Vuzix Wrap 310 video eyewear ships out to virtual big-screen lovers
By Darren Murph 
posted Oct 25th 2009 10:01AM
posted Oct 25th 2009 10:01AM
Vuzix Now Shipping Wrap™ 310 Widescreen Video Eyewear Globally
World's first sunglass-style 16 x9 widescreen video eyewear available now through major distribution partners D&H and Wynit and direct through Vuzix.com
Rochester, NY – October 22, 2009 – Vuzix Corporation, the leader in video eyewear for the consumer, defense and low vision markets, is thrilled to be shipping the Wrap 310 worldwide. The game-changing Wrap 310 challenges the status quo of traditional video viewing devices by looking and feeling like normal sunglasses. The Wrap 310, featuring twin high-resolution video displays and projecting a 55-inch screen at 10-feet is now available through Vuzix.com and a number of other retailers and distribution partners.
"The Wrap 310 promises to change the game in portable video and we're thrilled to officially deliver this product to the masses," said Vuzix CEO, Paul Travers. "The Wrap 310 also brings advanced features to the video Eyewear category that no product has. With capabilities to add tracking and cameras that enable augmented reality and incredible gaming experiences; there is nothing like it on the market" added Travers.
Whether you are an executive business traveler or want an immersive console gaming experience, the Wrap 310 gets the job done in style. With composite video input and optional VGA and component compatibility adapters, the Wrap 310 is the most versatile pair of video eyewear on the market. Additionally, as the first video eyewear designed for upgradeability, the Wrap 310 features an expansion port designed to provide the product with near limitless compatibility. In addition to the VGA and Component adapters available later this year, Vuzix has plans for new and exciting accessories designed to keep the Wrap 310 on the cutting edge.
The Wrap 310 also features an improved on-screen user interface, included independent focus adjustments for users with corrective lenses and still features compatibility with all major 3D video formats. Powered for up to 6 hours on just 2 AA batteries, the Wrap 310 will accept video from almost any video player, including the iPod and iPhone. The Wrap 310 has a MSRP of $249.95.
Compatible Devices Include:
• All iPod/iPhone models
• Portable DVD players
• Mobile phones with video output
• PCs and laptops*
• DVD/Blu-Ray players
• Portable media players
*Requires optional VGA cable adaptor
World's first sunglass-style 16 x9 widescreen video eyewear available now through major distribution partners D&H and Wynit and direct through Vuzix.com
Rochester, NY – October 22, 2009 – Vuzix Corporation, the leader in video eyewear for the consumer, defense and low vision markets, is thrilled to be shipping the Wrap 310 worldwide. The game-changing Wrap 310 challenges the status quo of traditional video viewing devices by looking and feeling like normal sunglasses. The Wrap 310, featuring twin high-resolution video displays and projecting a 55-inch screen at 10-feet is now available through Vuzix.com and a number of other retailers and distribution partners.
"The Wrap 310 promises to change the game in portable video and we're thrilled to officially deliver this product to the masses," said Vuzix CEO, Paul Travers. "The Wrap 310 also brings advanced features to the video Eyewear category that no product has. With capabilities to add tracking and cameras that enable augmented reality and incredible gaming experiences; there is nothing like it on the market" added Travers.
Whether you are an executive business traveler or want an immersive console gaming experience, the Wrap 310 gets the job done in style. With composite video input and optional VGA and component compatibility adapters, the Wrap 310 is the most versatile pair of video eyewear on the market. Additionally, as the first video eyewear designed for upgradeability, the Wrap 310 features an expansion port designed to provide the product with near limitless compatibility. In addition to the VGA and Component adapters available later this year, Vuzix has plans for new and exciting accessories designed to keep the Wrap 310 on the cutting edge.
The Wrap 310 also features an improved on-screen user interface, included independent focus adjustments for users with corrective lenses and still features compatibility with all major 3D video formats. Powered for up to 6 hours on just 2 AA batteries, the Wrap 310 will accept video from almost any video player, including the iPod and iPhone. The Wrap 310 has a MSRP of $249.95.
