Ever since Google Glass, companies have been pushing to make a better pair of smart glasses. It appears that developer Vuzix may have hit on the right idea with a pair that could pass as a normal pair of sunglasses.
The Vuzix Blade is designed to be an average pair of sunglasses, capable of adding prescription lenses. Hiding within the three-ounce frames, however, is a quad-core ARM CPU, and an 8-megapixel camera boasting 1080p video capabilities. And, one of the more interesting additions to the glasses is the Alexa smart assistant, accessible through a noise-canceling microphone.
The smart glasses run off Android, and the company is offering developers early dev kits for $495 down and an additional $1,500 upon delivery. The good news for consumers is that the retail version will only run $1,000.
Vuzix is also creating an app store designed specifically for Blade-centric apps. With Alexa's help, you can get directions, biometric data, stock quotes, social feeds, and sports scores.
"What differentiates the Vuzix Blade from all existing or proposed AR smart glasses and mixed reality head mounted computers, is that it’s built for today’s user," Vuzix President and CEO Paul Travers said in a press release. "With a fashionable form factor, a brilliant display, and a broad range of features that allow the user to experience AR at work or play, the Vuzix Blade is the first pair of smart glasses that people would actually enjoy wearing."
Here's a look at just what the sunglasses have behind the lenses:
Optics and Electronics
- Waveguide based see through optics
- Cobra II DLP based display
- Vibrant full-color DLP display
- Quad Core ARM CPU
- 8 Megapixel camera with 1080p video
- Android OS
Controls
- Voice control - multilingual
- Touch pad with gesture
- Head motion trackers
- Haptic vibration alert
- Remote control app for Android & iOS device
Versatile Eyeglass Options Available
- Prescription inserts
- Mulitple lens color choice
- Photochromic
- All lenses standard UV protection
Audio
- Micro USB ear-phone jack
- Full BT functionality
- Noise canceling microphone
Connectivity
- MicroSD expansion slot
- Wi-Fi and BT wireless
- Micro USB
Battery
- Internal LiPo rechargeable batteries
Given that most current VR headsets run in the $400-$600 range, $1,000 for these babies is a bit pricey. Yes, you are playing for a sleeker form factor and a somewhat more stylish look, but unless you've got that much money to burn, you may need to hope for a sale once the eyewear becomes available sometime later this year.
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