NEC BIGLOBE – a cloud content and ISP in Japan – says it expects the system to be useful in sports and hobbies, for instance “helping the user identify fish and fishing techniques right on the river.” Alternatively it could be linked with GPS and knowledge of other users’ locations, so that a skier could have their friends flagged up “by looking at icons that are geospatially correct inside the users view through the glasses.”

Technical details on the platform are scant – we’re still digging – though the STAR 1200 glasses Vuzix was showing off at IFA 2011 uses a pair of transparent 852 x 480 displays that together mimic a 16:9 aspect 60-inch display viewed from 10 feet away. They’re paired with a front-facing 1080p Full HD camera and 6-axis motion tracking.

Vuzix STAR 1200 hands-on:

As for the user-recognition, that’s presumably a cloud-based process rather than being handled by a smartphone or other mobile device carried by the user. While the STAR 1200 glasses are decidedly clunky, Vuzix has more recently shown off a new set of Smart Glasses that manage to squeeze transparent displays into a more aesthetically-pleasing design.

Vuzix’s SMART glasses will transmit in-game information directly to the transflexive lenses in the Oakley-style glasses, eliminating the need for much of the “video game” style information on screen and giving the player a more real experience. Well, as real as a “futuristic” shooter can be. The technology allows the wearer to see through the lenses while displaying relevant information, and it’s on loan from Nokia.

Vuzix will unveil the new shades at CES in Las Vegas this week, so we’ll be sure to give them a try in conjunction with Future Soldier. There’s no word on when you can pick up a pair of SMART glasses or for how much, but there is some good news for the fashion-conscious: the glasses will work as regular sunglasses when worn away from gameplay.

[via GamerLive TV]

The display engine itself promises high contrast and brightness, suitable for outdoor use, while the waveguide is similarly special. Vuzix says it uses “input and output hologram structures on the surface which squeezes the light down the waveguide and then two dimensionally expands the image back into the user’s eye, creating an image that is then mixed into the real world.”

What that adds up to is the ability to pull data from your smartphone, laptop or another source up into your glasses, overlaying and integrating that information into your view of the real world. Both daytime and nighttime use is supported, meaning the Vuzix Smart Glasses will be just as much at home reminding you who you’ve already met at a business meeting as they are guiding you to the nearest bar after hours.

Vuzix is planning both monocular and binocular versions, with applications not only for consumers but in industrial and commercial spheres too. There’ll be head-tracking support, as well as various camera options; as we’ve seen before, that can turn your glasses into a full AR system. Retail availability is pegged for this coming summer.

Update: Vuzix has been in contact to say that the summer availability is for the monocled versions of the Smart Glasses system, targeted at the industrial and commercial markets. Other versions will follow on at a later date. There’s also the possibility for non-sunglasses variants, with the waveguide lens itself being more transparent and only slightly color-tinted for better image reproduction.

[via Engadget]

The agreement at hand will have Vuzix performing research and development for see-through waveguide optics and near-eye display systems for products for their own line, but will also have Nokia able to access these products and components for use in their OWN products. Could this mean that MeeGo will go into my goggles in no time? Nokia, listen to Paul Travers, Vuzix President and CEO, and see the future for Nokia worldwide!

“Integrate this Nokia technology with Vuzix’s advanced display engine developments with partners like Fraunhofer IPMS, and we expect to be able to offer the video glasses that Hollywood and Sci-Fi writers have only been able to imagine.” – Travers

For those of you that’ve never heard of Vuzix before, you’re in for a treat. We’ve got more than a couple stories surrounding their wild video-glasses past and even have a lovely video showing off one of their more live concepts in action. You can see the Vuzix Wrap 1200VR video glasses on the market right now, the same being true of the Vuzix WRAP 920AR augmented reality glasses, and you can check out our Vuzix portal for all the awesome glasses technology your heart can handle as well. Then we’ve got the Vuzix STAR 1200 augmented reality headset hands-on video right here, straight from IFA 2011. A far cry from the ol’ 920AR set from back at CES 2010. Have a peek at the STAR 1200s here:

Each eyepiece can be individually adjusted to suit the wearer’s eyesight, and with various adapters you can hook up your Xbox 360 or PS3. PC games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Fallout 3, F.E.A.R and others should work out of the box, however. If you’re more interested in coding new content, Vuzix offers a free  Vuzix Software Developer Kit (SDK).