Compatible Devices Include:
• All iPod/iPhone models
• Portable DVD players
• Mobile phones with video output
• PCs and laptops*
• DVD/Blu-Ray players
• Portable media players
*Requires optional VGA cable adaptor
Whats the res? Like 320x240 or something... on a 55" screen. Probably looks like a giant game of tetris.
It's much higher than you think!
428 x 240!!!!!1
It's funny since the first time they made such glasses like 20 or 25 years ago or something they were the same resolution, just not widescreen, how technology has advanced eh.
You know I find it funny, these wearable displays always mention how big the display looks. like it resembles a 55" screen at 10 feet or some such nonsense.
Well guess what I just confirmed and when I hold out my thumb it appears as larger as a redwood tree at 100 ft.
I think it is time for the gadget bloggers of the world to focus less on Levar Burton jokes and put an end to that bogus kind of claim, and instead mock these for the pathetic resolution these all offer.
You know, my (fill in the blank) appears to be 55" at 10 feet.
This is the lower spec pair, the 920 has 640 by 480, an a VR addon for games/apps... http://www.vuzix.com/iwear/products_wrap920.html
Scale is everything. For example, my PSP screen held at arm's length and my 43" TV as seen from my couch are the same size, as I see it. SO, a 55" screen from ten feet and my iPod Video Screen at ten inches from my face should be about the same size too.
Is it really 320x240? Or was that a guess? I'm actually curious...
"Whether you are an executive business traveler or want an immersive console gaming experience, the Wrap 310 gets the job done in style."
really? lol
Someone DoS that site please.
Here we go sorry for all the posts. got this straight from website
"Equivalent to a 55-inch screen viewed from ten feet
Twin high-resolution 428 x 240 LCD widescreen displays
24-bit true color (16 million colors)
60Hz progressive scan update rate
Ultra-low video distortion
26 degree diagonal field of view
2-3/8" intraocular distance (IOD)
Independent +2 to -5 diopter focus adjustment
Weighs less than three ounces"
"Twin high-resolution 428 x 240 LCD widescreen displays"
I would think that they could crank the resolution up at least a bit higher than that. Until they do, though they would be cool, I don't see them as having any place on my head.
they're twins! congratulations vuzix!
lol 181
I thought LCD screens on were starting to ramp up pixel density for portable devices? I guess it will still be a while before they get to the sort of density required for this format, unless they go with larger displays and condense them optically (obviating the cool, small form factor in the process). Still, they should be capable of delivering 3D content for games and video.
/\/\/\/\/\ then they made something you could really enjoy !!!! this is huge, just like head phones in the 80's if the 80's where full of closed in geeks ;)
umm there's also the Wrap 920 which hasn't been mentioned..
"Equivalent to a 67-inch screen as viewed from ten feet (approximately 3 m)
Twin high-resolution 640 x 480 LCD displays
60Hz progressive scan update rate
Ultra-low video distortion
31 degree diagonal field of view
24-bit true color (16 million colors)
Independent +2 to -5 diopter focus adjustment
Weighs less than three ounces"
I know i'm posting a lot on this one but I'm bored today. I realized this company also makes the HUD's for military application.
Right on the Vuzix main page you can go to military section of products.
"Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Vuzix receives a $1.5 million grant to develop systems for USSCOM"
Seems based on your findings, the Wrap 920 is the only one worth anyone's time. But I am holding out for at least 1024x768 before I drop the kind of money they want for such things.
