Sony Has Vision For Smart Glasses: March Launch For Developer Edition

The SED-E1 comprises a transparent lens eyewear that connects with compatible smartphones, superimposing information onto the user’s field of view.

Sony states the SED-E1 includes “unique holographic waveguide technology, which enables super-thin 3.0 mm augmented reality (AR) lenses with high transparency of 85 per cent and excellent brightness, without any half mirrors that may obstruct the user’s vision”.

The SED-E1 is equipped with a range of sensor technologies, including a CMOS image sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, electronic compass, brightness sensor and microphone, with these features utilised, together with GPS location information obtained from the connected smartphone, in a manner tailored to the user’s current task or scenario.

The future for smart glasses in the growing wearable tech market has been questioned in recent times, with Google shutting down its Google Glass Explorer program last month.

Sony, however, points to both potential consumer and professional scenarios in which the smart glasses could be utilised.

“Sony is now working to help build a rich portfolio of apps compatible with the SmartEyeglass, so that users across the world can benefit from the convenience in accessing on-demand information in both consumer and professional use cases – all this while having the hands free for other tasks,” Sony states.

“With the release of SmartEyeglass Developer Edition SED-E1, and Sony’s support of app developers and partners working with SmartEyeglass, it’s the ambition to release a product for consumer use in 2016.”