Tag: Augmented Reality

  • HTC Vive Eagle Smart Glasses: Zeiss Lenses, 12MP Camera, ChatGPT

    HTC Vive Eagle Smart Glasses: Zeiss Lenses, 12MP Camera, ChatGPT

    Key Takeaways

    1. HTC Vive Eagle is a new competitor to Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, featuring a semi-transparent frame in four colors.
    2. The smart glasses have built-in speakers, four microphones, and a 12-MP ultra-wide-angle camera for communication, music, and photo/video capture.
    3. The device runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1, with 4 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, and supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
    4. Battery life is approximately three hours for calls, 4.5 hours for video, and up to 36 hours on standby, with an IP54 rating for water resistance.
    5. Priced at 15,600 TWD (about $520) in Taiwan, availability details for international markets are still pending.

    The HTC Vive Eagle: A New Player in Smart Glasses

    HTC has recently introduced the Vive Eagle, challenging the popular Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. This new pair of smart glasses features a semi-transparent plastic frame that comes in four colors: red, brown, gray, and black. The lenses are made by Zeiss, but at first, the Vive Eagle will only be offered as sunglasses with UV protection. Other models with optical lenses are expected to arrive in the future.

    Communication and Features

    Equipped with four microphones and built-in speakers, these glasses allow users to communicate seamlessly. They can connect to Google Gemini or ChatGPT as an option. Users can listen to music and capture photos and videos with the 12-MP ultra-wide-angle camera. Notably, the camera is designed to help the AI chatbot engage with the real world, enabling text translations and providing information about visible objects. Besides using voice commands, there’s also a physical shutter button to take photos.

    Specifications and Battery Life

    The Vive Eagle runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 processor, with 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of flash storage. It supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Thanks to its energy-efficient AR chip and a 235 mAh battery, it boasts a battery life of three hours for calls, 4.5 hours for video viewing, and up to 36 hours while in standby. With an IP54 rating, the glasses are safeguarded against light rain. Weighing only 48.8 grams, they are designed for comfort during use.

    The HTC Vive Eagle AR headset will be priced at 15,600 TWD (about $520) in Taiwan. Information on when it will be available internationally is still awaited. More details can be found on the official product website.

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    HTC Vive Eagle Smart Glasses: Zeiss Lenses, 12MP Camera, ChatGPT

     

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  • TCL RayNeo X3 Pro: Next-Gen MicroLED AR Glasses Launch

    TCL RayNeo X3 Pro: Next-Gen MicroLED AR Glasses Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. The TCL X3 Pro features advanced microLED technology for a high-quality AR experience, comparable to the Apple Vision Pro.

    2. Weighing only 76 grams and offering peak brightness of 6,000 nits, these lightweight glasses are designed for daily use and quick charging.

    3. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon AR1 platform, the X3 Pro includes dual cameras and multiple microphones and speakers for enhanced AI functionalities.

    4. The device operates on Android, ensuring compatibility with popular apps like Douyin and Bilibili, addressing AR software fragmentation.

    5. Currently available only in China, the X3 Pro retails for approximately $1,250, with potential subsidies lowering the price to about $1,063.

    The newest member of TCL’s RayNeo series, also referred to as ‘Thunderbird’ in China, is being promoted as the epitome of high-end smart glasses.

    Advanced Technology

    This device features lenses built on cutting-edge microLED tech that TCL created in-house, aiming to offer a “full-color” AR experience that rivals the quality, immersion, and usability seen in the Apple Vision Pro. The display visible through the glasses is designed to replicate the feel of using a real monitor as closely as possible through TCL’s innovative waveguide.

    Bright and Lightweight

    The X3 Pro is said to deliver a peak brightness of 6,000 nits, with an average of 3,500 nits. With a weight of only 76 grams, these IP52-rated glasses are made for daily wear, and they come with a 245mAh battery that charges fully in just 40 minutes. The glasses provide a 30° field of view and feature 3 degrees-of-freedom (3DOF) head-tracking, contrasting to the 6DOF found in certain other devices.

    Powerful Features

    Equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon AR1 platform, the X3 Pro includes dual cameras using sensors from Sony and OmniVision, which are essential for various AI functionalities like virtual assistance, real-time translation, and object identification. Additionally, they boast triple microphones and dual speakers, enhancing these capabilities. The device aims to tackle the issue of AR software fragmentation by operating on Android, making it compatible with popular apps like Douyin and Bilibili.

    However, one significant limitation of the X3 Pro is that it is currently only available for consumers in China.

    Their suggested retail price is 8,999 yuan (about $1,250), but it drops to 7,649 yuan (~$1,063) when considering available subsidies.