1024x768 video LOL what 150 more bucks will get you!!!!!!!
follow link below
* Twin high-resolution 640x480 (920,000 pixels) LCD displays
* Equivalent to a 62” screen viewed at 9 feet
* 24-bit true color (16 million colors)
* Visor weighs 3.2 ounces
* 60 Hz progressive scan display update rates
* Fully iWear® 3D compliant and supports NVIDIA stereo drivers
* Built-in noise-canceling microphone for internet VOIP communications
* Built-in 3 degree of freedom head-tracker
* USB connectivity for power, tracking and full duplex audio
* Analog VGA monitor input
* Support for up to 1024x768 VGA video formats
* Windows XP & Vista (32-bit & 64-bit) compatible**
http://www.vuzix.com/iwear/products_vr920.html
@Alienicecooler
It's going to be 1024x768 ("Support for up to") displayed at 640x480 (actual resolution). Good luck reading text.
One thing I never understood: what is the focal distance for these kinds of glasses? It's not like you can focus on an image an inch from your eyes.
Paul, thats the IOD, or "intra-ocular" distance that's in the specs i posted. it's 2 - 3/8 inches.
You don't focus directly on the little screens just a short distance from your eyes. Rather, the optics in the glasses create a virtual image of a large screen ~10ft away. The lens in your eyes accommodates just as it would for a real device at that distance.
Actually, I think they're using IOD to refer to the distance between the pupils of the two eyes. This is the key figure that opticians measure to properly fit. If this is the case, then inTERocular distance is the appropriate term.
or kick that id as in IRC
I'm so glad you guys brought up the augmented reality angle because I firmly believe glasses like these are the future of computers. I believe that in the future none of us will be carrying around cell phones, instead we'll have eyewear like this. One side of the lens will act as a camera and the other side will act as a display. We'll be able to virtually see in the dark at night. We'll be able to walk around our house and change the colors of the walls.We'll be able to call up various widgets like a flat screen monitor, change it's size, virtually mount it on a wall and watch ultra hi-def content. When we walk away from it and the display will stay on the wall that we put it on. The system will remember where we put widgets/objects in relation to the real world using object/location recognition and GPS.
Further more we'll be able to play war games on our neighborhood streets with toy guns that actually shoot. Like playing a game of laser tag where you can actually see the laser exit the gun. The graphics processor will be able to see the real world objects we're shooting at (like a tree or a person) and graphically alter them to show damage in real time. This will totally redefine first person shooter games.
Eyewear like this will also help those who currently wear corrective lenses. No longer will bifocals or trifocals exist. This eyewear will replace them. When looking down at a menu or a book the system will intelligently be able to increase the size of the text making it easier to read.
The possibilities are endless. I could go on and on about ideas and uses for future augmented reality eyewear like this, but I think you guys get the point.
Very cool ideas for sure, but there's one thing I keep thinking back to about your "play war games on our neighborhood streets" idea. What happens when the system fails and a kid runs out in front of a bus?
@cjwild
I would assume he would be able to see the bus at all times, if the display goes black however, then he would naturally just take the glasses off.
Meh, go make a sci-fi movie about it...
Imagine living your entire life in 428 x 240 resolution, that's just a wonderful concept
Bah, none of this pseudo-immersive artificial reality junk for me. I'm holding out for the real deal -- direct neural interface is the only way to go.
(I don't want to be a beta tester, though...)
@slander:
Oh, why not? It would be perfectly safe. nothing could go wrong
go wrong
go wrong
Those are some interesting ideas Michael. How about being able to fix your car with augmented reality glasses showing you the parts you are looking at and helping you fix the problem with the car.
And when you wife asks you if she looks like she lost weight your computer could make it look like she did so you wouldn't have to lie!
TVs everywhere and war games. You're quite the visionary. How about some virtual McDonalds to make a really fantastic reality.
@cjwild: It's called "augmented reality" because you can still see the real world through the translucent lenses. Although, I suppose one could perfectly "paint out" the bus barreling toward you >=)
I imagine some guy with an apartment in a crappy part of town, no furniture, who only has this great chair, with a laptop desk, the sort that looks like one of the tables they use in hospitals to push over a bed for meals, and this guy is in the chair, wearing a pair of these, and sits there, posting on Craigslist or OkCupid for hours, not caring about the state of the rest of his apartment.
