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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = Vuzix Blade
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Type = [[Smart Glasses]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Consumer AR]]
|Subtype = [[Enterprise AR]]
|Platform = [[Android]]
|Platform = [[Vuzix App Store]], Android
|Creator = [[Vuzix]]
|Developer = [[Vuzix]]
|Developer = [[Vuzix]]
|Manufacturer = [[Vuzix]]
|Manufacturer = [[Vuzix]]
|Announcement Date = January 2018 (CES)
|Release Date = January 2019
|Release Date = January 2019
|Announcement Date = CES 2018
|Price = $999 (consumer), ~$1,000 (enterprise)
|Price = $999 USD
|Website = https://www.vuzix.com/
|Website = https://www.vuzix.com/
|Versions = Vuzix Blade, Vuzix Blade 2, Vuzix Blade 2 Safety
|Requires = Optional smartphone companion
|Predecessor = [[Vuzix M300]]
|Successor = [[Vuzix Blade 2]]
|Successor = [[Vuzix Blade 2]]
|Operating System = [[Android]] (custom)
|Chipset = Quad Core ARM A53
|Chipset = Quad Core ARM A53
|Display = Waveguide
|CPU = Quad Core ARM Cortex-A53
|Resolution = 480x480
|GPU = Integrated
|HPU =
|Storage = 8GB flash
|Memory = 1GB RAM
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Single waveguide display (right eye)
|Subpixel Layout = Full color
|Peak Brightness = 700-4000+ nits
|Resolution = 480 × 480
|Pixel Density = N/A
|Refresh Rate = 60Hz
|Persistence = N/A
|Field of View = 19° (28° adjustable window)
|Field of View = 19° (28° adjustable window)
|Horizontal FoV = ~19°
|Vertical FoV = ~19°
|Average Pixel Density = N/A
|Peak Pixel Density = N/A
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Optics = Vuzix waveguide
|Ocularity = Monocular (right eye)
|Ocularity = Monocular (right eye)
|Cameras = 8MP HD
|IPD Range = N/A (monocular)
|Audio = Integrated speaker + noise-cancelling mic
|Adjustable Diopter = No (prescription lens options)
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
|Passthrough = Native see-through (AR glasses)
|Tracking = No (notification/display only)
|Tracking Frequency = N/A
|Base Stations = None
|Eye Tracking = No
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Body Tracking = No
|Rotational Tracking = Limited (head motion detection)
|Positional Tracking = No
|Update Rate = N/A
|Tracking Volume = N/A
|Play Space = N/A
|Latency = N/A
|Audio = Built-in stereo speakers
|Microphone = Yes
|3.5mm Audio Jack = No
|Camera = 8MP autofocus
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0
|Ports = Micro-USB
|Wired Video = No
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
|Bluetooth = Bluetooth 5.0
|Power = Internal battery
|Battery Capacity = ~470mAh
|Battery Life = ~2-3 hours
|Charge Time = ~2 hours
|Dimensions = Sunglasses form factor
|Weight = 90g
|Weight = 90g
|Storage = 8GB + microSD
|Material = Plastic frame
|Headstrap = N/A (glasses temples)
|Haptics = No
|Color = Black
|Sensors = Head motion, ambient light, proximity
|Input = Touchpad, voice control, head gestures
|Compliance = FCC, CE, ANSI Z87.1 (Safety version)
}}
}}


