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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = RealWear Navigator 500
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Assisted Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-Mounted Display]]
|Type = [[Smart Glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Enterprise AR]]
|Subtype = [[Enterprise AR]]
|Platform = [[Android]] 11 AOSP with WearHF
|Platform = [[Android]] 11
|Creator = [[RealWear]]
|Developer = [[RealWear]]
|Developer = [[RealWear]]
|Manufacturer = [[RealWear]]
|Manufacturer = [[RealWear]]
|Release Date = 2021
|Announcement Date = December 8, 2021
|Price = ~$2,500 USD
|Release Date = 2022
|Website = https://www.realwear.com/devices/navigator-500
|Price = ~$2,500
|Website = https://www.realwear.com/
|Versions = RealWear Navigator 500
|Requires = None (standalone)
|Predecessor = [[RealWear HMT-1]]
|Predecessor = [[RealWear HMT-1]]
|Successor = [[RealWear Navigator Z1]]
|Successor = [[RealWear Navigator 520]]
|Operating System = [[Android]] 11
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon 662]]
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon 662]]
|Memory = 4 GB RAM
|CPU = Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (octa-core)
|Storage = 64 GB (expandable to 512 GB)
|GPU = Adreno 610
|Display = 854x480 LCD
|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°
|Field of View = 20°
|Equivalent Screen Size = 7" tablet at arm's length
|Horizontal FoV = ~20°
|Camera = 48 MP (modular)
|Vertical FoV = ~11°
|Video = 1080p @ 30fps
|Average Pixel Density = N/A
|Audio = Noise-canceling microphones (100 dBA)
|Peak Pixel Density = N/A
|Voice Control = Yes (offline)
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
|Optics = Waveguide/prism
|Battery = Hot-swappable
|Ocularity = Monocular (adjustable left/right)
|IP Rating = IP66
|IPD Range = N/A (monocular)
|Drop Resistance = 2m
|Adjustable Diopter = No (compatible with corrective eyewear)
|Temperature = -20°C to +50°C
|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
|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)
}}
}}


The '''RealWear Navigator 500''' is an industrial [[assisted reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[RealWear]], released in 2021 as the successor to the [[RealWear HMT-1]]. Featuring a lighter 272g design (reduced from 380g), the Navigator 500 includes a groundbreaking 48 MP modular camera, Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor, noise-canceling microphones effective up to 100 dBA, and integrated fingerprint sensor for secure authentication. Maintaining IP66 ruggedness and 2-meter drop resistance, the Navigator 500 delivers enhanced performance for remote assistance, work instructions, and documentation in industrial environments.
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 ==
== History and Development ==


RealWear launched the Navigator 500 in 2021 as the next evolution of its industrial wearable platform, building on the success of the market-leading HMT-1. The Navigator 500 introduced significant improvements including a 30% weight reduction, industry-leading 48 MP camera, upgraded processor, and fingerprint sensor for rapid secure login. The device runs Android 11 AOSP with RealWear's WearHF hands-free interface, supporting enterprise deployment via RealWear Cloud fleet management.<ref name="realwear">{{cite web |url=https://www.realwear.com/devices/navigator-500 |title=RealWear Navigator 500 |publisher=RealWear |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== RealWear Evolution ===
Product line history:
* HMT-1 (2017) - Original platform
* HMT-1Z1 (intrinsically safe)
* Navigator 500 (2021/2022)
* Navigator 520 (2023)


== Design and Hardware ==
=== Market Feedback ===
Customer-driven improvements:
* Weight reduction demand
* Better camera needed
* Faster processing
* Modern connectivity


=== Display ===
=== December 2021 Announcement ===
Navigator 500 reveal:
* 28% lighter than HMT-1
* 48MP camera upgrade
* Snapdragon 662 processor
* 2022 availability


Enhanced monocular display:
=== Platform Continuity ===
Software compatibility:
* Android 11
* Existing apps compatible
* Partner ecosystem
* Smooth transition


* '''854x480 resolution''' LCD
== Design Philosophy ==
* '''20° field of view'''
* Views like '''7-inch screen''' at arm's length
* Below line of sight
* Non-obstructive positioning
* Clear, vibrant visuals
* Industrial dashboard design


=== Voice Control ===
=== 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


Industry-leading noise cancellation:
=== Display Pod ===
Adjustable positioning:
* Rotatable mount
* Left or right eye
* Adjustable angle
* User-configurable


* '''100 dBA noise cancellation''' (improved from 95 dBA)
== Processing ==
* Digital directional microphones
* Offline voice recognition
* Multiple languages supported
* 100% hands-free operation
* No internet required for voice


=== Processing ===
=== Snapdragon 662 ===
Upgraded processor:
* '''Platform''': Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
* '''Cores''': Octa-core
* '''RAM''': 4GB
* '''Storage''': 64GB


* '''[[Qualcomm Snapdragon 662]]''' (8-core, 2.0 GHz)
=== Performance Improvement ===
* Adreno 610 GPU
vs HMT-1:
* '''4 GB RAM'''
* Faster processor
* '''64 GB internal storage'''
* More storage (64GB vs 32GB)
* MicroSD expansion (up to 512 GB)
* Better efficiency
* Android 11 AOSP + WearHF
* Modern platform


=== Camera ===
== Camera ==


* '''48 MP modular camera''' (industry-leading)
=== 48MP Camera ===
* Low-light performance
Major upgrade:
* '''1080p video''' recording
* '''Resolution''': 48 megapixels
* Photo capture
* '''Video''': 1080p @ 60fps
* '''Autofocus''': Yes
* '''Improvement''': 3× vs HMT-1 (16MP)
 
