Engadget

Silicon Micro Display rolls out $799 ST1080 wearable display

Donald Melanson — Fri, 18 May 2012 03:27:00 EST

It may still be some time before you can take Google's ambitious wearable computing project for a spin, but there's certainly no shortage of head-mounted displays out there for those looking to blaze a trail of their own. You can now add Silicon Micro Display's new ST1080 glasses to that list, a full 1080p display that will handle both 2D and 3D content (in a variety of formats), and also allow you to see through the glasses for augmented reality applications (albeit with just 10 percent transparency). As with most such glasses, however, you won't get head-tracking capabilities, and you'll have a couple of tethers to contend with (HDMI for video and USB for power, including via an optional battery pack). Those not put off by those constraints or the whole visor look can place their order now for $799.

[Thanks, Majik]

Silicon Micro Display rolls out $799 ST1080 wearable display originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 03:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DARPA realizes it needs contact lenses, opts for those nice AR tinted ones (video)

Sharif Sakr — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 05:31:00 EST

DARPA saw the battlefield potential in AR glasses ages ago, when even Sergey Brin was happy to wear regular Ray-Bans. It's now stepped up its investment, giving more cash to one of its research contractors -- a company called Innovega -- to produce prototype contact lenses that could make military wearable HUDs smaller and less conspicuous. Innovega's iOptik lenses don't actually include a display, but rather allow the human eye to focus on an image from a separate accessory that sits right up close to the eyeball. The lenses have different zones that give the wearer multiple areas of focus, so they can see the overlaid augmented reality HUD -- such as a feed from an overhead drone -- but also warlike events going on in the immediate environment. Judging from the video after the break, however, calling them plain 'bifocals' might be taboo.

Continue reading DARPA realizes it needs contact lenses, opts for those nice AR tinted ones (video)

DARPA realizes it needs contact lenses, opts for those nice AR tinted ones (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 05:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Epson Moverio BT-100 3D goggles now shipping in the U.S. for $699

Sharif Sakr — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:50:00 EST

Any Americans out there wanna buy a wacky head-mounted 3D display? Then Epson's Moverio BT-100 micro-projection headset ought to be right at the top of the your not-so-long list of options. It's just started shipping in the States for $699, including its Android-powered trackpad controller that streams and navigates content on the perceived '80-inch' transparent viewing window. You could even pair the Moverio with a Parrot AR.Drone and discover what it feels like to be an Apache pilot strafing your neighbor's rabbit.

Continue reading Epson Moverio BT-100 3D goggles now shipping in the U.S. for $699

Epson Moverio BT-100 3D goggles now shipping in the U.S. for $699 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NYT: Google to sell Android-based heads-up display glasses this year

Donald Melanson — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:44:00 EST

It's not the first time that rumors have surfaced of Google working on some heads-up display glasses (9 to 5 Google first raised the possibility late last year), but The New York Times is now reporting that the company is not only working on them, but that it's set to release them by the end of this year. Citing "several Google employees familiar with the project," the paper's Nick Bilton reports that the glasses will be based on Android, pack 3G or 4G connectivity, plus GPS and a range of sensors, and cost "around the price of current smartphones," or somewhere between $250 and $600. They're also said to include a low-resolution camera that can monitor your surroundings in real time and overlay relevant information, although Google is said to be paying attention to potential privacy concerns, and "wants to ensure that people know if they are being recorded by someone wearing a pair of glasses with a built-in camera."

What's more, the Times says that none other than Sergey Brin is a "key leader" on the project, with another being Google engineer Steve Lee, the creator of Latitude. Notably, Bilton also says that Google sees the project as an "experiment that anyone will be able to join," and that the company is not currently thinking about potential business models for the glasses, which could suggest that they may be more of a small-scale hobby than part of a major push into consumer hardware.

NYT: Google to sell Android-based heads-up display glasses this year originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Recon Instruments partners with Contour, makes MOD Live into ski slope viewfinder

Joseph Volpe — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST

As if capturing your downhill plunge in full HD and tracking your positioning coordinates wasn't enough, Recon Instruments and Contour are teaming up to make their respective, extreme slope accessories work in tandem. Slated for release in the coming weeks, the Camera Connectivity app for MOD Live allows feeds sent from a Contour+ or ContourGPS helmet cam to display on the goggles' 14-inch virtual 428 x 240 display, giving gnar enthusiasts easy access to recording and settings options. But that's not the only cross-tech handshake being announced here. The company also plans to make the various info (altitude, speed, temperature, etc.) collected by its Android-powered mask available to iPhone 4S users, although you'll have to wait until year-end for that feature to launch. So, if you fancy yourself a connoisseur of the powdery white stuff or even the ski slope version of Bond, be sure to pack these Q-approved goodies and download that app before your next trek to Vail. Official PR after the break.

