Overview
Terminal Mode by Even Realities is a feature for Even G2 smart glasses that provides an ambient terminal interface for monitoring and interacting with AI coding agents. It allows developers to see agent status, approve actions, and give voice commands without returning to their laptop, enabling a "code in the wild" experience.
ShellMate is a modern SSH client and workspace designed for teams and individual developers. It offers host management, encrypted credential vaults, multi-server sessions, AI-assisted troubleshooting, and team collaboration features, all within a desktop application.
While both tools aim to improve developer productivity, they target fundamentally different use cases: Terminal Mode focuses on mobile agent monitoring, while ShellMate focuses on secure SSH infrastructure management.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Terminal Mode by Even Realities | ShellMate |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use Case | Ambient terminal for coding agents on smart glasses | Modern SSH client and workspace for teams and developers |
| Target Audience | Developers using AI coding agents (vibe coders, token-maxers) | DevOps engineers, system administrators, and development teams |
| Hardware Required | Even G2 smart glasses | Desktop computer (Windows, macOS, Linux) |
| Agent Integration | Connects to coding agents (e.g., Claude Code) via CLI | AI-assisted troubleshooting for SSH sessions |
| Interaction Method | Ring tap, hold-to-talk voice, glanceable display | Desktop GUI with tabs, split panes, keyboard shortcuts |
| Session Management | View multiple agent sessions in line of sight | Multi-server sessions, saved layouts, jump-host support |
| Security | Pairing via QR code, local CLI | Zero-knowledge encrypted vault, role-based access, session logs |
| Collaboration | Individual use, no team features | Team workspaces, permissions, activity logs, revocation controls |
| Installation | npm install -g @evenrealities/even-terminal | Desktop app download |
| Mobility | Designed for on-the-go use (coffee, walk, workout) | Desktop-bound, no mobile or wearable support |
Pricing
Terminal Mode by Even Realities: Terminal Mode is a free feature for Even G2 smart glasses owners. The glasses themselves cost approximately $599 (one-time purchase). No additional subscription is required to use Terminal Mode.
ShellMate: ShellMate offers a free tier with limited hosts and features. Paid plans start at $12/month for individuals and $29/month per user for teams with advanced security and collaboration features. Enterprise pricing is available on request.
Pros and Cons
Terminal Mode by Even Realities
Pros:
- Enables true hands-free monitoring of coding agents
- Reduces context switching and screen checking
- Voice interaction for quick approvals and guidance
- Works during physical activities (walks, workouts)
- Simple setup with npm and QR code pairing
Cons:
- Requires Even G2 smart glasses (additional hardware cost)
- Limited to coding agent workflows, not general SSH
- No team collaboration features
- Battery life of glasses may limit extended sessions
ShellMate
Pros:
- Comprehensive SSH workspace with host management
- Zero-knowledge encrypted vault for credentials
- Team collaboration with granular permissions
- AI-assisted troubleshooting for build and SSH errors
- Multi-server session management with saved layouts
Cons:
- Desktop-only, no mobile or wearable support
- Steeper learning curve for non-SSH users
- Paid plans required for team features
- No direct integration with AI coding agents
Verdict
Choose Terminal Mode by Even Realities if you are a developer who relies on AI coding agents and wants to stay connected while away from your desk, especially if you already own or are willing to invest in Even G2 glasses. Choose ShellMate if you manage multiple SSH hosts, work in a team, and need a secure, organized workspace for infrastructure operations. Both tools enhance developer productivity but serve very different workflows.
ShellMate
Terminal Mode by Even Realities