=== Camera Applications ===
Use cases:
* Remote expert assistance
* Documentation capture
* Barcode scanning
* Barcode scanning
* Removable/upgradeable design
* 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


=== Security ===
=== Environmental Sensors ===
Additional sensing:
* Ambient light sensor
* Barometer
* Location awareness
* Environmental data


* '''Fingerprint sensor''' integrated
== Battery ==
* Power button + fingerprint combined
* Rapid secure login
* Enterprise authentication
* Multi-user support


=== Ruggedness ===
=== Long-Duration Battery ===
Full-shift operation:
* '''Life''': ~8 hours active
* '''Charging''': ~2 hours
* Hot-swap capable
* Same as HMT-1


Industrial-grade durability:
=== Battery Improvement ===
Efficiency gains:
* More efficient processor
* Same battery life
* Faster charging
* Improved power management


* '''IP66 rated''' (dust-tight, water jets)
== Physical Design ==
* '''2-meter drop resistance'''
* Operating temperature: '''-20°C to +50°C'''
* Challenging environment ready
* Extreme heat tolerance (122°F / 50°C)


=== Battery ===
=== Lightweight Construction ===
Major improvement:
* '''Weight''': 272g
* 28% lighter than HMT-1 (380g)
* Extended comfort
* Same durability


* '''Hot-swappable''' design
=== Rugged Construction ===
* Full shift use
Industrial grade:
* No downtime for charging
* IP66 water/dust resistant
* Removable battery packs
* MIL-STD-810H certified
* Quick swap operation
* Drop tested
* Extreme temperature operation


=== Build ===
=== Mounting Options ===
Flexible wear:
* Head-mounted band
* Hardhat attachment
* Bump cap mount
* Safety glasses compatible


Lighter, refined design:
=== Display Boom ===
Adjustable arm:
* Rotatable display pod
* Left or right eye
* Position adjustable
* User preference


* '''272g weight''' (30% lighter than HMT-1)
== Software ==
* Boom arm adjustment
* Left or right eye use
* Hard hat compatible
* Safety helmet clips
* Bump cap integration


== Software Features ==
=== Android 11 ===
Operating system:
* Modern Android
* Enterprise customization
* App ecosystem
* Regular updates


=== RealWear Cloud ===
=== RealWear Cloud ===
* Device fleet management
Management platform:
* Device management
* Remote configuration
* Remote configuration
* Enterprise deployment
* Fleet deployment
* Analytics and reporting
* 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


=== Remote Assistance ===
=== Manufacturing ===
* Real-time expert connection
Production support:
* Video collaboration
* Assembly guidance
* See-what-I-see capability
* Quality inspection
* Hands-free troubleshooting
* 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


=== Spatial Mapping ===
=== Limitations ===
* 3D data overlay
* Same display resolution as HMT-1
* Visualization tools
* Same FOV (20°)
* Industrial applications
* Not true AR (assisted reality)
* Monocular only
* High price point
* Enterprise-only
* 3DoF tracking only


== Technical Specifications ==
== Technical Specifications Summary ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 141: Line 417:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || 854x480 LCD, 20° FOV
| Display || LCD, 854 × 480
|-
|-
| Processor || Snapdragon 662 (8-core)
| FOV || 20°
|-
|-
| RAM/Storage || 4 GB / 64 GB (+512 GB SD)
| Processor || Snapdragon 662 (octa-core)
|-
|-
| Camera || 48 MP (modular)
| Memory || 4GB RAM, 64GB storage
|-
|-
| Noise Tolerance || 100 dBA
| Camera || 48MP, 1080p@60fps video
|-
|-
| IP Rating || IP66
| Audio || 4 noise-canceling mics, dual speakers
|-
|-
| Drop Resistance || 2m
| Battery || ~8 hours
|-
| Durability || IP66, MIL-STD-810H
|-
| Voice Control || 100% hands-free, 100dB tolerance
|-
|-
| Weight || 272g
| Weight || 272g
|-
| Security || Fingerprint sensor
|-
|-
| Price || ~$2,500
| Price || ~$2,500
|}
|}
== Reception ==
'''Praise:'''
* 48 MP camera industry-leading
* 272g 30% lighter than predecessor
* 100 dBA noise cancellation improved
* Fingerprint sensor convenient
* Hot-swappable battery maintained
* IP66 + 2m drop truly rugged
* MicroSD expansion to 512 GB
* Android 11 modern platform
* RealWear Cloud management
* Modular camera upgradeable
'''Criticism:'''
* ~$2,500 enterprise pricing
* 20° FOV still narrow
* 854x480 resolution unchanged
* No AR overlays on real world
* Monocular display only
* Boom arm design unchanged
* Enterprise-only focus<ref name="vrexpert">{{cite web |url=https://vrx.vr-expert.com/realwear-navigator-500-review/ |title=RealWear Navigator 500 Review |publisher=VR Expert |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[RealWear]]
* [[RealWear HMT-1]]
* [[RealWear HMT-1]]
* [[RealWear Navigator Z1]]
* [[RealWear Navigator 520]]
* [[Vuzix M4000]]
* [[Enterprise AR]]
* [[ThinkReality A3]]
* [[Smart Glasses]]
* [[Assisted Reality]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Assisted Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Enterprise AR]]
[[Category:Enterprise AR]]
[[Category:RealWear]]
[[Category:RealWear]]
[[Category:2021 in technology]]
[[Category:Industrial Wearables]]
[[Category:2020s AR]]
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