The Vuzix Wrap 1200VR is priced at $599.99 and is available now. If you don’t need all the functionality, Vuzix also offers the regular Wrap 1200 for $499.99, with more multimedia-centric abilities rather than the virtual reality support.

Those displays mimic a 16:9 aspect 60-inch display viewed from 10 feet away, but it’s the camera and sensors that make it particularly special. As well as tracking 6-degrees of freedom with the same plug-in motion sensor as offered for the Wrap 1200, the STAR set has a front-facing 1080p HD camcorder. The camera is removable, with a pair of screws underneath, allowing you to use the perhaps more discrete camera integrated into your smartphone instead.

Just like other Vuzix headsets, you can individually adjust each eyepiece to suit various levels of eyesight (or wear them over glasses, though it’s a clunky and heavy option and we felt like it might slide off at any moment) as well as adjust the nosepiece and tilt the eyepiece section inside the glasses frame. Audio output is supported too, while inputs include composite and component for hooking up to a PMP or DVI and VGA for your computer. USB is used for the AR software, and Vuzix says most apps – as long as they have the right connections – should work with the STAR.

Vuzix STAR 1200:

Sadly we couldn’t actually test that, as Vuzix didn’t have anything set up to actually feed AR data into the STAR 1200. Right now there are apparently only two such headsets in the world, one at ShowStoppers and another in the US. Unfortunately, Vuzix is targeting the STAR 1200 headset at developers looking to push AR software and services, rather than the general public. That adds up to limited availability when it begins shipping in the next few months, and a $4,999 price tag. We may have to wait a little longer before AR gets integrated into our regular glasses, but hopefully the STAR 1200 will help pave the way.

The Wrap 1200 includes composite and component video inputs; the Wrap 1200VR, meanwhile, has DVI/VGA and USB 2.0 inputs. Each supports independent brightness, contrast, hue and color saturation levels for each eyepiece, along with left and right eye focal adjustment for those who would normally wear prescription glasses.

The big difference between the two is intended use. The Wrap 1200 is positioned as a multimedia set, ideal for viewing video stored on an iPhone, portable DVD player or other source. Meanwhile, the Wrap 1200VR is intended for head-tracking applications on your computer, with an integrated head-tracking sensor (which can be added to the Wrap 1200 for $199.99) and bundled software to make use of it. An optional adapter gives the 1200VR regular composite/component inputs.

All that wearable goodness doesn’t come cheap, however. The Vuzix Wrap 1200 comes in at $499.99, while the Wrap 1200VR – which is also expected to go on sale sometime this month – is yet to be priced but we imagine it will be more expensive again.

Vuzix (PDF) has announced that the glasses are shipping, but the price isn’t for the faint of heart. Brace yourself for this, the things will sell for $1,995 and will be bundled with the Vuzix MAXimum3D software, which is a plug-in for Autodesk 3ds Max design software.

The price for UK fans will be £1499.00 / €1699.00 inc VAT. The things are expensive for sure, but they are cool. The software plug-in will allow a designer or architect to export their designs so that they appear in the real world when wearing the 920AR glasses. I guess at the pro level, if the things help you sell a single large project; they are well worth the money.

Connectivity is via Bluetooth, which tethers wirelessly to Martin’s iPhone, while input is through a Nokia Bluetooth keyboard.  The Beagleboard is running Angstrom Linux and outputting graphics through S-Video; the OS is stored on an SD card.

So far Martin has experimented with a few different ways to carry his compact computer: the bandolier strap gets geek-points, but squeezing everything into a CD wallet and wearing it on a discrete shoulder strap probably makes you stand out less in public.  The four AA batteries are good for up to three hours of use, though you could always slap a few more in if you don’t mind the extra weight.  Geeky, yes, but still very cool if you ask us.

