We recently reported that Google had plans to launch some very futuristic technology in the form of Android-powered video and Augmented Reality eyewear. Now it seems that printer and projector experts Epson have beaten the tech giant to the punch, launching the Android-powered Moverio video eyewear today.
Designed in a similar vein to that of Vuzix’s excellent Wrap 1200 video eyewear, the Epson’s Moverio can be worn like a pair of glasses, with two LCD displays laid out in front of each eye, combining to give the effect of an 80-inch screen. Content can be displayed in high quality in both 2D and 3D, the latter of which works using the side-by-side 3D format. Audio quality is also premium, with Dolby’s Digital Mobile surround sound delivered to your ears using the in-ear ‘phones provided, or a set of your own, which can be hooked up to the same connections.
Google’s Android comes into play when we follow the cable that runs from the eyewear to the Moverio’s control box. This little Android-powered box can connect to your Wi-Fi network to bring you access to YouTube, Vimeo, apps from Google’s Play Store and more, all of which can be navigated using the remote’s touchpad and the menu you see through the screens in front of your eyes. Moverio supports Flash Player 11, so in theory you should be able to use the Android browser to watch almost any internet video.
Users are invited to add their own content using the Micro SD Card slot, which can house cards up to 32GB. The device itself has 1GB of internal memory for storing apps and other content, and comes with a 4GB Micro SD Card to get you started. Its internal battery will last a decent 6 hours from a full charge.
“The Moverio BT-100 see-through display is poised to significantly impact not only the way people interact with content for personal enjoyment, but the development of content for future applications – from virtual training platforms to a new way to interact with 3D CAD environments to visualizing 3D design renderings.”
While Google’s proposed “Google Goggles” promised much more with augmented reality and the possibility of connecting up to our Android smartphones, Epson’s Moverio looks like a promising product and one with an interesting use of Android. One pair will set you back $699 from Amazon, Epson directly or select retailers.
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