Epson has announced the launch in India of its wearable display device – the Epson Moverio BT-100 see-through mobile viewer, which operates on the Google Android 2.2 Froyo platform. According to Epson, the “revolutionary mobile entertainment viewer lets you experience larger than life movies, images and more with crystal clarity.”
Unlike conventional opaque viewers, the Android powered BT-100 features advanced see-through lenses to keep you connected with your surroundings and online activities at the same time. While other personal viewing devices limit users to indoor power and bulky playback devices, BT-100 was designed from the ground up to move with you.
The Epson Moverio BT-100 is essentially a headset with micro-projection technology, and an Android-powered media player and controller. The device allows users to view streaming video, experience 2D and 3D content (in side-by-side format) and enjoy downloaded digital content on a large virtual 80-inch screen that’s perceived to be projected from 5 meters away. TV shows, movies and even side by side 3D content can be stored as MPEG4 files on the 4GB micro SDHC memory card which is included. Audio is provided through detachable Dolby Mobile stereo sound earphones. You can therefore watch a wide variety of content in all kinds of environments, typically for example when you are traveling or waiting to catch a flight. Featuring built-in 802.11n wireless connectivity and nearly six hours of rechargeable battery life, the device offers an innovative, portable way to interact with content from virtually any location
Speaking at the launch Mr. Samba Moorthy, Director, Sales & Marketing said “Like pioneering personal entertainment products such as the Sony® Walkman* or Apple® iPod*, the Epson Moverio BT-100 see-through mobile viewer is poised to significantly change the way people experience, and even interact with content for personal enjoyment. One day, we believe such viewers will be common; and we’re proud to be one of the pioneers. It will also provide a new way for the service industry to add value to their products. So we intend to market its unique capability to schools, aviation and the travel industry, as well as high-end service providers such as nail parlours or private dental clinics; to give their customers a tailor-made entertainment experience.”
The Epson Moverio BT-100 is priced at Rs. 42,900 and will be available in major retail outlets in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore & Hyderabad. The device reminds us of Google Glass, which are also see-through heads-up display devices powered by Android, expected to ship sometime in 2013. They also feature a front-mounted camera. In late 2011, Sony also introduced its own set – the Personal 3D Viewer head-mounted display – though Sony’s offering was not see-through, and therefore meant for less portable applications.
