Vuzix has introduced an upgraded Android 13 operating system for its M400 smart glasses. Now generally available, the full final version of Android 13 gives customers the ‘highest-level’ security for augmented reality head-worn devices.
New software features of Android 13 include security updates and support, WiFi networking improvements, enterprise device and permissions management enhancements, plus an updated Android API 33 for app developers.
Paul Travers, President and CEO of Vuzix, commented on the implementation of Android 13 into its M400 smart glasses: “Vuzix is continuously striving to keep our smart glasses state-of-the art and offer customers the best user experience in the market.
“The implementation of Android 13 on our M400 smart glasses, which is now required by multiple customers intending larger deployments, will allow these customers to continue to manage their devices with the latest security updates and enable usage of advanced Android features within third party applications.”
Financial Difficulties
Vuzix had been experiencing financial difficulties until it received a $20 million three-tranche strategic investment from Quanta Computer Inc, a global Fortune 500 company.
The total revenues of the multinational smart glasses vendor, Vuzix, fell by 77 per cent to roughly $1.1 million, which is a major drop when compared to its previous year’s revenue of around $4.7 million.
The decrease in capital was reportedly the result of lower product sales, including its M400 smart glasses, but Vuzix explained that 2023 product shipments had been inflated as result of Asian-based distribution so this may not be such a negative reflection on the products or business.
Following the investment, Travers shared its plans to use the cash injection on smart glasses development and more:
“This investment, and the ones to follow, will significantly strengthen our balance sheet and assure that we can implement whatever steps needed to ramp production of waveguides, as well as the co-development of new smart glasses and related technologies.
“We look forward expanding our customer relationship and partnership with such a leading product manufacturer as Quanta, as well as realising the significant revenue potential it stands to generate for Vuzix in the upcoming years with both parties’ successes.”
Vuzix Releases M400 Xtreme Kit
In August, Vuzix launched the M400 Xtreme smart glasses kit, which has been created to withstand extreme weather conditions.
The new smart glasses kit enables a range of features, such as the new lightweight and long-lasting Xtreme Weather power bank.
Both the power bank and the M400 Xtreme also have IP67-rated protection against dust and water, as well as being operable in temperatures ranging between 20°C to 45°C.
The M400 Xtreme kit is an out-of-the-box solution that Vuzix believes is an improvement upon the M400 All-Weather Kit when it comes to the battery capacity, harsh workplace environments, and a headband designed for long shifts.
In total, Vuzix has three M400 smart glasses kits on offer: M400 Xtreme Kit, M400 All Weather Kit, and the M400 Extended Wear Kit.
All three M400 smart glasses kits have been listed for the same price of $1,799.99.
Founded in 1997, Vuzix has won Consumer Electronics Show (CES) awards for innovation every year since 2005, as well as multiple further wireless technology innovation awards.