The '''Vuzix Blade''' is a monocular [[augmented reality]] smart glasses device developed by [[Vuzix]], released January 2019 at $999. One of the first self-contained AR smart glasses featuring Vuzix waveguide optics, right-eye 480x480 display, 8MP camera, Android OS, Alexa integration, touchpad and head-motion controls, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity, and 90g lightweight design. Targeted at prosumers and enterprise users.
The '''Vuzix Blade''' is an enterprise-focused [[augmented reality]] smart glasses device developed by [[Vuzix]], announced at CES in January 2018 and released in January 2019 at a price of approximately $999. The Blade was one of the first self-contained AR smart glasses featuring Vuzix's proprietary waveguide optics, delivering a full-color see-through display in a form factor approaching regular sunglasses. Unlike full AR headsets that attempt world-anchored holographic content, the Blade focused on practical heads-up information display—notifications, navigation, camera viewfinder, and simple AR overlays—making it suitable for enterprise applications like remote assistance, inventory management, and hands-free information access. Weighing just 90 grams with an 8-megapixel camera, voice control, and all-day wearability, the Blade represented a step toward practical, everyday AR glasses.


== History and Development ==
== History and Development ==


Vuzix announced the Blade at CES 2018, releasing January 2019 as one of the first standalone AR smart glasses. Unlike tethered AR glasses, the Blade operates independently with built-in Android OS and connectivity. The device targeted early adopters and enterprise applications with features like Alexa integration and hands-free operation. Succeeded by Blade 2 with 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>
=== Vuzix Background ===
Company history:
* Founded 1997
* Pioneered head-mounted displays
* Enterprise focus
* Waveguide technology development


== Design and Hardware ==
=== Smart Glasses Evolution ===
Product progression:
* M100/M300 series (monocular enterprise)
* Blade development (consumer-form factor)
* Waveguide optics advancement
* Sunglasses form target


=== Display ===
=== CES 2018 Announcement ===
Initial reveal:
* Consumer AR glasses concept
* Waveguide display demonstrated
* Amazon Alexa integration
* 2018 availability promised


Waveguide optics:
=== January 2019 Release ===
Consumer/prosumer launch:
* $999 price point
* Upgraded specifications
* Enterprise and consumer variants
* Global availability


* '''480x480 resolution'''
== Design Philosophy ==
* '''1:1 aspect ratio'''
* '''Right-eye monocular'''
* '''19° field of view'''
* '''28° adjustable window'''
* Vuzix waveguide technology
* 24-bit color
* Transparent display


=== Processing ===
=== Sunglasses Form Factor ===
Wearable design goal:
* Approaching regular glasses size
* All-day wearability target
* Socially acceptable
* Professional appearance


* '''Quad Core ARM A53'''
=== Heads-Up Display Focus ===
* '''1GB RAM'''
Practical information:
* '''8GB flash storage'''
* Notifications display
* '''microSD expansion'''
* Navigation arrows
* Android OS
* Status information
* Camera viewfinder


=== Camera ===
=== Enterprise + Consumer ===
Dual market approach:
* Enterprise work assistance
* Consumer early adopter
* Developer platform
* Use case flexibility


* '''8MP HD camera'''
== Display Technology ==
* '''1080p video''' recording
 
* Photo capture
=== Vuzix Waveguide ===
* Documentation
Proprietary display system:
* '''Resolution''': 480 × 480
* '''Format''': Full color
* '''Type''': Waveguide optics
* '''Position''': Right eye only
 
=== Field of View ===
Modest display area:
* 19° diagonal base
* 28° adjustable window
* Small but visible
* Appropriate for HUD use
 
=== Brightness ===
Excellent outdoor visibility:
* 700 nits (minimum setting)
* 4000+ nits (maximum)
* Sunlight readable
* Auto-adjusting
 
=== Monocular Design ===
Single-eye display:
* Right eye only
* Reduces complexity
* Power efficient
* Adequate for information display
 
== Optical System ==
 
=== Waveguide Optics ===
Light guide technology:
* Projects image to eye
* See-through capability
* Full UV protection
* Sunglasses compatible
 
=== Safety Certification ===
Industrial compliance:
* ANSI Z87.1 certified (Safety version)
* Eye protection
* Industrial environments
* Professional use
 
=== Prescription Options ===
Vision correction:
* Prescription lens inserts available
* Glasses-free AR possible
* Enterprise deployment consideration
 