Of course, while everyone else will be admiring your glamorous shades, you’ll be enjoying heads-up video.  The new lenses – which will be sold individually, for $19.99 a set, or as a bundle for $49.95 for all four – snap into any model in the Vuzix Wrap series, and are available now.

Press Release:

Vuzix Wrap Fashion Shades Now Available in Four Vibrant Colors

Rochester, NY – June 21, 2010 – Vuzix Corporation (TSX-V: VZX), the leader in video eyewear for the mainstream consumer, defense and low vision markets, is excited to announce the availability of the new Wrap Fashion Shades. The interchangeable collection features four different colors – red, blue, amber, and mirror – giving Wrap users several options when looking to personalize their video eyewear.

Setting the standard for stylish wearable displays, the Wrap Fashion Shades snap-on to all current models of Wrap video eyewear for maximum ease of application. Each Shade is made of durable plastic yet features a smooth, glossy finish for a dazzling appearance.

“The Wrap Fashion Shades are part of an accessory line that will be made available to Wrap users to allow for ultimate customization and visual appeal”, says Paul Travers, CEO of Vuzix. “Our video eyewear can now seamlessly complement any mood, personality, or outfit.”

Each Shade can be purchased separately ($19.99 MSRP per pair) or at $49.95 MSRP for the 4-color combo “Fashion Pack”. For more information or to purchase, please visit www.vuzix.com.

The system basically incorporates a set of Vuzix’s WRAP 920 eyewear while the two cameras together create a 1504 x 480 image that can be viewed in 3D.  A motion-sensor tracks movement – including exact X/Y/Z position and roll/pitch/yaw – and moves the on-screen display according to your head movement.

In their demonstration, Vuzix had the 920AR hooked up (via USB 2.0) to a laptop, and handed us a board of AR glyphs which the software could identify, track and overlay with different graphics.  Those graphics moved around in sync with head movements.  Of course, the practical applications are pretty much up to the PC and Mac developers to whom Vuzix are hoping to bring on board; the obvious use is gaming, and we saw two similar systems – from the University of Singapore and Scope – last month.

However, since you could feasibly walk around with the 920AR headset in place (and not trip over) there’s also the potential for more futuristic heads-up display use from a wearable computer.  The responsive performance of the Vuzix system has us wondering about when we’ll be able to connect our smartphone and have not only AR apps like Layar overlaid onto our everyday viewpoint, but floating SMS, email, IM and Twitter alerts too.

The WRAP 920AR headset will go on sale in Q2 2010, priced at $799.99.  Vuzix also tell us that existing WRAP eyewear owners will be able to buy the stereo camera kit and motion-tracker to upgrade their systems, though no pricing or availability has been released.

The small LCDs offer an image that looks like watching a 67-inch display from 10-feet away. The two cameras on the lenses each capture video at a resolution of 752 x 480 at 60fps. When combined the image is 1504 x 480 and it can be viewed in 3D.

Each camera has a 1/3-inch wide VGA image sensor and they are compatible with PC and Mac computers. The idea behind the glasses is to mix your computer games with characters that look like they are with you in your environment. The idea is cool; I’d like to try and pair and see how they work in the real world. The glasses will sell for $799.99 and will ship in Q2 2010.

Thanks to the VR920 there’s stereoscopic 640 x 480 video, together with stereo audio, and the Gumstix adds a 600MHz Texas Instruments OMAP3530 chipset, WiFi and Bluetooth.  There’s also a 3D tilt sensor, digital compass and a microphone, despite the whole thing weighing just 180g and drawing 1 amp at 3.7V.

Altogether it’s less than $1,000 worth of components, which sounds like a lot until you remember exactly how much NEC are asking for their own wearable computer.  The only concern Brisset has about ongoing use is the safety factor of having all that wireless tech strapped to your forehead.

