R-7 Smartglasses

R-7 Smart Glasses are optical head-mounted display created by the Osterhout Design Group (ODG). The R-7 Smart Glasses have their own built-in processors and an Android Operating System (OS), so they do not require a smartphone or some other accessory to operate. With a retail price of $2750, the Glasses are designed for enterprise users, not average consumers. The prototype was revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2015 and scheduled to ship in Q2 2016.

Features

The most notable feature of R-7 Smart Glasses is that they are self-contained and do not require any smartphone to work with. While wearing them, the user can see a stunning high resolution display, having the capability of supporting 3D content with stereoscopic imagery, centered in the lower half of the field of the user [1].

Hardware

While R-7 smart glasses cannot be classified as ordinary, day-to-day eyewear, ODG was able to build them as a slightly bulkier version of sports sunglasses. The compact R-7 Smart Glasses are designed to provide the ultimate AR and VR mobile solution.

The R-7 smart glasses are aimed to improve and enhance the productivity of industrial and corporate users. The product is already being used in government sectors, automotive industries and the medical sector [2]. The company also expects a bright future for the tech product in aircraft cabins [3]. According to the company CEO, Ralph Osterhout, R-7 is the latest evolution in the device portfolio in the company and they are proud to have achieved such computational power, stunning graphics and reliability in such a compact and lightweight equipment [2].

Software

• ReticleOS, a see-thru optimized Android framework for head-worn computing atop Android Kit Kat
• Qualcomm Technologies Inc.'s Vuforia™ SDK for Digital Eyewear
• SDK with full API suite and tools and Developer Program & Website.

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Accessories

R-7 Smart Glasses come with a protective case, a pair of earbuds and BLE Wireless Finger Controller. Optional accessories include a Wireless Keyboard, Portable Backup Power Supply, Corrective Lenses and Nose Pads along with Ear Horns.

Background

The R-7 Smart Glasses are developed by ODG after more than six years of hard work. With constant communication and feedback from government customers and corporate partners, ODG refined the technology and delivered the best outcome even with high expectations. The Smart Glasses provide the users with excellent computing power, similar to a modern tablet with 3D graphics. The product houses positional sensors which can track your movements and exact position, providing precise Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) experiences [2].

History

Osterhout Design Group (ODG) is a San Francisco based company, founded in 1999. The company is focused on creating innovative and revolutionary wearable technologies. The company is privately held and has more than 80 employees. R-7 Smart Glasses was announced on June 9, 2015, the prototype was revealed in January 2016, it is scheduled to ship in Q2 2016.[1].