== Processing ==
 
=== ARM-Based SoC ===
Mobile processor:
* '''CPU''': Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53
* '''RAM''': 1GB
* '''Storage''': 8GB flash
* Adequate for HUD applications
 
=== Android OS ===
Software platform:
* Android-based system
* App compatibility
* Developer-friendly
* Regular updates
 
=== Performance ===
Sufficient for use case:
* Notification display smooth
* Camera functional
* Voice processing capable
* Basic AR experiences
 
== Camera ==
 
=== 8MP Autofocus ===
Integrated camera:
* 8 megapixel sensor
* Autofocus capability
* Photo and video capture
* First-person view
 
=== Use Cases ===
Camera applications:
* Document capture
* Remote assistance video
* Photo documentation
* QR/barcode scanning
 
== Audio ==


=== Audio ===
=== Built-In Speakers ===
Integrated audio:
* Stereo speakers
* Clear audio playback
* Notification sounds
* Call audio


* '''Integrated speaker'''
=== Microphone ===
* '''Noise-cancelling microphone'''
Voice input:
* Voice control
* Voice commands
* Alexa enabled
* Phone calls
* Voice recording
* Assistant interaction


=== Controls ===
=== Voice Control ===
Hands-free operation:
* Amazon Alexa integration
* Vuzix voice commands
* Custom wake words
* Natural interaction


* '''Touchpad'''
== Input Methods ==
* '''Head motion tracking'''
* Haptic feedback
* Vibration alerts
* Intuitive interaction


=== Connectivity ===
=== Temple Touchpad ===
Touch control:
* Swipe gestures
* Tap selections
* Scroll navigation
* Intuitive interface


* '''Wi-Fi'''
=== Voice Commands ===
* '''Bluetooth'''
Spoken interaction:
* Android ecosystem
* Menu navigation
* Cloud services
* App control
* Information queries
* Hands-free operation


=== Lenses ===
=== Head Gestures ===
Motion input:
* Nod for confirmation
* Head shake for dismiss
* Simple interactions
* Accessible input


* '''UV protection standard'''
== Connectivity ==
* Prescription inserts available
* Safety lenses optional
* Tinted options


=== Design ===
=== Wireless ===
Communication options:
* Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
* Bluetooth 5.0
* Smartphone pairing
* Cloud connectivity


* '''90g weight'''
=== Standalone Operation ===
* Glasses form factor
Independent function:
* All-day wearable
* No phone required
* Self-contained
* Self-contained
* Optional phone companion
* Full functionality alone
== Battery ==
=== Internal Battery ===
All-day challenge:
* ~470mAh capacity
* 2-3 hours active use
* 8+ hours standby
* Micro-USB charging


== Features ==
=== Power Management ===
Efficiency features:
* Display auto-dim
* Sleep mode
* Power-conscious design
* Quick charge support


=== Alexa Integration ===
== Physical Design ==


* Voice assistant
=== Weight ===
* Hands-free commands
Lightweight for AR:
* 90 grams (3.4 oz)
* Comparable to heavy sunglasses
* All-day wearable target
* Comfortable for hours
 
=== Form Factor ===
Sunglasses style:
* Similar to fashion eyewear
* Slightly bulkier temples
* Professional appearance
* Multiple lens options
 
=== Lens Options ===
Customization:
* Clear lenses
* Tinted lenses
* Polarized options
* Prescription available
 
== Software Platform ==
 
=== Vuzix App Store ===
Content distribution:
* Enterprise apps
* Productivity tools
* AR experiences
* Developer submissions
 
=== Amazon Alexa ===
Voice assistant:
* Built-in integration
* Information queries
* Smart home control
* Smart home control
* Information queries
* Hands-free assistant
 
=== Enterprise SDK ===
Development tools:
* Android development
* Vuzix SDK
* Enterprise integration
* Custom applications
 
== Enterprise Applications ==
 
=== Remote Assistance ===
Expert support:
* Live video streaming
* Screen annotation
* Real-time guidance
* Field service
 
