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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = RealWear Navigator 500
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Smart Glasses]]
|Subtype = [[AR Glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Enterprise AR]]
|Release Date = 2021
|Platform = [[Android]] 11
|Price =  
|Creator = [[RealWear]]
|Display = Single LCD monocular
|Developer = [[RealWear]]
|Resolution = 854x480 per-eye
|Manufacturer = [[RealWear]]
|Refresh Rate =  
|Announcement Date = December 8, 2021
|Field of View = 20° horizontal
|Release Date = 2022
|Horizontal FoV = 20°
|Price = ~$2,500
|Vertical FoV =  
|Website = https://www.realwear.com/
|Diagonal FoV =  
|Versions = RealWear Navigator 500
|IPD Range =  
|Requires = None (standalone)
|Ocularity = Monocular
|Predecessor = [[RealWear HMT-1]]
|Successor = [[RealWear Navigator 520]]
|Operating System = [[Android]] 11
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon 662]]
|CPU = Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (octa-core)
|GPU = Adreno 610
|HPU =
|Storage = 64GB
|Memory = 4GB RAM
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = LCD (monocular)
|Subpixel Layout = RGB stripe
|Peak Brightness = Not specified
|Resolution = 854 × 480
|Pixel Density = N/A
|Refresh Rate = 60Hz
|Persistence = N/A
|Field of View = 20°
|Horizontal FoV = ~20°
|Vertical FoV = ~11°
|Average Pixel Density = N/A
|Peak Pixel Density = N/A
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Optics = Waveguide/prism
|Ocularity = Monocular (adjustable left/right)
|IPD Range = N/A (monocular)
|Adjustable Diopter = No (compatible with corrective eyewear)
|Passthrough = Native see-through (display only)
|Tracking = 3DoF (IMU)
|Tracking Frequency = N/A
|Base Stations = None
|Eye Tracking = No
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Body Tracking = No
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = No
|Update Rate = 60Hz
|Tracking Volume = N/A
|Play Space = Assisted reality
|Latency = <100ms
|Audio = Dual speakers (above ear)
|Microphone = Yes (4 noise-canceling microphones)
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = 48MP camera with autofocus (1080p @ 60fps video)
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C
|Ports = USB-C, 3.5mm audio
|Wired Video = No
|Wireless Video = Yes (streaming)
|WiFi = Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac dual-band)
|Bluetooth = Bluetooth 5.1
|Power = Internal battery
|Battery Capacity = Not specified
|Battery Life = ~8 hours
|Charge Time = ~2 hours
|Dimensions = Modular design
|Weight = 272g
|Material = Ruggedized plastic
|Headstrap = Head-mounted band / hardhat compatible
|Haptics = No
|Color = Black
|Sensors = Accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, ambient light, barometer
|Input = Voice commands (100% hands-free), head motion
|Compliance = IP66, MIL-STD-810H, ATEX Zone 2 (Navigator 520)
}}
}}


'''RealWear Navigator 500''' is an [[augmented reality]] [[head-mounted display]] released in 2021.
The '''RealWear Navigator 500''' is a rugged head-mounted wearable computer and [[smart glasses]] device developed by [[RealWear]], announced on December 8, 2021, and released in 2022 at a price of approximately $2,500. As the successor to the popular HMT-1, the Navigator 500 delivers significant improvements while maintaining RealWear's industry-leading voice control and rugged design philosophy: 28% lighter weight (272g vs 380g), upgraded Snapdragon 662 processor, 48MP camera with 1080p @ 60fps video (vs 16MP), and the same proven 100% hands-free voice operation that works in environments up to 100dB noise levels. The Navigator 500 retains the HMT-1's monocular 854 × 480 display with 20° field of view but adds improved battery efficiency, faster charging, and enhanced connectivity. Designed for industrial "deskless workers" in manufacturing, field service, energy, and other frontline environments, the Navigator 500 continues RealWear's "assisted reality" approach—providing glanceable information without obstructing the worker's view.


