Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Google Not the Only Eyes on High-Tech Glasses: Meet the Vuzix M100 Smart Glasses

Photo Credit: Vuzix


In the last several years, users of technology no longer accept mobility limitations to high-power computerized devices. With multi-function smartphones and tablets allowing us to engage in full-scale electronic interaction far away from home, we are continuing to embrace the miniaturization of technology. Proceeding into the next generation of portable electronic devices, forecasts for the upcoming decade show an advent for full-scale wearable computers.

Wristwatch-like and headset computing devices are being courted as the next state of evolution in personal electronics. Smartwatch devices have already been created by several companies. A rumoured watch through Apple has been a lingering source of techno-gossip. For immediate engagement with software and communications, headset smart devices is another popular area of consumer electronic research. Google Glass is undergoing trials by numerous members of media and technology developers. As Google has confirmed plans for market the technology, another company in Rochester, New York could beat the best-known technological innovator to market with a high-tech smart headset. Since 2012, Vuzix Corporation has been proceeding with the development of their M100 Smart Glasses.

Having produced wearable glasses or visors as a private, interactive alternative to high-tech televisions and computer displays, the next step for Vuzix Corporation is a unique hands-free connection with smartphones. Supporting an Android operating system itself, the Vuzix M100 is being developed as a smart device peripheral with an array of far-reaching features. A device powered by four gigabytes of memory and permitting up to eight hours of battery life, the Vuzix M100 smart glasses provide a discrete, portable profile. Three mounting options are available for comfortably wearing the M100 smart glasses for either left or right eye viewing.

User interfacing with the Vuzix M100 smart glasses is accomplished visibly through a 16:9 aspect ratio screen and a noise cancelling microphone. Communications through voice and text, Internet browsing as well as image capturing capabilities are all possible with the Vuzix M100 smart glasses. It's believed even mobile gaming could be performed with the M100 smart glasses. Operating with augmented reality thanks to a GPS and head tracking abilities, the Vuzix M100 hands-free positioning delivers an immersive portable computing experience. Configured for the usage with Android or Apple iOS devices, the Vuzix M100 incorporates Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity options. Said to be linked to cloud virtual storage, the M100 also includes a Micro SD card slot allowing up to 16 gigabytes of data storage.




Photo Credit: Vuzix



In addition to accessing the smartphone or other smart device through the headset, the Vuzix M100 is opening the door to an all-new app development realm. The M100 devices have already been distributed to innovative app developers. Applications and programs exploiting the hardware of the Vuzix M100 has the potential of yielding some ground-breaking ways of experiencing technology in everyday settings.

Even without public sales, the Vuzix M100 smart glasses have already been gathering acclaim. At the 2013 CES Show, the M100 was recognized as a Best of Innovations recipient in the Wireless Handset Accessories category. With consumer availability of the Vuzix M100 announced for mid-summer of this year, pricing for the device is yet to be announced.