=== Inventory/Logistics ===
Warehouse operations:
* Pick-by-vision
* Barcode scanning
* Hands-free picking
* Efficiency gains
 
=== Manufacturing ===
Production support:
* Work instructions
* Quality control
* Assembly guidance
* Training
 
=== Healthcare ===
Medical applications:
* Patient information
* Procedure guidance
* Telemedicine
* Documentation
 
== Blade 2 Evolution ==
 
=== Improvements ===
Second generation:
* Improved display
* Better camera
* Enhanced audio
* Longer battery
 
=== Safety Variant ===
Industrial version:
* Impact resistant
* ANSI Z87.1 certified
* Rugged construction
* Enterprise focused
 
== Comparison with Competitors ==


=== Notifications ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Feature !! Vuzix Blade !! Google Glass EE2 !! Focals by North
|-
| Price || $999 || $999 || $599 (discontinued)
|-
| Display || 480×480 waveguide || 640×360 prism || Holographic retinal
|-
| FOV || 19° || ~15° || ~15°
|-
| Camera || 8MP || 8MP || None
|-
| Eye || Right (monocular) || Right (monocular) || Right (monocular)
|-
| Weight || 90g || 46g || ~70g
|}


* '''Haptic alerts'''
== Strengths and Limitations ==
* Message display
* Calendar reminders
* Call notifications


=== Applications ===
=== Strengths ===
* Sunglasses form factor
* Waveguide display
* Standalone operation
* Enterprise applications
* Voice control
* All-day wearable


* Navigation
=== Limitations ===
* Translation
* Small FOV (19°)
* Fitness tracking
* Low resolution (480×480)
* Enterprise apps
* Monocular only
* Limited AR capability
* Battery life
* Premium price


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


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 125: Line 440:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || 480x480 waveguide
| Display || Waveguide, 480 × 480 (right eye)
|-
| FOV || 19° (28° adjustable)
|-
|-
| FOV || 19° (28° window)
| Brightness || 700-4000+ nits
|-
|-
| Eye || Right (monocular)
| Processor || Quad-core ARM A53
|-
|-
| Processor || ARM A53 Quad Core
| Memory || 1GB RAM, 8GB storage
|-
|-
| RAM || 1GB
| Camera || 8MP autofocus
|-
|-
| Storage || 8GB + microSD
| Audio || Stereo speakers, microphone
|-
|-
| Camera || 8MP HD
| Connectivity || Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0
|-
|-
| Connectivity || Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
| Battery || 2-3 hours active
|-
|-
| Weight || 90g
| Weight || 90g
Line 145: Line 462:
| Price || $999
| Price || $999
|}
|}
== Reception ==
'''Praise:'''
* First standalone AR glasses
* Waveguide optics advanced
* 90g lightweight
* Alexa integration
* Hands-free operation
* No tether required
* Android versatility
* Touchpad intuitive
* Enterprise-ready
'''Criticism:'''
* 480x480 low resolution
* 19° FOV very narrow
* Monocular only
* $999 expensive for specs
* Unflattering design
* Fit uncomfortable
* Tinted lenses required
* Limited app ecosystem
* Battery life short<ref name="tomsguide">{{cite web |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/us/vuzix-blade,review-6065.html |title=Vuzix Blade Review |publisher=Tom's Guide |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Vuzix]]
* [[Vuzix Blade 2]]
* [[Vuzix Blade 2]]
* [[Vuzix M400]]
* [[AR Glasses]]
* [[Nreal Light]]
* [[Enterprise AR]]
* [[North Focals]]
* [[Waveguide Display]]
* [[Smart Glasses]]


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


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:Consumer AR]]
[[Category:Enterprise AR]]
[[Category:Vuzix]]
[[Category:Vuzix]]
[[Category:2019 in technology]]
[[Category:2010s AR]]
[[Category:Waveguide Display]]
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/wiki/Vuzix_Blade"