== Specifications ==
== History and Development ==
* '''Display:''' Single LCD monocular
* '''Resolution:''' 854x480 per-eye


* '''Field of View:''' 20° horizontal
=== RealWear Evolution ===
Product line history:
* HMT-1 (2017) - Original platform
* HMT-1Z1 (intrinsically safe)
* Navigator 500 (2021/2022)
* Navigator 520 (2023)
 
=== Market Feedback ===
Customer-driven improvements:
* Weight reduction demand
* Better camera needed
* Faster processing
* Modern connectivity
 
=== December 2021 Announcement ===
Navigator 500 reveal:
* 28% lighter than HMT-1
* 48MP camera upgrade
* Snapdragon 662 processor
* 2022 availability
 
=== Platform Continuity ===
Software compatibility:
* Android 11
* Existing apps compatible
* Partner ecosystem
* Smooth transition
 
== Design Philosophy ==
 
=== Assisted Reality ===
Information overlay:
* Not AR with spatial mapping
* Glanceable information
* Document display
* Video collaboration
 
=== 100% Hands-Free ===
Voice-first design:
* Complete voice control
* No hand gestures needed
* Industrial practical
* Safety compliant
 
=== Lighter, Better ===
Improved HMT-1:
* 272g (vs 380g)
* 28% weight reduction
* Same durability
* Enhanced comfort
 
=== Full-Shift Battery ===
Work day operation:
* ~8 hours battery life
* Complete shift coverage
* Hot-swap capable
* Continuous operation
 
== Display Technology ==
 
=== Monocular LCD ===
Information display:
* '''Resolution''': 854 × 480
* '''Type''': 24-bit LCD color
* '''Equivalent''': 7" tablet at arm's length
* Same as HMT-1
 
=== Field of View ===
Information window:
* 20° field of view
* Data display focused
* Not immersive
* Glanceable information
 
=== Display Pod ===
Adjustable positioning:
* Rotatable mount
* Left or right eye
* Adjustable angle
* User-configurable
 
== Processing ==
 
=== Snapdragon 662 ===
Upgraded processor:
* '''Platform''': Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
* '''Cores''': Octa-core
* '''RAM''': 4GB
* '''Storage''': 64GB
 
=== Performance Improvement ===
vs HMT-1:
* Faster processor
* More storage (64GB vs 32GB)
* Better efficiency
* Modern platform
 
== Camera ==
 
=== 48MP Camera ===
Major upgrade:
* '''Resolution''': 48 megapixels
* '''Video''': 1080p @ 60fps
* '''Autofocus''': Yes
* '''Improvement''': 3× vs HMT-1 (16MP)
 
=== Camera Applications ===
Use cases:
* Remote expert assistance
* Documentation capture
* Barcode scanning
* Visual inspection
 
=== Video Quality ===
1080p @ 60fps:
* Smooth video
* High quality streaming
* Professional grade
* Expert collaboration
 
== Voice Control ==
 
=== Industry-Leading Voice ===
Best-in-class:
* 100% voice controlled
* No touch needed
* Natural language
* Reliable recognition
 
=== Noise Cancellation ===
Industrial environment:
* 4 noise-canceling microphones
* Works up to 100dB
* Factory floor capable
* Loud environment tested
 
=== Voice Commands ===
Navigation method:
* Menu navigation
* Application control
* Document scrolling
* Complete functionality
 
=== Language Support ===
International use:
* 15+ languages supported
* English, German, French
* Japanese, Chinese, Korean
* And more
 
== Audio ==
 
=== Dual Speakers ===
Improved audio:
* Two speakers
* Positioned above ears
* Clear in noisy environments
* Communication capable
 
=== 3.5mm Jack ===
Headphone option:
* Private listening
* Hearing protection compatible
* Alternative audio
* User choice
 
== Sensors ==
 
=== Motion Sensors ===
Orientation detection:
* Accelerometer
* Gyroscope
* Magnetometer
* 3DoF tracking
 
=== Environmental Sensors ===
Additional sensing:
* Ambient light sensor
* Barometer
* Location awareness
* Environmental data
 
== Battery ==
 
=== Long-Duration Battery ===
Full-shift operation:
* '''Life''': ~8 hours active
* '''Charging''': ~2 hours
* Hot-swap capable
* Same as HMT-1
 
=== Battery Improvement ===
Efficiency gains:
* More efficient processor
* Same battery life
* Faster charging
* Improved power management
 
== Physical Design ==
 
=== Lightweight Construction ===
Major improvement:
* '''Weight''': 272g
* 28% lighter than HMT-1 (380g)
* Extended comfort
* Same durability
 
=== Rugged Construction ===
Industrial grade:
* IP66 water/dust resistant
* MIL-STD-810H certified
* Drop tested
* Extreme temperature operation
 
=== Mounting Options ===
Flexible wear:
* Head-mounted band
* Hardhat attachment
* Bump cap mount
* Safety glasses compatible
 