You should go out to the movies... Have a look at thge movie called "Surrogates" with Bruce Willis... This is exactly what you describe.
Would It look super blocky? These would be cool for plane rides.
Or get AOL to sort out some decent spam filters
WAIT!!!! I'm guessing there is 3D ????????????
this would make me feel claustrophobic.
this would be so cool with super high resolutions...
I completely agree with Michael. I too think this is the future (at least for next 10yrs or so)...
the possibilities are endless!
I would love the zoom-in feature, the night vision feature, the object recognition and maybe the recording feature, so you cold simply record your holidays with no hassle and hand free!
Or maybe first person sport streaming... imagine a football or soccer game where players wear this glasses and you at home could select your perspective of watching the game..
etc... this will be huge and the possibilities are really endless...
I don't understand the author of this article dissing this cool gadget... ok, now it's just a toy but in few years it could be really huge
Er... these aren't camera glasses.
They're glasses with video screens. You can't do anything but watch videos or look at pictures
Yeah, I know.
I was just saying in the future what would be cool... along with zoom in (binoculars style), night vision and recording what you see would be features "to die for" ;)
I remember years ago Sony had a pair of TV glasses. The thing that stopped me in my tracks was the warning that they shouldn't be used for more than 3 hours at a time. Geeze, who wants to only watch TV in primetime. *shudder*
Until these things can do at least 720p they should stop making them.
The displays exist, it's just that the same people have the same company and the same stock from the 80's they've been trying to get rid of for decades already I fear.
Maybe they are waiting for apple to release a decent version so people can say 'wow that steve jobs is a genius, to invent such a thing' and 'how can we compete with that? such innovation' from the bosses of acer/asus/dell/hp/etcetera
Apple steals most their innovation from open source and no name manufactures. Much of Osx is based off open-source Unix and LInux software, even design. Before the I-Pod touch there were quite a bit of similar touch screen mp3 players out. Before the I-Pod there were also quite a bit of video and mp3 players from other companies. I had a touch screen phone more then a year prior to I-Phone. Apple rips stuff off just as much as Microsoft. Microsoft gets a lot of their ideas from stuff Apple rips off but Apple will rip ideas of from Microsoft as well and so forth.
i saw these on the oprah show.
I'm still surprised that Y2K was such a dud.
It's funny when I hear people say that, but it was a dud because of all the preparation work that went into it.
For years before Y2K, my dad worked with companies around the US doing various things (updating their software for example) to keep critical systems from breaking come Y2K.
I believe much of the credit for fixing the y2k problem should be given to TPS reports.
Yeah, those are some terrible specs. What these manufacturers should really aim for is 720p resolution, with 3d capabilities. With two screens this would be perfect. Of course, the price would probably be at or above $1000 a piece, but I think it'll be much more desirable.
I've been looking at building a wearable computer for a while. Shopping for glasses suck. Biggest deterrent is the the horrid resolution(640x480 at a MINIMUM), and lack of interfaces. -Nobody- makes a pair of these damn things with a digital input. It's always VGA. Please prove me wrong.
Someone who lives in the US needs to sue these eyewear companies. With 640x480 maximum and an angle of vision comparable to an eeepc (they say 55" at 10 feet... which is fine for a TV, but you don't use your monitor 10 feet away; at one feet, which is a reasonable monitor distance, it's equivalent to about 7") it's just plain false to call it “high resolution”. It's false advertisement and they should be sued, plain and simple.
uh, one foot :-P
If someone would make some of these in 720p I would be very tempted to pick up a pair. Would be one hell of a way to experience Modern Warfare 2 ;)
I have a low grade pair that I use to install video cameras. You can adjust the camera with both hands free and there is no bulky monitor to carry around. Climbing a ladder with these hanging from your neck is also much better than carrying even a small monitor up the ladder.
They run on 1 AA battery which over time proves to be very valuable. Best portable monitor around.
