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UPDATED 07:30 EST / DECEMBER 17 2014

NEWS

Sony reveals smart glass clip-on to take on Google Glass

sony smart glassesSony Corp. has revealed a new display module that clips on to your existing glasses, turning them into something similar to Google Glass.

The single-lens display module is powered by an ARM Cortex-A7 processor and sports a 640×400 OLED micro-display, giving a display field of a 16″ monitor two meters away, along with a micro-optical unit that Sony claims will bring out the full potential of the display’s high image quality.

All of that comes delivered in what Sony calls “high-density packaging technology” and weighs in at under two ounces.

The use case for the “display module” is being pitched as allowing users to instantly gain access to visual information that adds “a level of convenience to your everyday life.” Sony adds that it has applications in sports or work by “displaying helpful information that supports you in the activity you are engaged in.” Notably the picture above (top right) shows the display module offering measurements during a round of golf.

One point Sony drives home is that the module is easily attachable/detachable so “you can use it only when you want to, and you have the option to store it away if it does not suit the occasion” (emphasis is ours,) clearly comparing itself to Google Glass and the Glasshole phenomena.

sony smart glass2The device, currently called “SmartEyeglass Attach!” will be unveiled  at the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas January.  The company says that it plans to start mass production of this display module within the coming year, meaning a likely sale date of early to mid 2016.

There has been speculation in the past that several companies were looking at getting into the smart glasses space, including Apple. To date Google has primarily stood alone as a smart glasses maker, and not with a lot of success; recent reports indicate that diehard Google Glass supporters were abandoning their support, and companies had stopped developing from the platform.

Sony’s take in offering an attachable accessory rather than psuedo-futuristic meets “look at me, I’m a Glasshole” dedicated specs may find a willing audience in a market space that years ago promised so much, but has so far failed to deliver.

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