This week, enterprise-grade AR smart glasses vendor Vuzix announced the integration of Microsoft’s Intune, a cloud-based Mobile Device Management (MDM) service, to help businesses deploy hardware across a workforce.
Vuzix is integrating Microsoft’s MDM service into its M-series of AR smart glasses, gaining official certification from the Itune provider in a bid to support scaling and distribution efforts with its customers already using the MDM solution.
“Microsoft Intune is widely used around the world, especially among large organizations, and this certification removes a key deployment barrier for many IT departments,” noted Paul Travers, President and CEO of Vuzix.
Travers explained that Vuzix is “seamlessly” integrating the M-series AR smart glasses into an Itune platform, allowing its customers to unify the XR hardware portfolio with a service already commonly utilized by the firm’s customers.
Itune integration will allow Vuzix customers to manage M-series smart glasses, including supporting IT teams in handling device settings, security processes, and application access.
Travers added:
This certification is a key development for Vuzix and, along with our recently announced support of Android 13, further differentiates the competitiveness and utility of our M-series smart glasses within the enterprise space.
Vuzix on Android
Vuzix has launched an upgraded Android 13 operating system for its smart glasses, further enhancing security for augmented reality wearables.
This full, final version of Android 13 is now generally available and offers users the highest level of security for head-worn devices.
Android 13’s new software features include security updates, improved Wi-Fi networking, enhanced enterprise device management and permissions, and an updated Android API 33 for app developers.
More on Vuzix in 2024
Despite facing recent financial challenges, Vuzix received a $20 million strategic investment from Quanta Computer Inc., a global Fortune 500 company. The multinational smart glasses vendor reported a significant revenue decline in Q2 2024. This decrease was attributed to lower product sales, including its latest smart glasses. However, Vuzix clarified that the product shipments in 2023 were boosted by distribution in Asia, which may not negatively affect the products or the overall business.
In August, Vuzix introduced the Xtreme smart glasses kit, designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. This new kit and several other enhancements feature a lightweight and long-lasting Xtreme Weather power bank. The power bank and the Xtreme kit are IP67-rated for dust and water protection and can operate from 20°C to 45°C.
The Xtreme kit is an out-of-the-box solution that Vuzix claims improves upon the All-Weather Kit in terms of battery capacity, durability in harsh work environments, and a headband designed for long shifts.
Currently, Vuzix offers three smart glasses kits: the Xtreme Kit, the All-Weather Kit, and the Extended Wear Kit. All three kits are priced at $1,799.99.