Continue reading Recon Instruments partners with Contour, makes MOD Live into ski slope viewfinder

Recon Instruments partners with Contour, makes MOD Live into ski slope viewfinder originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Recon partners with Scott and Smith, brings MOD to the masses

James Trew — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:26:00 EST

We love Recon's MOD system for Ski-goggles, especially now that it's open to developers. Starting soon, an avalanche of new winter-sports enthusiasts will be able to wear the multi-sensor based statistics system atop their eyeballs, thanks to a new partnership with both Scott and Smith. The GPS touting in-goggle display will be unveiled in the new family of eyeware at a slew of outdoor sports events this month. Of course, if you're still unsure the tech is up to your hardcore ski routine, have a word with these guys. Want to know more? We thought so. Slide on past the break to read the full PR.

Continue reading Recon partners with Scott and Smith, brings MOD to the masses

Recon partners with Scott and Smith, brings MOD to the masses originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Recon Instruments touts SDK for GPS-enabled ski goggles, polar heart rate monitor compatibility in tow

Darren Murph — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST

Like clockwork, Recon Instruments is choosing CES once again to launch its next functionality improvement for those futuristic GPS-enabled ski goggles that we first saw in 2010. This year's revelation is the impending launch (May 2012, to be precise) of a software development kit for the Android-based MOD Live -- a little diddy we sat down with a few months back. Moreover, there's soon to be support with the Polar WearLink+ transmitter with Bluetooth. The MOD Live near-eye device enables skiers and riders to see a hodgepodge of instant (and useful) information, and with an SDK on the way, the amount of available data is sure to increase. We're told that the outfit's working with "strategic partners" to bring specific apps to the table, where users will see things like 2D graphics at up to 30fps, location / speed / altitude registers, time / jump analytics and free fall detection. Head on past the break for the full PR, and go ahead and book yourself a trip to the arctic in May; something tells us Whitefish, Montana's going to be mostly green by then.

Continue reading Recon Instruments touts SDK for GPS-enabled ski goggles, polar heart rate monitor compatibility in tow

Recon Instruments touts SDK for GPS-enabled ski goggles, polar heart rate monitor compatibility in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google+ and Goggles apps for Android updated with new features

Sharif Sakr — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:41:00 EST

It's time to stop ignoring that "updates available" notification and start enjoying some refreshed Google goodies on Android. You'll now be able to search posts and people from within the Google+ app, as well as add your +1 to photos and comments, see the 'online' and 'typing' status of your Messenger buddies, and upload videos and full-res photos. Meanwhile, Goggles now has a 'continuous mode' that can log multiple items without you having to fiddle with the shutter button, the ability to link straight to any online versions of hard-copy text, and also better crowdsourcing so users can add less well-known objects like toothpaste squeezers and Off the Hook shower heads to Google's ever-expanding database.

Google+ and Goggles apps for Android updated with new features originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MOD and MOD Live Android ski goggles give extreme analytics, we go eyes-on (video)

Lydia Leavitt — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:14:00 EST

Straight out of Q's closet of goodies are Recon Instrument's brand new MOD and MOD Live ski goggles, giving bikers, skiers and snowboarders a glimpse into the digital extreme with a tiny built-in LCD micro display -- powered by an itsy bitsy Android ARM Coretex-A8 600 MHz computer. The 428 x 240 WQVGA screen allows the hardcore to tune into things like speed, jump analytics, distance, pre-loaded trail maps, height and GPS location, while keeping MOD Live users connected to calls and texts via Bluetooth. Running Android 2.3, the LIVE variety will let you see who's calling, answer calls, receive texts and even respond to them with pre-programmed responses. Users can switch between screens using the included remote, attachable via wristband or headstrap. Since the display is so tiny, the amount of Android apps athletes will be able to use will be limited -- so, sorry kids, no Angry Birds while mountain biking off a cliff.

If that doesn't sound distracting enough, the manufacturer promises future third-party camera and video recorder integration to capture all the jumps, dives and spills associated with shredding the gnar. Sadly, the current model only has 512Mbs of storage and 256MB of RAM, so you won't be able to store too many Sean White-worthy feature films on them.

Giving these bad boys a go, they transported us into what seemed like the future with details of our personal best performances staring us in the eye from the corner of the screen -- rad. Flexible and bendy, the eye shield easily pops out of the frame to reveal the display itself, along with the computer's guts. Of course, the extreme flexibility and bulkiness of the goggles doesn't bode well for those of us who actually use goggles to protect our eyes -- giving us the impression that they would not offer much cushion with a severe spill. The enviable eyewear will retail for $299 with the Android smartphone-connected version available for $399. Check out the video and full PR after the break.

