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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 = [[Enterprise AR]]
|Subtype = [[Enterprise AR]]
|Platform = [[Android]]
|Platform = [[Vuzix App Store]], Android
|Creator = [[Vuzix]]
|Developer = [[Vuzix]]
|Developer = [[Vuzix]]
|Manufacturer = [[Vuzix]]
|Manufacturer = [[Vuzix]]
|Release Date = 2019
|Announcement Date = January 2018 (CES)
|Price = ~$999 USD
|Release Date = January 2019
|Price = $999 (consumer), ~$1,000 (enterprise)
|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]]
|Display = Waveguide (see-through)
|Operating System = [[Android]] (custom)
|Resolution = 480x853
|Chipset = Quad Core ARM A53
|Color Depth = 24-bit
|CPU = Quad Core ARM Cortex-A53
|Brightness = >2000 nits
|GPU = Integrated
|Field of View = ~19°
|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)
|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)
|Camera = 8 MP autofocus
|IPD Range = N/A (monocular)
|Video = 720p @ 60fps, 1080p @ 30fps
|Adjustable Diopter = No (prescription lens options)
|Audio = Built-in stereo speakers, voice control
|Passthrough = Native see-through (AR glasses)
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
|Tracking = No (notification/display only)
|Battery = All-day use
|Tracking Frequency = N/A
|Certifications = ANSI Z87.1 (eye protection)
|Base Stations = None
|Weight = ~90g
|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
|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 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.
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 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>
=== 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


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


* '''Waveguide optics''' (see-through)
== Design Philosophy ==
* '''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 ===
=== Sunglasses Form Factor ===
Wearable design goal:
* Approaching regular glasses size
* All-day wearability target
* Socially acceptable
* Professional appearance
 
=== Heads-Up Display Focus ===
Practical information:
* Notifications display
* Navigation arrows
* Status information
* Camera viewfinder
 
=== Enterprise + Consumer ===
Dual market approach:
* Enterprise work assistance
* Consumer early adopter
* Developer platform
* Use case flexibility
 
== Display Technology ==
 
=== Vuzix Waveguide ===
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


* '''8 MP autofocus''' camera
=== Performance ===
* 720p video @ 60fps
Sufficient for use case:
* 1080p video @ 30fps
* Notification display smooth
* Photo capture
* Camera functional
* Barcode scanning
* Voice processing capable
* Basic AR experiences


=== Audio ===
== Camera ==


* Built-in stereo speakers
=== 8MP Autofocus ===
* Advanced Vuzix voice control
Integrated camera:
* No Bluetooth headset required
* 8 megapixel sensor
* Multilingual voice commands
* Autofocus capability
* Photo and video capture
* First-person view


=== Build ===
=== Use Cases ===
Camera applications:
* Document capture
* Remote assistance video
* Photo documentation
* QR/barcode scanning


Glasses form factor:
== Audio ==


* ~90g weight
=== Built-In Speakers ===
* '''ANSI Z87.1 certified''' (eye protection)
Integrated audio:
* Prescription inserts available
* Stereo speakers
* Safety-rated
* Clear audio playback
* Comfortable for extended wear
* Notification sounds
* Professional appearance
* Call audio


=== Processing ===
=== Microphone ===
Voice input:
* Voice commands
* Phone calls
* Voice recording
* Assistant interaction


* Android OS
=== Voice Control ===
* Quad-core ARM CPU
Hands-free operation:
* Wi-Fi connectivity
* Amazon Alexa integration
* Bluetooth
* Vuzix voice commands
* Multi-day battery life
* Custom wake words
* Natural interaction


== Input Methods ==
== Input Methods ==


=== Voice Control ===
=== Temple Touchpad ===
* Hands-free commands
Touch control:
* Multilingual support
* Swipe gestures
* Wake word activation
* Tap selections
* Scroll navigation
* Intuitive interface
 
=== Voice Commands ===
Spoken interaction:
* Menu navigation
* App control
* Information queries
* Hands-free operation
 
=== Head Gestures ===
Motion input:
* Nod for confirmation
* Head shake for dismiss
* Simple interactions
* Accessible input
 
== Connectivity ==
 
=== Wireless ===
Communication options:
* Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
* Bluetooth 5.0
* Smartphone pairing
* Cloud connectivity
 
=== Standalone Operation ===
Independent function:
* No phone required
* 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
 
=== Power Management ===
Efficiency features:
* Display auto-dim
* Sleep mode
* Power-conscious design
* Quick charge support
 
== Physical Design ==
 
=== Weight ===
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


=== Touch ===
=== Amazon Alexa ===
* 2-axis touchpad
Voice assistant:
* Multi-finger gestures
* Built-in integration
* Information queries
* Smart home control
* Hands-free assistant


=== Companion App ===
=== Enterprise SDK ===
* Android app
Development tools:
* iOS app
* Android development
* Vuzix SDK
* Enterprise integration
* Custom applications


== Enterprise Applications ==
== Enterprise Applications ==


=== Field Service ===
=== Remote Assistance ===
* Work instructions overlay
Expert support:
* Remote expert guidance
* Live video streaming
* Hands-free documentation
* Screen annotation
* Real-time guidance
* Field service
 
=== Inventory/Logistics ===
Warehouse operations:
* Pick-by-vision
* Barcode scanning
* Hands-free picking
* Efficiency gains


=== Manufacturing ===
=== Manufacturing ===
Production support:
* Work instructions
* Quality control
* Assembly guidance
* Assembly guidance
* Quality inspection
* Training
* Training


=== Healthcare ===
=== Healthcare ===
* Patient information display
Medical applications:
* Patient information
* Procedure guidance
* Telemedicine
* Telemedicine
* Hands-free documentation
* 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 ==
 
{| 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
|}
 
== Strengths and Limitations ==


=== Logistics ===
=== Strengths ===
* Pick-by-vision
* Sunglasses form factor
* Inventory management
* Waveguide display
* Barcode scanning
* Standalone operation
* Enterprise applications
* Voice control
* All-day wearable
 
=== Limitations ===
* Small FOV (19°)
* Low resolution (480×480)
* Monocular only
* Limited AR capability
* Battery life
* Premium price


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


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 124: Line 440:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || Waveguide
| Display || Waveguide, 480 × 480 (right eye)
|-
| FOV || 19° (28° adjustable)
|-
|-
| Resolution || 480x853
| Brightness || 700-4000+ nits
|-
|-
| Color || 24-bit
| Processor || Quad-core ARM A53
|-
|-
| Brightness || >2000 nits
| Memory || 1GB RAM, 8GB storage
|-
|-
| Field of View || ~19°
| Camera || 8MP autofocus
|-
|-
| Camera || 8 MP autofocus
| Audio || Stereo speakers, microphone
|-
|-
| Video || 720p/1080p
| Connectivity || Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0
|-
|-
| Certification || ANSI Z87.1
| Battery || 2-3 hours active
|-
|-
| Weight || ~90g
| Weight || 90g
|-
|-
| Price || ~$999
| 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 ==
== See Also ==
* [[Vuzix]]
* [[Vuzix Blade 2]]
* [[Vuzix Blade 2]]
* [[Vuzix M4000]]
* [[AR Glasses]]
* [[RealWear HMT-1]]
* [[Enterprise AR]]
* [[ThinkReality A3]]
* [[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:Enterprise 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"