    There hasn’t been any announcement regarding a global version of the X3 Pro yet; however, the RayNeo Air 2s OLED glasses are available bundled with a JoyDock Nintendo Switch adapter for $417 on Amazon at this moment.

    Digital Chat Station via Weibo.

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    TCL RayNeo X3 Pro: Next-Gen MicroLED AR Glasses LaunchTCL RayNeo X3 Pro: Next-Gen MicroLED AR Glasses Launch
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  • Apple Developing Two New Vision Pro Headsets: Latest Update

    Apple Developing Two New Vision Pro Headsets: Latest Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple is developing two new versions of the Vision Pro headset: a lighter, more affordable model and one that enhances connectivity with Macs.

    2. The original Vision Pro, launched in 2024, has struggled in the market due to its high price of $3,500 and bulky design.

    3. The upcoming lighter model aims to address pricing concerns and compete with budget alternatives like Meta’s Quest headsets.

    4. The second new model will focus on improving functionality through low-latency connections to Macs, offering features like screen mirroring.

    5. Tim Cook is committed to creating advanced, comfortable Augmented Reality glasses and exploring AI-enhanced features for other Apple products.

    Apple is said to be working on two new versions of its Vision Pro headset. One of these will be lighter and less expensive, while the other will aim to enhance tethered experiences when connected to a Mac.

    Vision Pro’s Launch Challenges

    Released in 2024, the Vision Pro has faced difficulties in the market and has been labeled a commercial flop for Apple. Despite its impressive technology, the hefty price of $3,500 has made it unaffordable for many potential buyers, leading to complaints about its limited practical uses. The device’s bulky design and weight of 650 grams have also contributed to its negative reception.

    New Variants in Development

    As reported by Bloomberg, Apple is actively working on solutions to these problems with two new models. One significant challenge for Apple has been persuading consumers to pay the high price, especially with budget-friendly alternatives like Meta’s Quest headsets available. The upcoming lighter design aims to tackle this pricing issue by being more wallet-friendly.

    The second model will seek to broaden the Vision Pro’s applications through a low-latency connection to a Mac, providing features such as screen mirroring and seamless integration with business software.

    Tim Cook’s Vision for AR

    Insiders from Bloomberg indicate that Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, is determined to outpace Meta by developing top-of-the-line Augmented Reality (AR) glasses that are both lightweight and comfortable enough for all-day wear. It seems Cook is “not interested in anything else” and is “totally focused” on this development effort.

    In addition, Apple is exploring short-term solutions. Similar to Meta, which has found success with features for photography and AI, Apple is considering the introduction of AI-enhanced cameras on the Apple Watch and AirPods in the near future.

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  • HDMI 2.2 Release: Should You Be Concerned About It?

    HDMI 2.2 Release: Should You Be Concerned About It?

    At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, the HDMI Forum introduced HDMI 2.2, the newest version of the widely used video and audio standard. It promises to be twice as fast as the previous version and improves the synchronization of audio and video. On the surface, HDMI 2.2 appears to offer significant advantages. But what does this mean for regular consumers? Let’s explore further.

    Doubling the Bandwidth

    To begin with, the standout feature of HDMI 2.2 is its increased bandwidth. It jumps from 48 Gbit/s in HDMI 2.1 to an impressive 96 Gbit/s. To put this in perspective, HDMI 2.1 already allows for 4K resolution at 144 frames per second (fps), which is more than sufficient for most gamers and movie enthusiasts.

    Now with HDMI 2.2, users can expect support for 8K resolution at 240 fps and 4K at an astonishing 480 fps. Additionally, while it’s technically feasible to support even 12K and 16K resolutions, these features seem more geared towards future marketing than anything immediately useful.

    Enhanced Applications

    The HDMI Forum states that this increased bandwidth will lead to enhancements in data-heavy applications like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), plus commercial uses such as large illuminated signage, medical imaging, and machine vision. These improvements could have significant impacts on various industries, making HDMI 2.2 a noteworthy advancement.

    In conclusion, while HDMI 2.2 brings exciting upgrades in speed and capability, it remains to see how much of an effect it will have on everyday consumers and their devices. The potential is certainly there, but practicality may take time to catch up.

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  • Meta Plans On-Screen Display for Ray-Ban Smart Glasses

    Meta Plans On-Screen Display for Ray-Ban Smart Glasses

    Meta is working on enhancing its Ray-Ban smart glasses by integrating a display, as reported by the Financial Times (via Engadget). These glasses have unexpectedly become popular among users and continue to receive updates that introduce additional functionalities.

    Recent Updates

    In April, Meta incorporated the Meta AI assistant into the glasses for users in the US and Canada. Just recently, an update brought features like Live Translations, allowing the Meta AI to view what the users are observing, and integration with the Shazam music recognition app.

