Vuzix to unveil new cool-looking HMD

[yuriythebest]

http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/02/vuzi ... md-at-ces/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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 apprarently 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.

personally I think they actually look very cool- they are moving even further from the "bulky HMD helmet" (in fact in russian HMD is actually translated as "virtual helmet") type of thing and towards making HMD's look almost like regular sunglasses- the direction iz3d has taken. Also since this design is more compact it will hopefully be cheaper as well- a 100-200$ HMD would truly make this the year of 3d.


EDIT: mister moderator please move this to user contributed news thank you!

[pixel67]

Those do look soooo much better! Let's hope they will introduce a high res model too assuming the naming convension means it is the same as previous models.

[staticbuddha]

I think they look great, but they let in so much light that it would distroy the emmersion atmoshere , or eith that I would have to have the lights off, hopefully they be HD aswell and able to support the xbox and ps3 if and when they go 3D

[Okta]

Fizzle. Another pair of 640x480 2d goggles for watching dvd's. Its not stereo.

[cirk2]

Fizzle. Another pair of 640x480 2d goggles for watching dvd's. Its not stereo.

dam but they look so cool

[cybereality]

I don't care what they look like, give me some hi-res glasses with a 180 degree FOV and I'll be happy. It doesn't matter if they look like a freakin' helmet, features should come first. They do look sporty though.

[wuhlei]

I don't mind the bulk as long as it has picture quality is good and a high fov. I make funny faces when I play games any ways. I don't think cool glasses are going to help. lol

[OllyLuck]

heres some specs on that new model taken from this website, http://gizmodo.com/5123723/vuzix-wrap-9 ... tum-optics" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


The Wrap 920AV’s features include:

Resolution and aspect ratio are consistent with previous Vuzix versions at 640X480 and 4:3.
• Virtual 60-inch screen viewed from 9-feet
• 2D and 3D video formats
• Quantum Optics Technology
• Twin high-resolution AMLCD displays
• Ultra low power electronics
• High-quality noise-isolating and removable comfort fit earphones
• Up to 6 hours of battery life on two AA batteries
• On screen display settings control
• For use with or without eyeglasses
• Optional prescription lens inserts
• Optional Bluetooth 6-Degree of Freedom head tracking system
• Optional USB-powered Stereo Camera Pair

Compatible devices include:

• All iPod/iPhone models with video output
• Portable media players
• Video cameras
• Cellular phones with video output
• Console video game systems
• Digital cameras
• DVD players
• PCs & laptops with S-Video

The Wrap 920AV will be available on Vuzix.com and through various other distribution channels in Spring 2009.

[Snickersnack]

The Vuzix HMDs aren't perfect but they are nice and light. I can wear mine (vr920) for or an hour or two and I never get neck strain.

[CarlKenner]

Fizzle. Another pair of 640x480 2d goggles for watching dvd's. Its not stereo.

You're wrong. It is stereo.

Not only that... IT (optionally) COMES WITH A STEREOSCOPIC CAMERA BUILT IN!

Unfortunately I'm boycotting Vuzix since they banned me from their forums

[LukePC1]

Fizzle. Another pair of 640x480 2d goggles for watching dvd's. Its not stereo.

You're wrong. It is stereo.

Not only that... IT (optionally) COMES WITH A STEREOSCOPIC CAMERA BUILT IN!

Unfortunately I'm boycotting Vuzix since they banned me from their forums

why did they dare to ban you? Didn't you write a nice program for them?

BTW: the new model has 6dof headtracking. That's new as well, right?

[cybereality]

Unfortunately I'm boycotting Vuzix since they banned me from their forums

Thats too bad. If it makes you feel better I got banned from Gawker for talking politics. Now I just stay away from the hot topics.

[Tril]

I'm curious about the 6DOF sensor, mainly about displacement in x, y, z. Also curious to know if the yaw axis is improved compared to the VR920.

Utilizing Vuzix’ Quantum optics technology and ultra low power electronics, the Wrap 920AV is the most advanced video eyewear available today. Its unique ‘see-thru’ lens design allows you to stay grounded in the real world while watching your private video display or experiencing augmented or mixed reality on mobile devices such as the iPhone.

Does that mean that you can actually see through the screen? If so, is the % of transparency selectable up to fully opaque?

EDIT : after reading about the options, I think it might use the camera to combine the video you feed the device with the video from the camera. Not sure though.

[Okta]

Fizzle. Another pair of 640x480 2d goggles for watching dvd's. Its not stereo.

You're wrong. It is stereo.

Not only that... IT (optionally) COMES WITH A STEREOSCOPIC CAMERA BUILT IN!

Unfortunately I'm boycotting Vuzix since they banned me from their forums

I should have been more specific. It only connetcs to pc via s-video so I am not too sure there will be stereo on pc.

[chrisjarram]

I don't care what they look like, give me some hi-res glasses with a 180 degree FOV and I'll be happy. It doesn't matter if they look like a freakin' helmet, features should come first. They do look sporty though.

Why not go and buy a set of sensics then?

[BwanaBawb]

I've been looking at these for use on an iPhone.
I'm guessing they can be driven in stereo via OpenGL ES and Vuzix' SDK.
Can anyone confirm, shed light, or point me on this?

Also, the optional 6DOF head tracker is Bluetooth based and the iPhone restricts it's Bluetooth interface.
Does anyone know if the iPhone will support this tracker?

Thanks.