=== Display Boom ===
Adjustable arm:
* Rotatable display pod
* Left or right eye
* Position adjustable
* User preference
 
== Software ==
 
=== Android 11 ===
Operating system:
* Modern Android
* Enterprise customization
* App ecosystem
* Regular updates
 
=== RealWear Cloud ===
Management platform:
* Device management
* Remote configuration
* Fleet deployment
* Enterprise control
 
=== Partner Applications ===
Software ecosystem:
* Microsoft Teams
* Zoom
* Cisco WebEx
* Custom enterprise apps
 
== Enterprise Applications ==
 
=== Remote Expert ===
Video collaboration:
* "See what I see"
* Real-time guidance
* Expert consultation
* Problem resolution
 
=== Manufacturing ===
Production support:
* Assembly guidance
* Quality inspection
* Training support
* Process documentation
 
=== Field Service ===
Technician support:
* Repair guidance
* Procedure documentation
* Hands-free reference
* Remote assistance
 
=== Energy ===
Oil and gas:
* Inspection support
* Safety compliance
* Remote expert access
* Hazardous environment capable
 
== Comparison with HMT-1 ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Feature !! Navigator 500 !! HMT-1
|-
| Price || ~$2,500 || ~$2,500
|-
| Weight || 272g || 380g
|-
| Processor || Snapdragon 662 || Snapdragon 626
|-
| Camera || 48MP (1080p@60fps) || 16MP (1080p@30fps)
|-
| Storage || 64GB || 32GB
|-
| Android || Android 11 || Android 8.1
|-
| Display || 854×480 || 854×480
|-
| FOV || 20° || 20°
|-
| Battery Life || ~8 hours || ~8 hours
|}
 
== Strengths and Limitations ==
 
=== Strengths ===
* 28% lighter than HMT-1 (272g)
* Industry-leading voice control
* 48MP camera (3× HMT-1)
* 1080p @ 60fps video
* ~8 hours battery life
* IP66/MIL-STD-810H rugged
* 100dB noise environment capable
 
=== Limitations ===
* Same display resolution as HMT-1
* Same FOV (20°)
* Not true AR (assisted reality)
* Monocular only
* High price point
* Enterprise-only
* 3DoF tracking only
 
== Technical Specifications Summary ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || LCD, 854 × 480
|-
| FOV || 20°
|-
| Processor || Snapdragon 662 (octa-core)
|-
| Memory || 4GB RAM, 64GB storage
|-
| Camera || 48MP, 1080p@60fps video
|-
| Audio || 4 noise-canceling mics, dual speakers
|-
| Battery || ~8 hours
|-
| Durability || IP66, MIL-STD-810H
|-
| Voice Control || 100% hands-free, 100dB tolerance
|-
| Weight || 272g
|-
| Price || ~$2,500
|}


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Augmented Reality]]
* [[RealWear]]
* [[Head-mounted display]]
* [[RealWear HMT-1]]
* [[AR Glasses]]
* [[RealWear Navigator 520]]
* [[Enterprise AR]]
* [[Smart Glasses]]
* [[Assisted Reality]]
 
== References ==
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Enterprise AR]]
[[Category:RealWear]]
[[Category:Industrial Wearables]]
[[Category:2020s AR]]