Gallery: Recon Instruments MOD Live Android-powered microdisplay hands-on

Continue reading MOD and MOD Live Android ski goggles give extreme analytics, we go eyes-on (video)

MOD and MOD Live Android ski goggles give extreme analytics, we go eyes-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Telesar V robot brings new meaning to escapism (video)

Sharif Sakr — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:13:00 EST

The esoteric art of telepresence is all about that sweetest of dreams: being somewhere you'd rather be. So far, though, it's hardly teleported much beyond our head movements and kisses. What we really need is a fully-fledged avatar that can also feed sensory information back to us -- and that's exactly what the Telesar V claims to be. The user dons a pair of VR goggles that control the robot's head and see through its eyes. A pair of gloves not only control the Telesar's hands, but also transmit force and temperature data back from its sensors. Drag yourself away from that violent BF3 simulator and check out the smoochiness after the break. (And yes, the inventor's surname is just about perfect.)

Continue reading Telesar V robot brings new meaning to escapism (video)

Telesar V robot brings new meaning to escapism (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Recon Instruments gets NASA Desert RATS eyes-on with Micro Optics Display, lets them see the future

Joseph Volpe — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:38:00 EST

Outer space. The words alone conjure images of high-tech gadgetry and mind-blowing scientific research -- that is to say, the future. But what if we told you our best and brightest cosmic explorers were still relying on arm-mounted post-it notes to guide them through spacewalks? Yes, that would be Staples in space. Luckily, Recon Instruments has partnered with NASA Desert Research and Technology Studies to test two variants of its GPS-enabled Micro Optics Display for use in next-generation spacesuits, and get our space agency a wee bit closer to the P.K. Dick fantasy we hold dear. The customized goggles, which deliver information direct-to-eye, were put to task by the Arizona desert-based team, undergoing a series of simulated critical mission procedures. The end result? A resounding thumbs-up approval from NASA (not to mention deceased sci-fi authors), and a promise to evaluate the tech for further testing. Do you hear that sound, rocketeers? Silly us. Of course, you can't -- in space, no one can hear our applause.

Continue reading Recon Instruments gets NASA Desert RATS eyes-on with Micro Optics Display, lets them see the future

Recon Instruments gets NASA Desert RATS eyes-on with Micro Optics Display, lets them see the future originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DARPA's next-gen wearable display: augmented-reality, holographic sunglasses

Jesse Hicks — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:39:00 EST

The US military seems to adore the idea of wearable displays, hence its continued efforts to make them a reality. We know it seems like just yesterday that DARPA tapped Lockheed Martin to build low-power, lightweight augmented-reality eyewear, and it was actually four full years ago when the wild and wonderous dream was to craft HMDs as small and light as "high-fashion sunglasses." Well, that dream lives on, this time with holograms: the lenscrafters at Vuzix just received a cool million to develop goggles that holographically overlay battlefield data on the wearer's vision. It all sounds very Dead Space (or, you know, like a Top Secret version of Recon-Zeal's Transcend goggles), promising realtime analysis of anything within sight. The company believes the finished product will be no more than 3mm thick and completely transparent when turned off. If all goes well, expect this to trickle down to consumers in short order; soon you'll have full "situational awareness" -- including relationship status -- of that mysterious stranger you've been eyeballing from across the room.

DARPA's next-gen wearable display: augmented-reality, holographic sunglasses originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Goggles now solves Sudoku, taking an interest in ads, clearly entering middle age

Vlad Savov — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 06:39:00 EST

There are no surer signs of the apocalyptic onset of middle age than a preoccupation with puzzle-solving and an unhealthy interest in adverts and barcodes. And those just happen to be the three new features Google has added to version 1.3 of its Goggles software. The visual search application for Android is now intelligent enough to decipher tricky Sudoku puzzles (and thereby suck all the fun out of them), while its algorithms have also been tweaked to make barcode scanning "almost" instant. Popular printed ads will be recognized as well, taking you to a Google search on the relevant topic. US newspapers and magazines from August 2010 are being supported for now, but we can't imagine the rest of the world should have to wait too long for this added convenience. Video of the new Goggles' Sudoku skills after the break.

Continue reading Google Goggles now solves Sudoku, taking an interest in ads, clearly entering middle age

Google Goggles now solves Sudoku, taking an interest in ads, clearly entering middle age originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 06:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crapgadget CES, round seven: MiniDV underwater goggles for all ages

Kevin Wong — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 23:36:00 EST

Really? For all ages?

