A patent application from Sony reveals that its own augmented reality technology is developing rapidly and could be near to a prototype stage.
A potential rival to the much debated Google Glass technology, Sony’s augmented reality glasses have been now been seen in two patent formats.
Unlike Google Glass, the Sony head-mounted display (HMD) technology will project information in front of both eyes, rather than just the one.
The rather futuristic looking device doesn’t quite have the stylish form of the Google Glass yet, but packs an HUD system in each lens based on a traditional glasses frame form. A continuation patent from the one originally filed in November 2012, Sony’s concept will support 2D imaging in both lenses, with both screens adjustable by several millimetres for wearer comfort.
With a display sitting behind the glass lenses, the Sony HMD technology is also outlined to include earbuds mounted on moveable structures attached to the augmented reality glasses’ arms. It looks like there are cameras and battery packs for Sony’s Google Glass rival planned as well.
Google Glass Features
Currently the most advanced augmented reality technology in production, Google Glass will work primarily though voice recognition software, coupled with a button and a small touchpad on the side of the device behind the camera.
If the user speaks the phrase “Okay Glass”, followed by any of the pre-set phrases, such as “Take a photo” or “Record a video”, Google Glass will obey every command. Some of the features that could be included are Google Maps, Gmail, news notifications, Google Hangouts, as well as rumours of new clothing, face and voice recognition capabilities.
Unlike the duo of screens in the Sony’s potential prototype, Google Glass will function using a single HUD situated in the top right hand corner of the wearer’s field of vision, which is getting smaller with every iteration of the device.
Currently only available to developers and a selection of “Glass Explorers” for the lofty sum of $1,500 (£980), Google Glass should be available for general sale by 2014.
Sony could only be one of the technology giants to launch augmented reality devices to rival Google Glass in the future, with Huawei also rumoured to be working on a device, but with privacy issues already being debated, it will be interesting to see how each company presents their HMDs.
Do you think augmented reality is the way forward for technology fans? Are you more interested in something like the rumoured Apple iWatch? Give us your thoughts via the TrustedReviews Facebook and Twitter feeds or the comments below.
Via: TechCrunch
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