Honestly, we forgot about Epson’s smart glasses because they didn’t become popular even if the first pair was released sometime in 2012. The Epson Moverio BT-100 was a pair of see-through Android video glasses which even had a follow-up last year in the form of the Moverio Pro BT-2000 smart AR glasses. At this week’s Mobile World Congress, Epson once again tries with the third-generation smart glasses. An early hands-on feature by our friends at SlashGear noted that this is an OLED switch for AR upgrade.
The new pair of smart glasses features a new OLED display by Epson that’s ideal for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality. You see, VR headsets are expected to become more popular this year together with smart home technology. In the past couple of years, we were focused on the smartwatch game, this year will be all about AR/VR and smart gadgets. There are not enough head wearables or eyewear yet but it could be different this 2016. Epson could be one of the forerunners if the latest smart glasses shown off at the MWC in Barcelona will attract more people.
The Epson Moverio BT-300 is powered by an Intel Atom X5 processor and the Moverio smart eyewear platform that is based on Android 5.1 Lollipop. It comes with a 5MP camera that users will find useful if they’re not busy with their augmented reality activities. To say that this is similar to a pair of Google Glass is an understatement but as well all know, the fate of the Glass isn’t as bright now. Actually, Epson was even ahead in the hi-tech eyewear game.
The Moverio BT-300 is a see-through binocular smart glasses. It’s very light compared to the previous models and is said to offer more precise information and location. If you’re in Barcelona right now for the mobile tech event, you can visit Epson’s booth to try the smart glasses. The new Moverio now takes advantage of Si-OLED. That’s an upgrade from the old LCD backlit projection.
Epson’s newest Moverio BT-300 is aimed to help a number of areas like “drone photography, remote support, AR training/maintenance, healthcare, retail, logistics and more” according to Epson America’s New Ventures’ Product Manager Eric Mizufuka. Interestingly, the Epson Moverio exec is a self-confessed augmented reality enthusiast, Google Glass Explorer, and a wearable tech fan.
No doubt the new Moverio smart glasses will offer a significant change in the AR industry. The new Moverio platform is even nominated for the Global Mobile Awards 2016 in the following category: Best Wearable Mobile Technology, Best Use of Mobile for Retail, Brands & Commerce, and Best Use of Mobile for Accessibility & Inclusion.
SOURCE: Epson