Crapgadget CES, round seven: MiniDV underwater goggles for all ages originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 23:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Recon next-gen GPS goggles eyes-on

Kevin Wong — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:29:00 EST

We brought you the official details earlier in the week and now we have images of the Recon next-gen GPS goggles in its broken-down self. Users will be able to choose from an assortment of Recon frames and lenses, in collaboration with the integrated LCD, allowing for customized appeal. Recon is bringing in a revised platform based on Android, which allows users to shred some powder while using apps, music and track their GPS locations as well as locations of others that share the must-have for apps-in-your-goggles fetish. The Android platform allows for full integration with your Bluetooth-enabled phone with real-time alerts and notifications straight onto the built-in LCD. With the Recon next-gen GPS goggles, you can look like a tech-savvy hipster while flying down your favorite trails.

Gallery: Eyes-on with Recon next-gen GPS goggles

Recon next-gen GPS goggles eyes-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Recon details next-gen GPS goggle technology: Android, Bluetooth, endless fantasies

Darren Murph — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST

And you thought those Recon-Zeal Transcend goggles from last fall were hot stuff. Truth be told, they still are, but Recon Instruments' plans for the future make the present seem downright mundane. Here at CES, the company has just revealed its next-generation technology, which should be ingrained in its next line of specs. The big news here is that the revised platform will be based on Android, enabling developers to craft apps and in turn, owners to customize their GPS-enabled goggles in ways not previously possible. Moreover, the technology will be available separately from the company's own eyewear, with a "snap fit" version ready made to work with Uvex, Alpina and Briko products. Wearers will then be able to navigate through the interactive LCD in real-time with the use of a wireless remote, and Recon hopes to eventually craft the first pair of goggles with a real-time navigational system. You'll also get Bluetooth capabilities, allowing users to connect with their smartphones and see their music playlists, caller ID and text messages. Head on past the break for the full rundown, and do your best to not get those hopes too high. As if it's not too late for that already.

Continue reading Recon details next-gen GPS goggle technology: Android, Bluetooth, endless fantasies

Recon details next-gen GPS goggle technology: Android, Bluetooth, endless fantasies originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Liquid Image Xtreme Sport Cam goggles hands-on

Jacob Schulman — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 20:56:00 EST

When you're racing down the slopes, scuba-diving somewhere exotic, or zipping around on your motorcycle, the last thing you probably want to think about doing is shooting video. But if you're the type who just has to capture every adrenaline-pumping moment, Liquid Image has you covered with its new line of camera-equipped goggles. The $349 Scuba camera mask supports depths up to 100 meters, and does stills and video in 720p. The $400 Impact series also does both still and video, but it bumps the resolution up to 1080p. All of these goggles have a microSD slot, as well as buttons along the side for switching between the respective modes. Beware, once you start recording, you'll no longer be able to tell your friends you're in the Black Diamond Club when you really just spend all day on the bunny slope. Press release is after the break.

Gallery: Liquid Image Xtreme Sport Cam goggles hands-on

Continue reading Liquid Image Xtreme Sport Cam goggles hands-on

Liquid Image Xtreme Sport Cam goggles hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 20:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DIY third person camera rig allows you to pay attention to what's most important: you

Laura June — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 14:23:00 EST

Now, this is a strange project to undertake, for sure -- but that doesn't make it uninteresting. And interesting it certainly is. Over at Instructables, you can currently find step-by-step instructions for how to create your very own camera setup, which will allow you to view yourself tooling around in the third person. Weird, right? The whole setup consists of a camera rigged at your back from a distance far enough to film you from behind, a pair of video goggles to wear as you gallivant about, and optionally, a radio transmitter, allowing a remote viewer to join in on the fun and watch along with you. How does it work? A bit disconcertingly if you ask us, but it's something we'd certainly consider giving a try, if only once. Hit up the source for full instructions as well as impressions of the experience. There's a video after the break.

Continue reading DIY third person camera rig allows you to pay attention to what's most important: you

DIY third person camera rig allows you to pay attention to what's most important: you originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 14:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Goggles reaches the App Store, only supported on iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4

Darren Murph — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 17:29:00 EST

We can't exactly figure out why Google wants to give away all of Android's competitive advantages, but hey, we doubt the legions of iOS users are kvetching. Ten months after the first public build of Goggles hit the Android Market, the same app is now making waves on the iPhone. Rather than being a standalone app, Goggles is being wrapped into a new version of the Google Mobile App; users simply tap on the camera button to search using Goggles. As you've come to expect, it'll analyze the image and highlight any object it recognizes, allowing Retina Display fanboys to touch on said objects to learn more. It'll be rolling out free of charge to App Stores worldwide today, but since it requires an auto-focusing camera, it's supported only on iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 running iOS 4 or above. The pain of progress, we guess.