Sweet, I can watch my SQUID videos now.
Agreed.
Give me higher resolution, at least 720p, shorter viewing distance, to equal computer a screen better (doesn't have to actually appear bigger, a 22" at 2.5 feet would match both THX recommended video viewing angle and be alright for computer tasks) and of course digital input.
Tho individual left and right eye input could simulate 3D, it would not be true 3D until individual pixels can have different viewing distances anyway, so until that's possible, I don't care so much.
Oh and I'd be willing to pay twice the price for that, $500 sounds fair to me.
For those complaining about the lack of resolution, I discovered this one the other day:
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/eMagin-Z800-3DVisor
800x600 resolution, and movement tracking (so you can actually look around inside your game)
Not cheap though... review says under $1000, Amazon says $1295, manufacturer's estore says $1495
The Vuzix Wrap 920 (http://www.vuzix.com/iwear/products_wrap920.html) supports 3D (side-by-side) and movement tracking (6 degrees of head movement and compass tracking, with additional 6DoF accessory)
Whilst it's not got quite as good a resolution (640 x 480) it's a bit more agreeable at $350
Darren, You either need an editor, or to stop writing pieces after a night out drinking.
This pixel/resolution discussion seems pretty much stupid to me, guys....
Sorry to say, but these wonderful devices of which you are so proud off, such as your iPhone (480x320) or HTC Touch HD2 (480 x 800) are also driving ridiculously low resolution screens. Not even 720p !
So I'd say that the Vuzix WRAP920 with a resolution of 640x480 have to do a good job - with a resolution higher than the one of an iPhone on much tinier screens (so even a higher density).
Finally, I'd prefer to see comments killing a product from people who have actually tested them.
Oh sure it can compare with a mobile video player, but why buy a set of glasses for watching video at the same resolution?
The only purpose I could see of these glasses until they do laptop-like resolutions is to serve as expensive blinkers for people with concentration problems. It would be like listening to music with very cheap earphones, may still be slightly better experience than the built-in speaker tho.
There's a purpose of earphones, and there's a reason why some earphones manage to sell at $100, it improves the sound quality remarkably, I've only heard one mobile device with almost decent speakers so far, and that's from the brand everyone likes to yell "expensive" at: B&O.
All I ask of this kind of gadget is that it improves the picture quality remarkably over what I can already watch on the device itself. Isn't that fair?
. . . "and while it's [sic] still take [sic] a few bottles of Jack to get us to rock these with a smile" . . . "In case you're [sic] forgotten" . . . "And [sic] hey" . . . "so feel free to considering [sic] this some sort of futuristic investment." . . .
Something tells me you've had a few bottles of Jack when you wrote this.
The av310 widescreen sucked, had to return them. I really wanted them to be good too.
The Wrap™ 920 video eyewear however, looks like it might just be worth it. Christmas present to myself maybe.
The company was great about returning the av310's so, it's gotta be worth a shot. Really hope the fit is better and more comfortable.
Yeah, can't wait for higher res and augmented reality for daily use. Widgets is a great idea...and fully wireless for use with any PC previously connected (like bluetooth). Just sit down and start working. Need multi-monitor support inside them though. would hate to have to go back to 1 monitor even if it was "67-inch screen as seen from 10 feet"
I think TIME might have outed a new Vuzix model. http://www.life.com/image/72386721/in-gallery/25371/30-dumb-inventions
I tried out something like this at Best Buy. Asked the employee to show it to me. They were alright. Only video they had on the ipod was some John Mayer music video : /
The best part was how they were stashed away in the hole that the pamphlets for it were in.
I don't know about u guys, but I've been waiting for the release of these glasses. I mainly want them for viewing movies from my laptop when I just want to lay in my bed. These seem to be perfect.
These will be great when working on a secret computer project while at the local coffee shop. No one can see what you are doing.
They will be great when flying also. Just kick back the seat and enjoy. The have to worry about any distractions.
When does Newegg.com get these? :D