Leading developer of smart and augmented reality technologies, Vuzix, recently unveiled its latest line of wearables at CES 2021 this year – and we can’t believe how good they look!
Expected for release at the start of Q3, the new pair of smart glasses feature cutting-edge MicroLED technology, the likes of which has never been seen before in any other smart glasses to date.
Vuzix has also stated the smart glasses will utilize the company’s next-generation “monolithic” single layer waveguides and will be available in both glass and plastic models when released for sale later on this year.
Indistinguishable from Normal Glasses
The MicroLED displays, developed in partnership with a Shanghai-based Jade Bird Display, a market-leader in MicroLED tech, are powered by the world’s smallest microLED display engines.
According to Vuzix, these engines are the same size as a standard pencil eraser, allowing the next generation of AR smart glasses to have a virtually indistinguishable look and feel from regular eyeglasses.
Unlike the older, clunkier AR glasses in Vuzix’s portfolio, the discreet, lightweight look of these new wearables give us a clear indication of what the company hopes to achieve in the future in terms of design and market strategy.
With competitors Facebook currently working with Ray-Ban on their upcoming smart glasses offering, we expect this trend of “fashionable” wearables that can be worn around the clock to spread throughout the marketplace over the next 12 months and beyond.
Some other features include:
- Dual displays, cameras and sensors for maximum clarity and user experience
- Wireless smartphone integration for round-the clock mobility support
- Noise cancelling mics and internal speakers for uninterrupted comms and better immersion
- Stereoscopic 3D UI waveguides for better spatial awareness and optimization
- Supports both Android and iOS devices
Market Leaders in MicroLED Smart Glasses
Paul Travers, President and CEO of Vuzix states:
“We are very excited about our collaboration with Jade Bird Display, who has demonstrated leading highly efficient microLED technology and production capabilities in MicroLED displays.”
“This relationship with Jade Bird advances Vuzix’ products and serves to further our leadership position in the supply of next-generation waveguides and display engine technologies,” he continues.
2021: The Year of AR/Wearables?
While 2020 proved to be an exciting year for VR Headsets, 2021 is looking like the year when the AR wearables marketplace will take off at scale.
Alongside Vuzix, global tech-leader Lenovo also used CES2021 to launch its new ThinkRealty A3 enterprise-grade AR glasses, and plenty more innovation is making its way through the pipeline.
While absent from CES2021 this year, tech-giants Facebook and Apple are likely to make their move into the wearables marketplace within the next six months, and XR Today will be covering it in full when they do.