[via Hack a Day]

The AR Accessory Kit comprises two main components.  Firstly there’s the CamAR, a USB camera that mounts to the standard Vuzix VR920 video headset; secondly, the PhasAR is a wireless input controller, designed to recognize movements with six-degrees of freedom.  In that way it can be used to act as both a 2D mouse and a 3D virtual paint-brush.

The CamAR is used to track objects and the user’s position relative to them, giving a view of the real-world displayed through the VR920 headset that 3D graphics over overlaid onto.  There’s no word on when the AR kit might see a commercial launch.

Press Release:

Vuzix to introduce the World’s First Consumer Augmented Reality Video Eyewear at 2009 Game Developers Conference

See this groundbreaking technology at the Moscone Center, Booth Number 6420 NH, on March 23rd – 27th, 2009 in San Francisco, CA

Rochester, NY – March 25, 2009 – Vuzix Corporation, the leader in video eyewear for the mainstream consumer, defense and low vision markets, will showcase a game-changing Augmented Reality Accessory Kit for the popular VR920 Virtual Reality Video Eyewear. Partnering with metaio, Inc., a world leader in augmented reality software solutions, Vuzix will demonstrate at the 2009 GDC how a simple printed page can be brought to life with 3-D animated characters that literally pop out of the book. Additionally, be prepared to experience the thrill of a fantasy tale coming to life with a fire breathing dragon flying overhead.

Vuzix AR Accessory Kit consists of two main features:

• CamAR™, a clip-on USB camera that mounts onto a pair of Vuzix Video Eyewear. The CamAR™ not only allows the user to see through to the real world but is also designed to accurately track objects and the user’s position in 3-dimensional space.

• PhasAR™, a wireless augmented reality input controller is designed to be used in unison with the CamAR™. The PhasAR™ allows users to interact with virtual, mixed and augmented reality worlds with a revolutionary 6 degree of freedom tracking system that lets the computer know exactly where the user is touching in the virtual and real worlds. Depending on the application, the PhasAR™ can become anything from a powerful virtual magic wand to a 3-D virtual paint brush. The PhasAR™ enables powerful 2-D like mouse support in order to effortlessly control virtual objects in 3-D space.

Together, these new devices allow the user to perceive and interact with the real world in ways they have never dreamed of before.

“This capability, known as Augmented Reality (AR), will open up new applications in the gaming, education and business sectors,” said Vuzix CEO, Paul Travers. “The applications for gaming and education will range from books that come alive to interactive worlds with 3-D characters that materialize right before your eyes.” “You have to ask yourself,” said Travers, “why play video games on your flat panel when it can be brought right into your living room?”

According to Vuzix, the company has recently increased the Av310 production due to unexpected higher market demands, and the AV310 is the not only the first-ever widescreen personal eyewear, but also loaded with “state-of-the-art technology at a price point far below anything our competition has to offer”.

But does this thing really work? Skeptical, it is? Make you wonder how a dual 428 x 240 LCDs could project up to a 52-inch as good as a real TV. We did like it better than restrained entertainment on a PMP or cellphone display. When you get yours, let us know what’s you thought? It’s shipping now at $250, and should be available from Brookstone, SkyMall, MicroCenter, Hammacher Schlemmer and Vuzix.com.

Compatible devices include:

• All iPod models
• Portable media players
• Video cameras
• Cellular phones with video output
• Gaming consoles
• Digital cameras
• DVD players

The AV310’s high quality features include:

• Virtual 52’ screen viewed from 9-feet
• Full 16:9 Widescreen Aspect Ratio
• Independent +2 to -5 diopter focus, providing individual adjustment for each eye
• Twin high-resolution LCD displays
• “Vuzix’ 3D” watermark compliant
• Removable and comfort fit earbuds
• Adjustable, hypoallergenic nosepiece
• AccuTilt™ viewer with 15 degrees of tilt adjustment
• Up to 5 hours of battery life on one AA battery
• On screen display settings control
• For use with or without eyeglasses
• MSRP $249.95

Netbooks slammed back into the headlines this week, with Acer seizing most attention with the official announcement of their 10-inch Aspire One.  We’ve seen the live pictures, we’ve read the specs – including confirmed SSD and Linux options sometime after launch – and you may even have placed a pre-order; now we just want the real thing to play with.  Meanwhile MSI’s Wind U120 got its first review – mediocre at best – while the Samsung NC20 impressed with its HD-capable VIA Nano chipset.  Lastly, NVIDIA’s outspoken CEO had some harsh words for Intel and some flattering ones for their rivals, while of course saving the most love for Ion and Tegra.