Latest revision as of 03:11, 8 January 2026

RealWear Navigator 500
Basic Info
VR/AR Augmented Reality
Type Smart Glasses
Subtype Enterprise AR
Platform Android 11
Creator RealWear
Developer RealWear
Manufacturer RealWear
Announcement Date December 8, 2021
Release Date 2022
Price ~$2,500
Website https://www.realwear.com/
Versions RealWear Navigator 500
Requires None (standalone)
Predecessor RealWear HMT-1
Successor RealWear Navigator 520
System
Operating System Android 11
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (octa-core)
GPU Adreno 610
Storage
Storage 64GB
Memory 4GB RAM
SD Card Slot No
Display
Display LCD (monocular)
Subpixel Layout RGB stripe
Peak Brightness Not specified
Resolution 854 × 480
Pixel Density N/A
Refresh Rate 60Hz
Persistence N/A
Image
Field of View 20°
Horizontal FoV ~20°
Vertical FoV ~11°
Average Pixel Density N/A
Peak Pixel Density N/A
Foveated Rendering No
Optics
Optics Waveguide/prism
Ocularity Monocular (adjustable left/right)
IPD Range N/A (monocular)
Adjustable Diopter No (compatible with corrective eyewear)
Passthrough Native see-through (display only)
Tracking
Tracking 3DoF (IMU)
Tracking Frequency N/A
Base Stations None
Eye Tracking No
Face Tracking No
Hand Tracking No
Body Tracking No
Rotational Tracking Yes
Positional Tracking No
Update Rate 60Hz
Tracking Volume N/A
Play Space Assisted reality
Latency <100ms
Audio
Audio Dual speakers (above ear)
Microphone Yes (4 noise-canceling microphones)
3.5mm Audio Jack Yes
Camera 48MP camera with autofocus (1080p @ 60fps video)
Connectivity
Connectivity Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C
Ports USB-C, 3.5mm audio
Wired Video No
Wireless Video Yes (streaming)
WiFi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac dual-band)
Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.1
Power Internal battery
Battery Capacity Not specified
Battery Life ~8 hours
Charge Time ~2 hours
Device
Dimensions Modular design
Weight 272g
Material Ruggedized plastic
Headstrap Head-mounted band / hardhat compatible
Haptics No
Color Black
Sensors Accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, ambient light, barometer
Input Voice commands (100% hands-free), head motion
Compliance IP66, MIL-STD-810H, ATEX Zone 2 (Navigator 520)

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The RealWear Navigator 500 is a rugged head-mounted wearable computer and smart glasses device developed by RealWear, announced on December 8, 2021, and released in 2022 at a price of approximately $2,500. As the successor to the popular HMT-1, the Navigator 500 delivers significant improvements while maintaining RealWear's industry-leading voice control and rugged design philosophy: 28% lighter weight (272g vs 380g), upgraded Snapdragon 662 processor, 48MP camera with 1080p @ 60fps video (vs 16MP), and the same proven 100% hands-free voice operation that works in environments up to 100dB noise levels. The Navigator 500 retains the HMT-1's monocular 854 × 480 display with 20° field of view but adds improved battery efficiency, faster charging, and enhanced connectivity. Designed for industrial "deskless workers" in manufacturing, field service, energy, and other frontline environments, the Navigator 500 continues RealWear's "assisted reality" approach—providing glanceable information without obstructing the worker's view.

History and Development

RealWear Evolution

Product line history:

  • HMT-1 (2017) - Original platform
  • HMT-1Z1 (intrinsically safe)
  • Navigator 500 (2021/2022)
  • Navigator 520 (2023)

Market Feedback

Customer-driven improvements:

  • Weight reduction demand
  • Better camera needed
  • Faster processing
  • Modern connectivity

December 2021 Announcement

Navigator 500 reveal:

  • 28% lighter than HMT-1
  • 48MP camera upgrade
  • Snapdragon 662 processor
  • 2022 availability

Platform Continuity

Software compatibility:

  • Android 11
  • Existing apps compatible
  • Partner ecosystem
  • Smooth transition

Design Philosophy

Assisted Reality

Information overlay:

  • Not AR with spatial mapping
  • Glanceable information
  • Document display
  • Video collaboration

100% Hands-Free

Voice-first design:

  • Complete voice control
  • No hand gestures needed
  • Industrial practical
  • Safety compliant

Lighter, Better

Improved HMT-1:

  • 272g (vs 380g)
  • 28% weight reduction
  • Same durability
  • Enhanced comfort

Full-Shift Battery

Work day operation:

  • ~8 hours battery life
  • Complete shift coverage
  • Hot-swap capable
  • Continuous operation

Display Technology

Monocular LCD

Information display:

  • Resolution: 854 × 480
  • Type: 24-bit LCD color
  • Equivalent: 7" tablet at arm's length
  • Same as HMT-1

Field of View

Information window:

  • 20° field of view
  • Data display focused
  • Not immersive
  • Glanceable information

Display Pod

Adjustable positioning:

  • Rotatable mount
  • Left or right eye
  • Adjustable angle
  • User-configurable

Processing

Snapdragon 662

Upgraded processor:

  • Platform: Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  • Cores: Octa-core
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Storage: 64GB

Performance Improvement

vs HMT-1:

  • Faster processor
  • More storage (64GB vs 32GB)
  • Better efficiency
  • Modern platform

Camera

48MP Camera

Major upgrade:

  • Resolution: 48 megapixels
  • Video: 1080p @ 60fps
  • Autofocus: Yes
  • Improvement: 3× vs HMT-1 (16MP)

Camera Applications

Use cases:

  • Remote expert assistance
  • Documentation capture
  • Barcode scanning
  • Visual inspection