    Future Enhancements

    Looking ahead, Meta intends to revamp the glasses by adding a display that will allow users to see notifications or messages directly. Previously, users depended on voice commands to send messages or manage other features of the device through the assistant.

    New Design and Features

    The new displays are expected to be smaller, with Meta aiming to launch the updated glasses in the latter half of 2025. In September, Meta unveiled a concept for Augmented Reality (AR) glasses named Orion, which features micro LED projectors. This design includes seven cameras to monitor hand and eye movements and can project images onto the lenses with a field of view measuring 70 degrees.

    Engadget | Financial Times

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  • Rokid Launches Smart Glasses with MicroLED and Garmin Integration

    Rokid Launches Smart Glasses with MicroLED and Garmin Integration

    The Rokid Glasses have been unveiled during the Rokid Jungle 2024 event in China. Earlier this year, the brand introduced several AR wearable devices, including the Rokid AR Lite, which was funded through Kickstarter.

    Features and Functionality

    This new offering from Rokid features smart glasses that boast a display and frames crafted by the eyewear label Bolon. These glasses merge augmented reality with artificial intelligence. As per the company, users can take advantage of the device for tasks like recognizing objects, translating text, and estimating calorie counts in food. Furthermore, Rokid has partnered with Garmin, suggesting that cyclists can utilize the glasses to see directions and health stats such as heart rate while they ride.

    Specifications and Performance

    The device comes with a 12MP camera, built-in speakers, and utilizes the Snapdragon Qualcomm AR1 chipset, similar to the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses (current price: $289.00 on Amazon). It features a 0.13” JBD MicroLED display, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, and supports Bluetooth 5.3. Rokid claims that the device can last up to four hours on a single charge and can fully recharge in just 20 minutes. Additionally, the included wireless charging case can provide up to ten complete charges.

    Design and Availability

    Weighing in at 49 grams (about 0.11 lbs), these glasses come in various frame colors. They are also adaptable for custom lenses, catering to those with myopia or astigmatism. The retail price for the Rokid Glasses is set at 2,499 yuan (around $345) in China, with expectations for sales to begin between April and June. Although the company has hinted at a potential international release, the exact timing remains uncertain.

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  • Baidu Launches Xiaodu AI Glasses: First AI Glasses with Chinese Support

    Baidu Launches Xiaodu AI Glasses: First AI Glasses with Chinese Support

    At the recent Baidu World Conference in 2024, Baidu introduced its Xiaodu AI Glasses, heralded as the “first AI glasses in the world featuring a native Chinese language model.” Developed by Baidu’s hardware division, Xiaodu Technology, these glasses highlight Baidu’s sophisticated Ernie language model. They aim to blend AI technology into wearable devices specifically for Chinese-speaking users, going up against the well-known Ray-Bans by Meta.

    Specifications

    Weighing in at only 45 grams, the Xiaodu AI Glasses are outfitted with a 16MP ultra-wide-angle camera that includes AI stabilization, allowing for smooth, stable photographs from a first-person viewpoint. Moreover, they come with a four-microphone setup designed to capture sound effectively and have open-ear anti-leakage speakers for clear audio delivery. This design enables users to have an immersive, hands-free experience.

    The glasses boast six main features: real-time Q&A via walk-and-ask inquiries, calorie detection, object identification through an encyclopedia function, audio-visual translation, and smart reminders. Additionally, they include AI anti-shake technology for both photos and videos, allowing users to document their adventures effortlessly.

    Battery Life and Operating System

    When it comes to battery performance, the Xiaodu AI Glasses can last up to 56 hours on standby and provide over 5 hours of continuous audio playback. With rapid-charging capabilities, they can be fully charged in just 30 minutes, making them convenient for everyday use. These glasses operate on the DuerOS AI native system and are expected to integrate smoothly with popular Baidu applications like Baidu Maps and Baike, further enriching the user experience with Baidu’s offerings.

    Pricing & Availability

    Baidu has announced that the Xiaodu AI Glasses will officially be available in the first half of 2025, with a projected retail price of under 2,100 yuan (around $290).

    In other news, Apple has initiated a project for smart glasses, codenamed “Atlas.” This initiative aims to revolutionize wearable technology by providing a genuine AR experience. Spearheaded by Apple’s Product Systems Quality team, the project is currently in a research phase, gathering feedback from internal focus groups. Apple intends to create a lightweight, fashionable model that will initially work with the iPhone, utilizing its processing power, with the long-term vision of developing fully standalone smart glasses. Nevertheless, due to stringent quality standards, the launch might be delayed for up to five years. In the meantime, Apple is planning to unveil the Vision Pro 2 by 2025 or early 2026, which will feature an enhanced M5 chip for better AR functionalities.

