Epson announced today its second generation Moverio "smart glasses" with a combination of new features geared to transform how consumers experience games, video entertainment and the world around them.
Sporting a sleek, light design, the Epson Moverio BT-200 is a true binocular display using a miniaturized LCD-based projection lens system and optical light guide in each side of the glasses. The Moverio platform's advanced binocular optical system projects see-through overlays of digital content onto the real-world in the center of the smart glasses' field of view. Enabling a seamless blend of the physical and digital world, the Moverio BT-200 technology platform makes a new world of augmented reality applications possible for consumers as well as commercial enterprises.
The Moverio BT-200 projects a stereoscopic virtual display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a 23-degree field of view. A 360-degree panoramic experience is possible through third-party software that takes advantage of the glasses' head-tracking features. For optimum viewing privacy, Moverio's projection system features unique light guide angles which prevent other people from viewing the projected content.
The compact Moverio BT-200 delivers an impressive list of features for augmented reality and digital entertainment experiences, including:
Bright, transparent display with 960 x 540 pixel (qHD) resolution
Sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetic compass) enable head-motion tracking for gaming and hands-free navigation
A front-facing camera enables image and video capture as well as marker detection for AR apps that give users relevant information related to the real-world
A handheld controller unit powered by Android 4.0 provides a robust open-source development environment and gives users access to a growing selection of augmented reality apps
Built-in Wi-Fi® connectivity offers a wireless way to enjoy streaming video content while an optional wireless mirroring adapter enables streaming of high-definition video from content source devices with HDMI connectivity such as DVD players, set-top boxes and more
Native support of MP4 with H.264 plus AAC encoding allows high-definition video playback
Bluetooth 3.0 support allow wireless connectivity to headsets, speakers, keyboards and other peripherals
A MicroSD card slot supports up to 32GB of external memory, allowing users to view and enjoy personal content like photos, videos and music even when wireless access is unavailable
Dolby Digital Plus produces a full-body surround sound experience to complement the rich visual experience
"The Epson Moverio BT-200 smart glasses offer consumers crystal clear video as well as access to incredible new augmented reality experiences and relevant information according to their personal interests and needs," said Atsunari Tsuda, General Manager, Visual Products Division, Epson. "Leveraging Epson's leadership in LCD projection technology and visual imaging, the Moverio BT-200's transparent display and powerful new features allow users a new way of seeing the world."
"In addition, the Moverio technology platform can serve as a foundation for designing highly effective visual tools in a wide variety of commercial and vertical market applications, including training, logistics, science, medicine, security, education and more," Tsuda said. "Epson is currently working with premier organizations and development partners to bring these applications to market."
Following is a list of Moverio consumer and enterprise apps being demonstrated at the Epson SmartWare Pavilion, meeting room S214, in the Las Vegas Convention Center during 2014 International CES. These early developer applications reflect a diverse interest in Moverio BT-200 ranging from AR gaming to medical imaging to service repair:
Consumer-Focused Demos
NAMCO BANDAI Studios Inc. - A table-top virtual fighting game using augmented reality characters
PSYCLOPS - A virtual reality, first-person shooter by smart glasses app developer Sean McCracken where you have to defend your city from invading aliens
Sky Temple - A virtual reality, first-person adventure game also by Sean McCracken where you must collect gems and avoid falling thousands of feet below
Scope AR - ScopeAssist, an in-view, augmented reality assistance app to vastly simplify unfamiliar tasks. Visitors will receive immediate, friendly, voice-driven guidance in one of the most daunting tasks in the modern household...the complete connection of a 5.1 surround sound system.
Quest-Com - Shooting game using augmented reality characters
Moverio Technology Enterprise Demos
APX Labs - Multiple demonstrations running on their Skylight platform, a complete and integrated software solution for enterprise smart glasses
Crane Morley - Augmented reality-based training and consumer marketing apps for the automotive industry
Evena Medical - Demonstration of the Eyes-On™ Glasses, a one-of-a-kind point-of-care wearable medical imaging system which enables nurses to see "through" a patient's skin to the vasculature beneath
Metaio - Multiple demonstrations running on their platform, including an augmented reality-based app to maintain and repair a Mitsubishi Electric air conditioner
The Moverio BT-200 smart glasses are an example of Epson's open-source wearable tech and app-enabled products. Availability and launch date will vary by region and is yet to be announced.