In other mobile devices, we’re expecting Amazon to announce the Kindle 2 ebook reader at their February 9th press conference, while also predicted for February is the Virgin Mobile Helio Ocean 2.  Will it be better late than never for the much-delayed smartphone?  Other QWERTY goodness is promised from T-Mobile, with leaked details of the Sidekick LX 2009, and Verizon, whose LG VX9600 – complete with trick detachable keyboard module – is expected on February 22nd.

Elsewhere, the financial bad news continued with surprise announcements from Canon and Sony, the former revealing an 81-percent dive in profits while the latter reported an even worse 95-percent crash.  It looks like Canon can’t release the freshly-teased Mark III N DSLR fast enough.

Finally, if you thought the Palm/Apple IP furore was over, think again – the US Patent Office have finally awarded Apple their multitouch patent, leaving analysts, users and pundits all scrabbling for information over what exactly the Cupertino company hold the keys to.  Apple, for their part, seem to be too busy preparing the successor to the iPhone 3G to bother filling us in.

This coming week we’ll have the full review of the BlackBerry Curve 8900, together with the Orbita Mouse.  We’ll also be looking at the run-up to Mobile World Congress, and wondering out loud exactly what Barcelona has in store.  Thanks for reading SlashGear!

The theory behind the Vuzix headsets is simple.  Rather than sitting several feet from a large screen, why not put far smaller screens up close to your eyes.  Since one screen couldn’t get close enough to your face without making you cross-eyed, they give each eye its own panel: in the case of the AV230XL, it’s the first in Vuzix’s range to use OLED panels.  These measure roughly a centimeter square, and since they’re showing the same image the brain recognises the two pictures as one.

As a glasses-wearer, I had a second motive for trying out the iWear system: how flexible were its individual eye adjustments, or would I be forced to try to wear both my glasses and the headset?

In the box, you get the Vuzix headset itself, with two attached earbuds and a tethered remote unit, a drawstring bag to carry them in, a set of foam earbud covers, a replacement nose-grip, a neck strap and a range of A/V adapters.  These adapters are what let you use the AV230XL with a variety of media sources: Vuzix sent us a general 3.5mm AV cable suitable for smartphones with A/V output, an adapter for use with a video-capable iPod, and an RCA adapter.

The remote unit is a little longer and broader than the single AA battery that powers the headset, with four buttons – power, plus, minus, exit – and an LED.  On one end there’s a 3.5mm socket into which the different A/V adapters plug in.  Vuzix claim you’ll get up to 7hrs runtime from a standard alkaline AA battery, or switch to a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery for up to 17hrs playback.  That’s in no small part thanks to the power-sipping nature of OLED displays; similar LCD-based headsets from the company manage just 70-percent of the runtime.

Setup is straightforward.  Choose from the two nose-bridges – one perches, the other grips – plug in a source and turn on.  To my surprise, the AV230XL fits quite comfortably even if you’re already wearing glasses, unless you have a tendency to perch your specs on the very tip of your nose.  Without glasses it’s even easier to find a comfortable position, thanks to the dual-hinged arms which both open, as normal, and pivot slightly up and down.  Basic brightness and contrast tweaks are made from the remote.

A rotary dial underneath each lens adjusts the focus, with a diopter range of +2 to -5.  My eyes are perhaps the ideal test subject for the AV230XL: one is very short-sighted, the other has an astigmatism.  In practice, I found I could get a very clear picture for the short-sighted eye, and a slightly less distorted one for the astigmatic eye; that’s no surprise, given the lack of barrel lens adjustment.  Still, picture quality without my glasses was good, and while long-term use left my eyes strained, it was certainly watchable for a 30 minute TV show. 