[Thanks, Mark]

Continue reading Google Goggles reaches the App Store, only supported on iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4

Google Goggles reaches the App Store, only supported on iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Recon-Zeal Transcend goggles now shipping, GPS and head-mounted display included

Darren Murph — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:19:00 EST

Don't you just love it when a plan comes together? If you'll recall, we heard that Recon Instruments was fixing to up-end the winter sports goggle market in February of this year, with an optimistic-at-the-time ship date of October 2010. Lo and behold, the outfit has managed to nail its estimate, and the planet's first GPS-enabled goggles are now available to highfalutin' skiers and snowboarders. At least initially, the company will be rolling out a limited set, with two models to choose from: the $499 Transcend SPPX is fitted with an SPPX polarized and photochromic lens, while the $399 Transcend SPX features an SPX polarized lens. Aside from the fact that these probably cost less than those ho hum Oakleys in the ski shop, they're equipped with a Zeal Optics' frame design with a micro LCD display, which appears to hang approximately six feet in front of the user. That head-mounted display provides real-time feedback to the wearer, including speed, latitude / longitude, altitude, vertical distance traveled, total distance traveled, a chrono / stopwatch mode, a run-counter, temperature and time. Yeah, wow. You can bet we'll be trying to snag a set for review when we do our best impression of "hitting the slopes" post-CES.

Gallery: Recon-Zeal Transcend goggles

Continue reading Recon-Zeal Transcend goggles now shipping, GPS and head-mounted display included

Recon-Zeal Transcend goggles now shipping, GPS and head-mounted display included originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple contemplates head-mounted iPhone display, America cringes

Joseph L. Flatley — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 07:52:00 EST

We're pretty sure this isn't an April Fool's joke, and we're pretty sure that it could be. Essentially an iPhone dock that sits on your face like a pair of glasses, "Head-Mounted Display Apparatus for Retaining a Portable Electronic Device with Display" details a headset that contains a stereo display and either a camera or a window for your phone's camera. Also included in the patent application is a microphone, speaker, batteries, and an accelerometer for detecting the user's head movements. Something like this would be great for augmented reality applications -- and something like this would make ever getting a date that much more difficult. We'll let you know if this one ever makes it past the drawing board, folks.

Apple contemplates head-mounted iPhone display, America cringes originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Apr 2010 07:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zeal Optics bringing GPS, sensor-laden Transcend ski goggles to market

Darren Murph — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 08:37:00 EST

Remember those mind-melting Recon Instruments goggles that we caught wind of late last year? Admit it -- you never, ever expected those things to actually make it to market. Despite your pessimism, it seems as if those very specs are indeed making a beeline to the consumer realm, with Zeal Optics jumping in, working a bit of magic and relabeling 'em Transcend. Deemed the planet's first GPS and sensor-laden ski goggles, these things are purportedly capable of logging speed, altitude, temperature and time details, and the side-mounted toggle switches will enable you to view said data in real time (or not, if you're paying attention to the 50 foot drop ahead of you). Peek the read link for further details on the $350+ wearables (demoed after the break), and get ready to hit the slopes with a whole new mindset this October.

[Thanks, Christopher]

Continue reading Zeal Optics bringing GPS, sensor-laden Transcend ski goggles to market

Filed under: GPS, Wearables

Zeal Optics bringing GPS, sensor-laden Transcend ski goggles to market originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 08:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Liquid Image Summit Series Snow Goggles heads-on

Vlad Savov — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 21:14:00 EST

Even the most exuberant fan of 3D displays and tablets has to admit to feeling a tiny bit jaded at this point. To sate the need for variety we went off exploring the quirkier booths and located this head-mounted video and stills camera being demonstrated by Liquid Image. We laid hands on a non-functional prototype, but as far as feel and comfort go, the few seconds we had these on led to no complaints. There's an overwhelming amount of padding around the eyes, probably kinda important when you're flying down the hills, and a tint to the visor keeping sunlight at bay. Recording can be done at 720 x 480 resolution and up to 5 megapixels for snapshots. The Summit Series will be available in July (perfect timing for a winter sports product!) for $149.