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  • Apple Vision Pro 2 with M5 Chip and Apple Intelligence Coming 2H25

    Apple Vision Pro 2 with M5 Chip and Apple Intelligence Coming 2H25

    The Vision Pro has marked Apple’s entry into the world of augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR). However, the reception to the device’s mixed reality features has been varied, and many view it as akin to a public beta. Despite its premium price of $3,500 plus taxes, sales have been low, and the return rate is notably high.

    Potential for a Cheaper Alternative

    There are ongoing rumors that Apple might pivot towards a more affordable version of the Vision Pro, while a Vision Pro 2 could also be on the horizon. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has shared insights into what this next iteration might offer.

    Kuo suggests that the Vision Pro 2 could begin mass production in the second half of 2025. This new headset is expected to be powered by the M5 chip, an upgrade from the current M2 system-on-chip, and will integrate Apple Intelligence into spatial computing.

    Enhancements in Human-Computer Interaction

    Kuo anticipates that most of the hardware will remain consistent with the existing model to maintain similar pricing. The introduction of Apple Intelligence is expected to significantly improve human-computer interaction (HCI) capabilities, enhancing features like eye tracking and gesture control, contributing to a more seamless spatial computing experience. Kuo believes that the integration of Apple Intelligence in the Vision Pro 2 will provide a more concrete experience than currently found on the iPhone.

    He also mentions the potential for collaboration with OpenAI’s Sora, which could facilitate immersive text-to-video experiences that surpass what is feasible on smartphones and other gadgets.

    Supply Chain and Competitive Landscape

    Kuo expects the supply chain for the M5 Vision Pro 2 to remain similar to that of its predecessor, including suppliers like Zhaowei, which provided the electric focus adjustment system for the Vision Pro’s inter-pupillary distance (IPD).

    Ultimately, the success of the Vision Pro will depend on factors such as affordability, availability, and comprehensive app support. Apple faces a tough competition from Meta, which recently unveiled several intriguing products at Meta Connect, such as the Quest 3S starting at $299, the Orion AR glasses prototype, new AI features for Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, and a permanent price reduction for the Quest 3.

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  • Apple Vision Pro Headset Expands to China and 7 More Countries

    Apple Vision Pro Headset Expands to China and 7 More Countries

    The Apple Vision Pro headset will be available in eight countries following its launch four months ago. Pre-orders for the device will soon begin in Japan, Singapore, and China, where a cheaper alternative under $300 has been gaining traction. This announcement came during the annual Worldwide Developers Conference on June 11, 2024. Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed that the Apple Vision Pro would soon be available in several key markets.

    New Augmented Reality Platform

    The Apple Vision Pro represents Apple's first head-mounted display, with ambitions to eventually replace the iPhone. It is promoted as an augmented reality platform and a spatial computing device that blends digital content with the real world to offer users augmented reality experiences.

    Storage Options and Pricing

    The device comes with storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB. The optical inserts for the device are sold separately, similar to the US market. There are speculations that a second version of the headset might be in development, potentially releasing in late 2025 or early 2026. Pre-orders for Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the UK will start on June 28, with sales beginning on July 12.

    Initially, the Apple Vision Pro was priced at $3,499, with only slight discounts since its launch. International pricing closely mirrors the US price, with minor adjustments due to currency fluctuations and varying tax policies.

    In China, the 256GB model is priced at 29,999 yuan ($4,135), the 512GB model at 31,499 yuan ($4,342), and the 1TB model at 32,999 yuan ($4,549). Optional optical inserts start at 799 yuan ($69).

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  • Apple Patents Interactive Digital Stone for AR and More

    Apple Patents Interactive Digital Stone for AR and More

    Apple enthusiasts, the future may bring some interactive "pebbles"! The US Trademark and Patent Office has disclosed a new Apple patent for a "digital stone" intended to work with the Vision Pro headset.

    Potential Features

    This digital stone could be a compact, handheld gadget, about the size of a pebble or coin. It may feature a touch-sensitive display for user interaction and visual information, alongside built-in microphones for voice commands and speakers for audio feedback. The patent also hints at capabilities such as location tracking and tactile feedback through vibrations.

    Versatile Uses

    The functionalities of this digital stone appear to be quite diverse. Envision it as a voice-activated assistant to manage your smart home or access various applications. It could also function as a remote control for your speakers, lights, or even kitchen appliances. The patent suggests its potential use as an anchor or marker within augmented reality or virtual reality settings. Even more fascinating, this device could connect and interact with a variety of electronics like headphones, speakers, smartphones, laptops, and more.

    While the comprehensive set of features is yet to be fully disclosed, the patent hints at a highly adaptable tool that could change the way we engage with technology in the years to come.

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