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{{Device Infobox
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Type = [[Smart Glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Enterprise AR]]
|Platform = [[Android]]
|Developer = [[Vuzix]]
|Manufacturer = [[Vuzix]]
|Release Date = 2019
|Price = ~$999 USD
|Website = https://www.vuzix.com/
|Successor = [[Vuzix Blade 2]]
|Display = Waveguide (see-through)
|Resolution = 480x853
|Color Depth = 24-bit
|Brightness = >2000 nits
|Field of View = ~19°
|Ocularity = Monocular (right eye)
|Camera = 8 MP autofocus
|Video = 720p @ 60fps, 1080p @ 30fps
|Audio = Built-in stereo speakers, voice control
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
|Battery = All-day use
|Certifications = ANSI Z87.1 (eye protection)
|Weight = ~90g
}}

The '''Vuzix Blade''' is an enterprise [[augmented reality]] [[smart glasses]] developed by [[Vuzix]], released in 2019. The Blade was the first self-contained AR smart glasses featuring advanced waveguide optics for hands-free mobile computing, combining a see-through display, 8-megapixel camera, stereo speakers, and voice control in a glasses form factor. With ANSI Z87.1 certification for eye protection and prescription lens compatibility, the Vuzix Blade targeted industrial, healthcare, and field service applications requiring heads-up information display and remote assistance capabilities.

== History and Development ==

Vuzix developed the Blade as one of the first consumer-style AR smart glasses with integrated waveguide optics. The glasses launched in 2019, targeting enterprise customers who needed hands-free access to information while maintaining situational awareness. The Blade was succeeded by the [[Vuzix Blade 2]] with updated Android 11 OS and improved specifications.<ref name="vuzix">{{cite web |url=https://www.vuzix.com/products/vuzix-blade-2-smart-glasses |title=Vuzix Blade Smart Glasses |publisher=Vuzix |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>

== Design and Hardware ==

=== Display ===

Advanced waveguide technology:

* '''Waveguide optics''' (see-through)
* '''480x853 resolution'''
* '''24-bit color''' (ultra-bright)
* '''>2000 nits brightness'''
* ~19° field of view
* Monocular (right eye)
* Transparent overlay on real world
* No vision occlusion

=== Camera ===

* '''8 MP autofocus''' camera
* 720p video @ 60fps
* 1080p video @ 30fps
* Photo capture
* Barcode scanning

=== Audio ===

* Built-in stereo speakers
* Advanced Vuzix voice control
* No Bluetooth headset required
* Multilingual voice commands

=== Build ===

Glasses form factor:

* ~90g weight
* '''ANSI Z87.1 certified''' (eye protection)
* Prescription inserts available
* Safety-rated
* Comfortable for extended wear
* Professional appearance

=== Processing ===

* Android OS
* Quad-core ARM CPU
* Wi-Fi connectivity
* Bluetooth
* Multi-day battery life

== Input Methods ==

=== Voice Control ===
* Hands-free commands
* Multilingual support
* Wake word activation

=== Touch ===
* 2-axis touchpad
* Multi-finger gestures

=== Companion App ===
* Android app
* iOS app

== Enterprise Applications ==

=== Field Service ===
* Work instructions overlay
* Remote expert guidance
* Hands-free documentation

=== Manufacturing ===
* Assembly guidance
* Quality inspection
* Training

=== Healthcare ===
* Patient information display
* Telemedicine
* Hands-free documentation

=== Logistics ===
* Pick-by-vision
* Inventory management
* Barcode scanning

== Technical Specifications ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || Waveguide
|-
| Resolution || 480x853
|-
| Color || 24-bit
|-
| Brightness || >2000 nits
|-
| Field of View || ~19°
|-
| Camera || 8 MP autofocus
|-
| Video || 720p/1080p
|-
| Certification || ANSI Z87.1
|-
| Weight || ~90g
|-
| Price || ~$999
|}

== Reception ==

'''Praise:'''
* First waveguide AR in glasses form factor
* ANSI Z87.1 safety certified
* Prescription insert compatibility
* 8MP camera capable
* Voice control hands-free
* See-through display practical
* Enterprise features robust
* Compact, lightweight design
* All-day battery life
* Professional appearance

'''Criticism:'''
* 19° FOV very narrow
* 480x853 resolution limited
* Monocular display (right eye only)
* ~$999 price for enterprise
* Limited consumer appeal
* Android OS dated
* Niche use cases<ref name="unboundxr">{{cite web |url=https://unboundxr.com/vuzix-blade-2 |title=Vuzix Blade 2 |publisher=Unbound XR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>

== See Also ==
* [[Vuzix Blade 2]]
* [[Vuzix M4000]]
* [[RealWear HMT-1]]
* [[ThinkReality A3]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:Enterprise AR]]
[[Category:Vuzix]]
[[Category:2019 in technology]]

Vuzix Blade - Revision history

Betabot: Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references

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