This is partly down to the relatively low resolution of the OLED displays themselves.  Each is a mere 320 x 240 panel, which means that all but the most basic of video ends up at least slightly fuzzy.  If you expected the virtual 44-inch TV you’d be watching from nine feet away to be 1080p, you’ll be sorely disappointed.  Similarly, if you’re hoping to use the AV230XL as a heads-up display with your laptop, think again; the only text we’d suffer with the iWear is subtitles.

For the sort of videos you might be usually watching on your iPod or cellphone, though, it’s unlikely to be a problem.  Audio quality from the included earbuds is nothing special – think cheap inclusion with a PMP rather than anything approaching audiophile – but they can at least be detached and your own headphones used instead.

We had mixed reactions to the Vuzix viewing experience: some liked the open space above and below the headset, which allows you to see what’s going on around your head, while others found it distracting and would prefer total enclosure.  The company does sell a rubber attachment that reduces peripheral vision, but we’ve a feeling that will only make the AV230XL all the more noticeable.

To be honest, it’s the fact that they are so noticeable that gives us the most pause for thought with the iWear headset.  Over the course of a 90 minute film you might forget you’re wearing it, but those around you certainly won’t: expect plenty of Geordi La Forge jokes.  Vuzix haven’t really done themselves any favors with the shiny, chunky plastic casing, either.

Still, get past the geeky look and give up on the idea of high-quality visuals, and the iWear AV230XL shows some promise.  It’s undoubtedly better than watching video on a small PMP or cellphone display, and the flexibility even for glasses-wearers counts as a surprise bonus.  At $199.95 (or £129.99 in the UK) it’s at the cheaper end of Vuzix’s range – more money gets you better resolution and a widescreen picture – but those regularly making long train or bus journeys will find plenty to entertain them.  We just hope that Vuzix tone down the in-your-face styling for the next generation.

Power for both headsets is from a single AA battery in the in-line remote, which is capable of running the AV310 for five hours or the AV230XL for seven hours.  Both have independent eye adjustment, 15-degrees of tilt adjustment, and an adjustable hypoallergenic nosepiece. Integrated earbuds provide stereo sound, and there’s an on-screen display to tweak the settings.

As well as Apple PMPs, they’re also compatible with games consoles such as Wii, and many of the latest mobile phones from Nokia, Sony Ericsson, LG, Samsung and HTC. The Vuzix iWear AV310 Widescreen and AV230XL are both available now, priced at introductory rates (capped until the start of 2009) of £149.99 and £129.99 respectively.

Press Release:

Vuzix’s big screen iPhone experience gets wider and brighter

- New models launch in Europe with eye-catching technology advances –

- Made for iPod and iPhone compatibility included -

London, Thursday November 13: Vuzix, the company behind personal video iWear, today launched two new products in Europe incorporating ground-breaking technology advances.

Worn like a pair of glasses, the new AV310 is the first video headset of its kind to feature the full 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio; while the AV230XL breaks new ground by using OLED (organic LED) screen technology for an incredibly bright, high contrast display that uses less power.

The release of the two headsets brings the full Vuzix range to four models. The AV920 is the top of the range video headset, and the VR920 is a virtual reality headset aimed at the gaming market which adds motion tracking and 3D capability to 80 PC titles and online games such as World of Warcraft, Second Life and Call of Duty.

The two new products are designed to complement a range of devices with TV Out capability including the Apple iPod range, MP4 players, games consoles such as Wii, and many of the latest mobile phones from Nokia, Sony Ericsson, LG, Samsung and HTC.

In fact, connectivity and access to content is now at such a level that most consumers across Europe could sit and watch on their personal devices ‘cinema sized’ video from YouTube, BBC iPlayer or other on-demand TV channels using a Vuzix headset.

