Vuzix AV310 & AV230XL Video Headsets Launch In Europe
Vuzix have announced availability of the AV310 Widescreen Video Headset in Europe, together with the new AV230XL which uses OLED displays for brighter, better contrast images despite requiring less power. The AV310, which was launched in the US in September, produces a 16:9 image equivalent to watching a 52-inch screen, and is 3D capable; the AV230XL, meanwhile, is equivalent to watching a 44-inch screen from nine feet away. Both are compatible with the iPhone and iPod, as well as other portable electronics such as DVD players, smartphones and PMPs.
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.