Gallery: Liquid Image Summit Series Snow Goggle Camera heads-on

Liquid Image Summit Series Snow Goggles heads-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jan 2010 21:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Liquid Image outs Summit Series Snow Camera goggles ahead of CES

Laura June — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 05:28:00 EST

Liquid Image has just announced new camera-equipped ski masks, swimming goggles and scuba masks, just in time for them to be unveiled at CES 2010. The Summit Series Snow Camera Goggle 335 boasts a 5MP still camera capable of shooting D1 720 x 480 resolution video at 30 frames per second with audio. It's got 16MB of built-in flash memory, expandable to 16GB via its microSD / SDHC slot. Other features include large buttons on the side of the goggles which are easy to press while wearing gloves and a light inside the goggles which indicates when recording. The goggles are estimated to get about 2,200 still images or over 2 hours of video per charge on their lithium ion battery. Liquid Image expects to ship the Summit Series goggles in the summer of 2010, with a price of $149. Full press release is after the break

Continue reading Liquid Image outs Summit Series Snow Camera goggles ahead of CES

Liquid Image outs Summit Series Snow Camera goggles ahead of CES originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 05:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Goggles brings visual search to Android; Favorite Places brings QR codes to restaurant reviews

Nilay Patel — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST

Looks like Google's been busy on the camera tip lately -- not only is it launching a new QR code-based Favorite Places mobile search product today, it's also demoing Google Goggles, a visual search app that generates local results from analyzing mobile phone images. Favorite Places isn't super-complicated, but it sounds like it'll be pretty useful: Google's sent QR code window decals to the 100,000 most researched local businesses on Google and Google Maps, and scanning the code with your phone will bring up reviews, coupons, and offer the ability to star the location for later. (It's not implemented yet, but you'll be able to leave your own reviews in the future.) Google hasn't built this into the Google Mobile app yet, so you'll need something to read QR codes with -- Android devices can use the free Barcode Scanner, and Google and QuickMark are offering 40,000 free downloads of QuickMark for the iPhone today. We just tried it out using QuickMark and it works pretty well -- although we'll wait to see how many QR codes we see in the wild before we call this one totally useful.

Google Goggles is a little more interesting from a technology standpoint: it's an Android app that takes photos, tries to recognize what in them, and then generates search results about them. Goggles can recognize landmarks, books, contact info, artwork, places, wine, and logos at the moment, and Google says it's working on adding other types of objects, like plants. Pretty neat stuff -- but how about linking these two services together at some point, guys? Check some videos after the break.

Continue reading Google Goggles brings visual search to Android; Favorite Places brings QR codes to restaurant reviews

Google Goggles brings visual search to Android; Favorite Places brings QR codes to restaurant reviews originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Recon Instruments putting heads-up display, extra layer of 'cool' within ski goggles

Darren Murph — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 07:51:00 EST

It's a match made in heaven, really. A GPS-linked heads-up display system, and ski goggles. Together, at long last, forever. Recon Instruments is reportedly developing said technology right now, and if all goes well, a HUD-equipped set of alpine goggles will indeed be on sale to the general populace next fall for between $350 to $450. The device is expected to tap into your cellphone, and if said phone has a GPS chip within, you'll be able to see where you're at, where your fellow snow bunnies are and where you're headed. It'll also provide all sorts of other vital information, such as hang time off of the rail jump, altitude gain / loss, a stopwatch and temperature. There's no word on whether it'll alert you when too much powder starts building on that front-side edge, but here's hoping these things are durable enough to survive the face-plant that'll inevitably ensue when that scenario plays itself out.

Recon Instruments putting heads-up display, extra layer of 'cool' within ski goggles originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 07:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DIYer concocts homegrown View-Master, relies on HTC Magic and Google Street View (video)

Darren Murph — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:21:00 EST

It's been far, far too long since we broke out the View-Master from the admittedly dusty toy chest, but now we're guessing it'll be at least a score before we get the urge again. Why, you ask? The View-Master 2009. These homegrown virtual reality goggles are surprisingly impressive despite their ragged look, and by utilizing some form of cardboard enclosure, an HTC Magic and Google Street View, the designer was able to mimic that "immersive" environment we've grown to know and never forget. Don't believe us? Have a look at the vid just past the break, and hang in there 'til the end if you're scouting a how-to guide.

Continue reading DIYer concocts homegrown View-Master, relies on HTC Magic and Google Street View (video)

Filed under: Displays, Wearables

DIYer concocts homegrown View-Master, relies on HTC Magic and Google Street View (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brother, NEC look to invade your retinas next year

Donald Melanson — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:34:00 EST

Brother may spend a big chunk of its time on things like printers and sewing machines, but it's also quietly been working on some decidedly more futuristic products, and it may just be set to deliver on one of them. While it wasn't offering much in the way of specifics the last time we heard about its retina display technology, Brother now seems to have a fully developed, fully functional prototype (pictured above), and it says it plans to commercialize the glasses sometime "next year." Naturally, there are a few considerable limitations compared to more traditional displays, but the company's as yet unnamed goggles do promise to beam an 800 x 600 image directly into your retina that'll appear as a 10-centimeter wide image floating about one meter in front of them -- which is certainly no small feat, even if it may not be the most practical one. Slightly less specific, but also working on a retina display of its own is NEC, which apparently hopes to incorporate a microphone into their display and use it as a real-time translation device that would quite literally display subtitles as you talk to someone. Ambitious, to be sure, but NEC is also saying it hopes to get it on the market in 2010.

