Amid search giant Google working on revamping its Google Glass to retain the lost customers, tech major Sony has launched its augmented reality glasses in the nick of time.
A Sony spokesperson reportedly told a news channel that the company chose this time to unveil the developer’s version as they believe the “SmartEyeglass can prove to be a promising product as a hands-free device with many practical uses”.
“But since we recognize the need to explore applications at this stage, we’re releasing this developer edition,” the spokesperson reportedly said.
According to the analysts, the biggest difference between the futuristic eyewear of Google and Sony is the price that they offer. Sony is offering its developer version of SmartEyeglass at USD 840, which is nearly half the price of Google Glass.
Both companies’ eyewear share many similarities, but Sony will definitely have to overcome the loopholes in Google’s version.
The user can wear the thick-rimmed Sony’s SmartEyeglass at all the time as they superimpose photos into the field of view of the wearer. But Sony’s version is no more aesthetically appealing in comparison to Glass.
While the search engine company integrated its complete functionality into its eyewear, SmartEyeglass would have an additional controller component providing touch navigation that allows users to give commands into it orally.
The biggest problem faced by Google Glass was probably the privacy concern. This was the reason why the recording capability of Google’s eyewear was banned in locations like movie theaters, strip clubs, bars and restaurants. But Sony promises to knock down the biggest barriers that Glass faced.
Sony’s SmartEyeGlass uses Bluetooth connection to connect to the Android apps, including the camera, showed a video on Sony’s official website while demonstrating the glasses.