription fees for translation?

Translation functionality remains free across all tested models without recurring subscription requirements though quality and features vary significantly between implementations. Meta AI integration provides premium neural network processing without additional costs beyond initial glasses purchase with continuous feature updates arriving through firmware improvements. Budget alternatives including EarlySincere and Giwbeiv offer free lifetime app translation through ChatGPT integration though requiring active internet connectivity and accepting data privacy implications. Google Translate integration on compatible models provides free unlimited translations though accuracy trails dedicated AI implementations during complex contextual conversations. Offline translation packs download free on Meta glasses though limited to six supported languages versus extensive online databases. Third-party translation apps sometimes offer premium subscriptions adding advanced features though basic functionality remains accessible without payment.

Can prescription lenses be fitted to smart glasses?

Prescription compatibility varies between models with some supporting custom optical inserts while others force uncomfortable wearing over contact lenses. Ray-Ban Meta partners with LensCrafters and official retailers offering prescription lens fitting during purchase with diopter range approximately -6.00 to +4.00 covering most vision correction needs. Razer Anzu partners with Lensabl providing 15% discount on custom lenses though complicated ordering process requires customer service contact and frame shipping for professional installation. Oakley Vanguard lacks official prescription support though third-party lens inserts attach via nose guard replacement providing unofficial solution near-sighted athletes appreciate. Budget alternatives generally omit prescription compatibility forcing contact lens dependency or abandoning vision correction entirely during use. Progressive lens options remain unavailable across all models limiting multifocal wearers to single-vision correction or reading glasses layering creating awkward dual-glasses configurations.

How private are conversations when using smart glasses translation?

Privacy considerations include both audio leakage and data transmission with varying security implications across implementations. Open-ear speakers broadcast translation audio within 3-6 foot radius allowing nearby people hearing conversations clearly at normal volume levels creating public privacy concerns during confidential discussions. Bone conduction alternatives reduce leakage though remaining audible to people within arm's reach during quiet environments. Cloud-processed translations transmit conversation audio to remote servers for AI analysis raising data privacy questions though Meta and Google implement encryption protecting transmission security. Budget alternatives using third-party ChatGPT integration may store conversation data according to OpenAI privacy policies beyond glasses manufacturer control. Local device processing would eliminate cloud transmission concerns though current hardware limitations prevent real-time neural network translation running entirely on-glasses requiring server connectivity maintaining accuracy and speed.

Picking Glasses That Match Your Travel Style

Different trips need different tools. Multi-city European tours demand the Ray-Ban Meta Display (Gen 3) where visual navigation and premium AI translation turn confusing metros into manageable journeys. Backpackers watching budgets closely get solid performance from EarlySincere AI covering 164 languages with 10-hour battery lasting through hostel-hopping days. Weekend athletes tracking performance metrics choose Oakley Meta Vanguard where Garmin integration delivers hands-free stats during mountain trails. Extreme budget travelers accepting basic builds select Giwbeiv AI getting translation coverage without premium costs. Music lovers skipping translation features entirely prefer Razer Anzu where quality audio matters more than AI assistance.

Three months across eight countries showed me what matters beyond spec sheets. Translation worked best when AI understood slang and context rather than swapping words mechanically. Navigation succeeded when displays stayed visible under actual sunlight not just showroom lighting. Batteries lasted longest when usage patterns matched real travel days instead of controlled lab tests. The glasses that earned permanent space in my carry-on weren't the ones with longest feature lists but the ones that actually worked when restaurants had no English menus and street signs pointed six directions simultaneously.