Video Quality

1080p @ 60fps:

  • Smooth video
  • High quality streaming
  • Professional grade
  • Expert collaboration

Voice Control

Industry-Leading Voice

Best-in-class:

  • 100% voice controlled
  • No touch needed
  • Natural language
  • Reliable recognition

Noise Cancellation

Industrial environment:

  • 4 noise-canceling microphones
  • Works up to 100dB
  • Factory floor capable
  • Loud environment tested

Voice Commands

Navigation method:

  • Menu navigation
  • Application control
  • Document scrolling
  • Complete functionality

Language Support

International use:

  • 15+ languages supported
  • English, German, French
  • Japanese, Chinese, Korean
  • And more

Audio

Dual Speakers

Improved audio:

  • Two speakers
  • Positioned above ears
  • Clear in noisy environments
  • Communication capable

3.5mm Jack

Headphone option:

  • Private listening
  • Hearing protection compatible
  • Alternative audio
  • User choice

Sensors

Motion Sensors

Orientation detection:

  • Accelerometer
  • Gyroscope
  • Magnetometer
  • 3DoF tracking

Environmental Sensors

Additional sensing:

  • Ambient light sensor
  • Barometer
  • Location awareness
  • Environmental data

Battery

Long-Duration Battery

Full-shift operation:

  • Life: ~8 hours active
  • Charging: ~2 hours
  • Hot-swap capable
  • Same as HMT-1

Battery Improvement

Efficiency gains:

  • More efficient processor
  • Same battery life
  • Faster charging
  • Improved power management

Physical Design

Lightweight Construction

Major improvement:

  • Weight: 272g
  • 28% lighter than HMT-1 (380g)
  • Extended comfort
  • Same durability

Rugged Construction

Industrial grade:

  • IP66 water/dust resistant
  • MIL-STD-810H certified
  • Drop tested
  • Extreme temperature operation

Mounting Options

Flexible wear:

  • Head-mounted band
  • Hardhat attachment
  • Bump cap mount
  • Safety glasses compatible

Display Boom

Adjustable arm:

  • Rotatable display pod
  • Left or right eye
  • Position adjustable
  • User preference

Software

Android 11

Operating system:

  • Modern Android
  • Enterprise customization
  • App ecosystem
  • Regular updates

RealWear Cloud

Management platform:

  • Device management
  • Remote configuration
  • Fleet deployment
  • Enterprise control

Partner Applications

Software ecosystem:

  • Microsoft Teams
  • Zoom
  • Cisco WebEx
  • Custom enterprise apps

Enterprise Applications

Remote Expert

Video collaboration:

  • "See what I see"
  • Real-time guidance
  • Expert consultation
  • Problem resolution

Manufacturing

Production support:

  • Assembly guidance
  • Quality inspection
  • Training support
  • Process documentation

Field Service

Technician support:

  • Repair guidance
  • Procedure documentation
  • Hands-free reference
  • Remote assistance

Energy

Oil and gas:

  • Inspection support
  • Safety compliance
  • Remote expert access
  • Hazardous environment capable

Comparison with HMT-1

Feature Navigator 500 HMT-1
Price ~$2,500 ~$2,500
Weight 272g 380g
Processor Snapdragon 662 Snapdragon 626
Camera 48MP (1080p@60fps) 16MP (1080p@30fps)
Storage 64GB 32GB
Android Android 11 Android 8.1
Display 854×480 854×480
FOV 20° 20°
Battery Life ~8 hours ~8 hours

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths

  • 28% lighter than HMT-1 (272g)
  • Industry-leading voice control
  • 48MP camera (3× HMT-1)
  • 1080p @ 60fps video
  • ~8 hours battery life
  • IP66/MIL-STD-810H rugged
  • 100dB noise environment capable

Limitations

  • Same display resolution as HMT-1
  • Same FOV (20°)
  • Not true AR (assisted reality)
  • Monocular only
  • High price point
  • Enterprise-only
  • 3DoF tracking only

Technical Specifications Summary

Specification Details
Display LCD, 854 × 480
FOV 20°
Processor Snapdragon 662 (octa-core)
Memory 4GB RAM, 64GB storage
Camera 48MP, 1080p@60fps video
Audio 4 noise-canceling mics, dual speakers
Battery ~8 hours
Durability IP66, MIL-STD-810H
Voice Control 100% hands-free, 100dB tolerance
Weight 272g
Price ~$2,500

See Also

References

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