Read - Register Hardware, "Brother creates direct retinal imaging specs"
Read - Far East Gizmos, "NEC develops Worlds first retina-display translation Eyeglasses"

[Via Popular Science]

Filed under: Displays, Wearables

Brother, NEC look to invade your retinas next year originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Optinvent promises to offer Clear Vu HMD for less than $200

Donald Melanson — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:02:00 EST

While some may say that price isn't the main factor that's been holding HMDs back from mass acceptance, France's Optinvent (a spin-off of Thomson S.A.) is apparently of that opinion, and it's now promising to deliver a full-fledged HMD for less than $200 by the end of next year. In addition to their trend-setting good looks (to be further refined in the final version), the company's so-called Clear Vu goggles make use of a reflection system that displays images in the wearer's field of vision rather than completely obstructing it, which the company says opens to the door a whole host of augmented reality possibilities -- like heads-up GPS directions, for instance. Unfortunately, the company isn't offering much in the way of actual specs just yet, although it does say the goggles will display an image size equivalent to a 71-inch TV placed 2.5 meters away.

Filed under: Displays, Wearables

Optinvent promises to offer Clear Vu HMD for less than $200 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Liquid Image video camera goggles get upgraded specs, Japanese release

Vlad Savov — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:15:00 EST

Aloha, friends! Are you finding your beach holiday experience is missing that certain bit of techno je ne sais quoi? Maybe it's because your snorkeling exploits are going undocumented, in which case you may look to Liquid Image's newly unveiled UDCM310. An evolutionary improvement on the previous model, the new goggles feature a 5 megapixel CMOS sensor, software-free USB connectivity and the ability to record 720 x 480 video at 30 fps to a microSD card. Sure, it's not exactly overwhelming you with shooting options, but it also keeps your hands free for whatever underwater heroics you want to film.

[Via Akihabara News]

Filed under: Wearables

Liquid Image video camera goggles get upgraded specs, Japanese release originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ATC3K action cam beautifully retrofitted into ski goggles

Darren Murph — Tue, 19 May 2009 13:08:00 EST

Remember Oregon Scientific's ATC3K digital action camera? Yeah, it's back and better than ever. Over at Biobug, one rather talented modder has decided to integrate said device into his UVEX ski goggles, and the result is nothing short of breathtaking. All that was required was a soldering iron, some cabling, a Dremel cutting tool, an ATC3K camera, AA battery box and a small plastic case. Oh, and time -- lots and lots of spare time. Hit the read link for a pictorial trip down assembly lane, and feel free to create your own for this winter's best-ever YouTube vids.

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Wearables

ATC3K action cam beautifully retrofitted into ski goggles originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 May 2009 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Myvu's Shades 301 iPod Edition gets hands-on treatment

Darren Murph — Sat, 10 May 2008 20:53:00 EST

Surely you remember that Solo Plus HMD that Myvu aimed at iPod owners late last year? Wait, what? You purged that from your memory as soon as you saw it? Ah well, looks like you'll be on yet another blotting mission after peeking this, as the aforesaid outfit has delivered yet another option for those looking to check out iPod clips on their own personal theater and destroy any chance at garnering friends. The Shades 301 iPod Edition, which is set to cost two Benjamins, actually looks quite different (and dare we say, a smidgen better) than the Solo Plus, and reportedly comes bundled with a pair of Ultimate Ears earbuds, detachable Dock Connector cable, remote, integrated battery and a two-piece cable manager for its neck cabling. If you're inexplicably overcome with an urge to see more, you can check out a brief hands-on by following the read link below.

Filed under: Displays, Portable Audio, Portable Video, Wearables

Myvu's Shades 301 iPod Edition gets hands-on treatment originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 May 2008 20:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pilot View FPV 2400 places you within remote-controlled vehicles

Darren Murph — Sat, 10 May 2008 05:23:00 EST

It's a tough call -- are you willing to get your eyeballs within the driver's seat of your remote-controlled vehicle, even if it means looking freakishly like Geordi La Forge? If you've thrown aside your pride and confidently answered "yes," you should certainly have a gander at the Pilot View FPV 2400. Designed for use in radio-controlled aircraft and cars, the system places a wireless camera in the cockpit and then beams back live first-person footage to those horrifically unsightly goggles you see consuming the face of that poor gal above. In all seriousness, we'd bet the experience is fairly novel, if not a touch fantastic, but we could probably think of more enthralling ways to spend $549 if we were really pressed.

