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Vuzix to unveil new, less cool-looking HMD at CES
Looks like we'll all get our first good look at Vuzix's newest head-mounted display -- the Wrap 920AV -- at CES in a few days. They're apparently very similar to the company's previous offering, though they boast a totally fresh appearance. Vuzix promises that the optics have been improved and will offer a better viewing experience, but we don't have any other specifics about the device yet. We'll definitely check them out in Vegas, but we have to say: the Geordi La Forge look was way better than the new wrap-shades, guys.
Vuzix rolls out 'first' widescreen HMD
Although the iWear AV310 Widescreen from Vuzix isn't the first 3D HMD we've come across, or the largest virtual display (likened to a 52" screen viewed from 9-feet), it's the first 16:9 widescreen version to hit the market. Equipped for use with both NTSC and PAL, this unit will run you about $250 and has a mysterious "video" input for use with a wide range of devices, though there's currently nothing to say what style of connector can be used or what resolution it runs at. Oh well... we're still waiting on a headtracking version anyway.Update: As a commenter pointed out, this likely isn't the first "widescreen" HMD, though the company is claiming it's the first 16:9 model.[Thanks, Greg]
Olympus developing completely wireless head-mounted displays
Olympus is planning on taking head-mounted displays out of the "giant nerd" category and into the "scary dystopian future" realm with a new project to develop a completely wireless system that can also double as eyeglasses. While most other HMDs we've seen feature a cable snaking across your body to an external power pack, Olympus has expanded on its previous efforts (pictured) and is already prototyping a 3-ounce unit with an internal power source powering two side-mounted 110,000-pixel displays that project email onto the lenses. Olympus is optimistically hoping to bring the tech to market in 2012 -- looks like wannabe Terminators are going to be lugging those battery packs around for a while yet.
MyVu solo: the $199 iPod-friendly head mounted display
Sure, MyVu's other LCD goggles for iPod weren't stratospherically priced, but creeping under that magical $200 price point could encourage a few more folks to take a serious look at head mounted displays -- or not. Unfortunately, even the MyVu solo still requires you to don those humiliating specs to enjoy the visuals, but this device does enable the attached iPod to power it if you're not keen on picking up the optional eight-hour Li-ion battery pack. The glasses also tout built-in noise-canceling earbuds and are compatible with any of the iPods with video, and hey, for $199.95, they might be worth picking up for in-home (read: not in public) use, but we stress might.[Via MobileTechReview]
Air Force taps Microvision to develop wearable displays
HMDs may be slow to catch on with the general public (despite some companies best efforts), but the U.S. Air Force certainly seems to be sold on them, awarding Microvision a $3.2 million contract to build 'em some custom gear. Under the deal, the company is promising to deliver a "lightweight, see-through, full-color eyewear display prototype" that's a good deal more "wearable" than some of the displays now in use (as seen above). Eventually, the company says the displays will be as small as protective eyewear or "high-fashion sunglasses." Not surprisingly, the company also foresees a few advantageous side-effects to the deal, saying that it won't only accelerate the available of displays for the military, but for consumer, industrial and medical markets as well.[Via I4U News]
Head-mounted display helps disabled walk
Although we've seen gait monitors and even prosthetic feet that assist individuals in regaining a more natural stride, scientists at Technion Institute of Technology in Israel have resorted to a head-mounted display for its rendition. This virtual reality device combines "auditory and visual feedback to improve walking speed and stride length in patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's disease," and provides the wearer with a "tiled-floor image" that apparently assists them in navigating nearly any terrain. The device is meant to take the place of normal muscle feedback mechanisms, and to provide said feedback to these disabled individuals so they can make adjustments and improve the efficiency of their walk. The HMD has already made its way to several medical centers and has purportedly yielded positive results, but there was no word on when this device would be commercially available.[Via MedGadget]
Shoulder-mounted camera could extend human abilities
No question about it, strapping a webcam to your dome or rocking a set of unsightly head-mounted displays can kill a substantial amount of time, but researchers from the University of Bristol are looking at more practical uses of wearable cameras. A shoulder-mounted camera system that "automatically tracks head movements and can recognize hand gestures" has been developed in the UK, and eventually, they hope for it to recognize what the user is doing and make his / her life easier by communicating with other devices based on their actions. The cam is controlled wirelessly by a host computer, which "uses the camera's output to keep track of objects, map its position and recognize different hand gestures made by the user." Interestingly, the perched device even includes a trio of motors for muti-directional assistance, and built-in inertia sensors keep it level with the dips and dodges of life. Of course, we can't promise you that everyone (like mall security) will take kindly to a Big Brother-type device flanked on your shoulder, but at least you won't have to hire a bodyguard to watch your back, right?
22Moo intros SeepuStar iPod-compatible video glasses
22Moo today introduced the SeepuStar DV230, a portable, wearable display - a pair of glasses designed to display a 35-inch flicker-free, enhanced definition virtual screen. It can be connected to virtually any video source, including the video iPod, DVD player, Xbox, Playstation, etc. and the "display" is adjustable to provide an optimal viewing angle. It has adjustable arms to fit even the biggest pumpkin heads and can even be worn by those of us who already wear prescription glasses. The DV230 (I refuse to continue typing the word SeePu, because I am just that juvenile) is expected to ship on Nov. 22nd for $250, with the following specs:Virtual Display Size: 35 inches, 2m awayResolution : 320*240 (220,000 pixels -QVGA), full colourVideo Signal : Auto-selecting PAL or NTSC.Power Consumption : <450mWLithium Battery : 6-8 Hours playbackAudio : Built-in stereo speakersIncluded Accessories:Viewer Controller, Lithium Ion Polymer 750mAh battery, AC Power Adapter, Audio/Video Cables, RCA Barrel Cable, Nose Bridges, USB Charging cable and user's manual.There's simply no way to wear these things and not look like you walked out of Star Trek: The Next Generation. And I can't imagine this is comfortable viewing for the farsighted among us - but I'll reserve judgment on that until I actually try a pair, which I absolutely plan to do.
ETRI's Flexible OLED prototype
Korea's ETRI (Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute) is here to remind us that they, and others, are still working hard to bring Flexible OLED to market. This and other FOLED prototypes are on display right now at the Next Generation Computing Show in Korea. Ok, you can't knit a sweater with it or anything, but Flexible OLED technology is certainly progressing beyond the staid FOLED displays seen thus far. Ready for the Nokia 888 communicator? Certainly not, but definitely a step in the right direction. More prototypes after the break.
Icuiti unveils AV230 head-mounted display
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]
Today's wearable display: 22Moos VG-SD
All these wearable displays are starting to blend together, but 22Moo's new iPod glasses hope to capture some eyeballs with their impressively cheap VG-SD. The QVGA glasses supposedly have a 4-5 hour battery life, matching the resolution of your iPod and exceeding its expected video playback time; but like we said, the real draw here seems to be its price at $260 US. You just aren't seeing that kind of aggressive sticker that much right now on video glasses, but then again you're just not seeing people using them either. Why? Well, seriously, would you want to wear these things when you're out and about? If you would, well, stay tuned, we'll let you know when they launch.