Announcing the breakthrough new products, Vuzix founder and CEO Paul Travers said: “There is increasing demand and interest in this space. As screens in our homes get bigger, the screens we use on the move have stayed roughly the same size.

“With Vuzix iWear you can get the full big-screen cinema experience, in a device that is small enough to carry in your pocket. And the range of products you can connect to is increasing all the time as more and more mobile phones are released with video out capability.”

The new Vuzix models are both shipped with an approved “Made for iPod” cable that connects to the full range of iPod devices – including the Classic, the Nano and the Touch; and also to the iPhone. Leads for other leading handsets such as Nokia’s N95 and N96 are also included within the pack.

The AV230XL and the AV310 Widescreen are also the first Vuzix models to run using one standard AA battery, further aiding convenience, flexibility and portability.

The AV230XL will initially retail at £129.99 and the AV310 Widescreen at £149.99. Both are available now and are being released at special introductory launch prices that will be held until Xmas.

Stockists include 3 retail stores, Firebox.com, Play.com, Applestore.com, Amazon.com or direct from www.vuzix.co.uk.

Product features include:

AV310 Widescreen:

· Screen size equivalent to 52” viewed from 9 feet

· Full 16:9 Widescreen Aspect Ratio

· Made for iPod compatibility and works with iPhone

· Compatibility with numerous mobile phones including N95, N96 and LG Viewty

· Independent +2 to -5 diopter focus providing individual adjustment for each eye

· Stereo 3D capable – Vuzix 3D watermark compliant

· Accutilt viewer with 15 degrees of tilt adjustment

· 5 hours battery life on one AA battery

· On screen display to control settings

· Removable comfort fit ear buds

· Adjustable hypoallergenic nosepiece

· Can be used with or without glasses

· RRP £149.99 (until Jan 1, 2009)

AV230XL

· Screen size equivalent to 44” viewed from 9 feet

· Made for iPod compatibility and works with iPhone

· Compatibility with numerous mobile phones including N95, N96 and LG Viewty

· Independent +2 to -5 diopter focus providing individual adjustment for each eye

· Accutilt viewer with 15 degrees of tilt adjustment

· 7 hours battery life on one AA battery

· On screen display to control settings

· Removable comfort fit ear buds

· Adjustable hypoallergenic nosepiece

· Can be used with or without glasses

· RRP £129.99 (until Jan 1, 2009)

About Vuzix

Vuzix Corporation manufactures personal display devices for the entertainment, defence and medical markets. Vuzix products provide users with a portable and private big screen experience that delivers big screen mobile entertainment in the consumer markets, low vision assist in the medical markets and tactical information in the defence markets. The company is revolutionizing the mobile display industry and aims to continue to create products that enrich the lives of its customers. Vuzix has won six CES Innovations Awards since 2005, the 2008 RetailVision Best New Product – Hardware Award, the awards for the 2006 Frost & Sullivan Technology

Innovation of the Year Award for European Mobile & Wireless services and has been named the 12th fastest growing privately held company in Rochester, NY by the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle and awarded one of Inc. 500 magazines’ fastest 5000 companies. Founded in 1997, Vuzix is a privately held company with offices in Rochester, NY, London, UK and Tokyo, Japan. For more information, please visit: www.vuzix.com.

No specific information for the two Kopin Corporation “high-resolution” LCD displays is given, and the product page is, at time of writing, bare.  However you do get independent +2 to -5 diopter focus, providing individual adjustment for each eye, and an AccuTilt viewer with 15 degrees of tilt adjustment.

The AV310 includes built-in headphones (with replaceable earbuds) and the nosepiece is both adjustable and hypoallergenic. Apparently they’re suitable for glasses wearers too, and a single AA battery in the wired control unit will provide up to 5hrs of use. Settings can all be tweaked on-screen, so you don’t even have to take the headset off.

The iWear AV310 Widescreen will be available with an MRSP of $249.95 from Brookstone, SkyMall, MicroCenter, Hammacher Schlemmer and Vuzix themselves. No release date has been given.  Update: Vuzix tell us that the iWear AV310 will be shipping within the next month.