[Thanks, Claudio]

Filed under: Wearables

Pilot View FPV 2400 places you within remote-controlled vehicles originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 May 2008 05:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kopin, SENSIO collaborate on new 3D eyewear

Darren Murph — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 19:28:00 EST

We're still trying to figure out exactly who is buying up these gaudy 3D goggles, but apparently, the market is still lucrative. Consequently, Kopin and SENSIO have teamed up to deliver a new set of 3D eyewear, which "combines Kopin's BDM-922K binocular optical engine with SENSIO's S3D-220 decoder chip technology." Reportedly, the device will output "full-color, VGA-quality (640 x 480 resolution) video, creating the effect of a virtual 48-inch display viewed from a distance of seven feet," and it'll play nice with both NTSC and PAL signals. No word just yet on a price or release timeframe, but there's plenty of other options if you just can't wait around to boost your geek factor exponentially.

Filed under: Displays, Wearables

Kopin, SENSIO collaborate on new 3D eyewear originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Virtual Hallucinating goggles make you temporarily Schizophrenic

Darren Murph — Wed, 23 May 2007 13:03:00 EST

We can't say we'd be first in line to get a dose of Schizophrenia or anything, but Janssen L.P.'s Virtual Hallucinations system shows promise of helping cops, paramedics, and social workers understand a bit more of what the afflicted go through. The technology consists of set of goggles and earphones that envelope you in one of two interactive scenarios that a typical Schizophrenic might face, including being a passenger on a bus in which the other riders continually vanish and reappear while stray birds attempt to invade the inside. The system is reportedly being trialed in a half dozen or so states, and professionals that had made it through the mind warp seem to have a new outlook on respecting and dealing with those with mental illnesses. Of course, if you're just interested in creeping yourself out, there's always easier alternatives.

[Via MedGadget]

Filed under: Wearables

Virtual Hallucinating goggles make you temporarily Schizophrenic originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2007 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scalar, eMagin showcase HMD and microdisplay creations

Darren Murph — Wed, 23 May 2007 10:02:00 EST

It's no secret that we most any sane individuals give the gaudy head-mounted displays of today a hard time for being so socially destructive, but a pair of companies have unveiled separate creations that look to make these things a bit less noticeable when perched on your face. eMagin's prototype SVGA-3DS microdisplay (shown after the jump) comes in at a minuscule 0.44-inches, relies on OLED-on-silicon technology, touts impressively low power consumption, and can reportedly show off an 800 x 600 resolution image. Over in Japan, Scalar is back on the scene with its Teleglass T3-F, which projects a virtual image of a 28-inch display two meters ahead of the viewer. The device mounts on the arm of your glasses, sports a 0.24-inch WVGA transmissive LCD, operates nearly four hours on two AA batteries, only covers one eye (baby steps, folks), and is fully retractable for those times when you actually need to converse with people without completely frightening them away. eMagin's invention is still being tweaked before official release, but citizens residing across the seas can pick up Scalar's latest right now for a stiff ¥98,000 ($808).

[Via I4U]
Read - eMagin's SVGA-3DS microdisplay
Read - Scalar's Teleglass T3-F

Continue reading Scalar, eMagin showcase HMD and microdisplay creations

Filed under: Displays, Wearables

Scalar, eMagin showcase HMD and microdisplay creations originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2007 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Icuiti unveils AV230 head-mounted display

Darren Murph — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 14:25:00 EST

Icuiti, producers of numerous "intelligent display solutions," has rolled out a new head-mounted display to provide "four to five hours" of portable viewing satisfaction. Similar in specification to the company's iWear (not that iWear), the AV230 differs in that it doesn't play favorites with Apple's iPod, and instead works with any video source including DVD players and gaming consoles. The eyewear sports twin 320 x 240 resolution displays, an integrated, rechargeable battery pack, 60Hz refresh rates, automatic 2D / 3D selector, NTSC / PAL support, and a mini-USB charger to "maximize mobility." Reportedly "developed from US Military technology," the goggles provide a "44-inch virtual screen" and can even be worn with prescription eyewear, but they fail to mention the humiliation you'll endure if you're caught rocking these in public. Regardless, the AV230 can be purchased now for private, in-home use for $269, and units should start shipping to brave early adopters in December.

[Via I4U]

Filed under: Displays, Wearables

Icuiti unveils AV230 head-mounted display originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Nov 2006 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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