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[[File:magic leap one5.jpg|thumb|250px|Magic Leap One headset]]
[[File:magic leap one5.jpg|thumb|250px|Magic Leap One headset]]
{{TOCRIGHT}}
{{TOCRIGHT}}
[[Magic Leap One]] is a [[mixed reality]] / [[augmented reality]] [[HMD]] developed by the tech startup [[Magic Leap]] and released in 2018. It is described by the company as the ‘creator edition’ of its MR headset. Although Magic Leap had kept the final specifications, features, and the price under wraps, the company had promised to start shipping the goggles and related Software Development Kit (SDK) sometime in 2018.
{{Device Infobox
|image = [[File:magic leap one5.jpg]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]/[[Mixed Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = Standalone AR
|Platform = Magic Leap
|Creator = [[Rony Abovitz]]
|Developer = [[Magic Leap]]
|Manufacturer = [[Magic Leap]]
|Announcement Date = December 20, 2017
|Release Date = August 8, 2018
|Price = $2,295 USD
|Website = https://www.magicleap.com/
|Versions = Magic Leap One: Creator Edition
|Requires = None (standalone device)
|Predecessor = None
|Successor = [[Magic Leap 2]]
|Operating System = Proprietary OS based on Linux
|Chipset = NVIDIA Parker SOC
|CPU = NVIDIA Parker SOC; 2 Denver 2.0 64-bit cores + 4 ARM Cortex A57 64-bit cores (2 A57's and 1 Denver accessible to applications)
|GPU = NVIDIA Pascal, 256 CUDA cores
|HPU =
|Storage = 128 GB (95 GB available to user)
|Memory = 8 GB RAM
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Waveguide-based lightfield display
|Subpixel Layout =
|Peak Brightness = Approximately 200 nits
|Resolution = 1280 x 960 per eye
|Refresh Rate = 120 Hz
|Pixel Density =
|Persistence =
|Precision =
|Field of View = 50° diagonal
|Horizontal FoV = 40°
|Vertical FoV = 30°
|Visible FoV =
|Rendered FoV =
|Binocular Overlap =
|Average Pixel Density =
|Peak Pixel Density =
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Optics = Six-layer waveguide (2 red, 2 green, 2 blue)
|Ocularity = Binocular
|IPD Range = Fixed IPD with software adjustment
|Adjustable Diopter = Yes (prescription inserts available)
|Passthrough = Yes
|Tracking = Inside-out 6DoF
|Tracking Frequency =
|Base Stations = None required
|Eye Tracking = Yes
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = Yes
|Body Tracking = No
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = Yes
|Update Rate =
|Tracking Volume = Room-scale
|Play Space =
|Latency =
|Audio = Spatial Audio built-in speakers
|Microphone = Yes (4 microphones in headset)
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = Multiple integrated sensors and at least 6 external cameras
|Connectivity = Bluetooth 4.2, WiFi 802.11ac/b/g/n, USB-C
|Ports = USB-C
|Wired Video =
|Wireless Video =
|WiFi = 802.11ac/b/g/n
|Bluetooth = Bluetooth 4.2
|Power = Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
|Battery Capacity =
|Battery Life = Up to 3 hours continuous use
|Charge Time =
|Dimensions =
|Weight = 316g (headset only)
|Material =
|Headstrap = Three-point adjustable headband
|Haptics = Yes (controller)
|Color = Black/Grey
|Sensors = IMU, proximity, multiple camera sensors
|Input = Controller with 6DoF tracking, eye tracking, head position, gestures, voice
|Compliance =
|Size =
|Cable Length =
}}


Magic Leap was originally founded by [[Rony Abovitz]] in 2011.
The '''Magic Leap One''' is a [[mixed reality]] / [[augmented reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by the tech startup [[Magic Leap]] and released in 2018. It is described by the company as the 'creator edition' of its MR headset, primarily targeting developers and creative professionals. The device represents one of the first consumer-accessible [[mixed reality]] headsets that attempts to blend digital content with the physical world using advanced optics technology.


==Hardware==
== Overview ==
The Magic Leap One mixed reality system comprises of three hardware components.  
The Magic Leap One was officially announced on December 20, 2017<ref name="verge">{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/20/16800474/magic-leap-one-creator-edition-augmented-reality-goggles-announce |title=Magic Leap finally unveils augmented reality goggles, says they'll ship in 2018 |website=The Verge |date=December 20, 2017}}</ref> and released to the public on August 8, 2018, at a price of $2,295 USD.<ref name="trustedreviews">{{cite web |url=https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/magic-leap-one-release-date-3359749 |title=Magic Leap One: Creator's Edition now available to buy in US |website=Trusted Reviews |date=August 8, 2018}}</ref> The system was initially only available in select US cities through AT&T, which became Magic Leap's exclusive retail partner.<ref name="wiki">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Leap |title=Magic Leap - Wikipedia |website=Wikipedia |accessdate=May 5, 2025}}</ref>


===The Lightwear Headset===
Magic Leap was founded by [[Rony Abovitz]] in 2010 and prior to the Magic Leap One's release, the company had raised approximately $2.6 billion in funding from investors including Google, Alibaba Group, and others.<ref name="wiki"/>
The headset is modeled on Steampunk sunglasses and the company has promised to offer the headset in two sizes. The goggles will also have the option of custom temple, nose, and forehead pads. Magic Leap also revealed that it’s working on a design that would enable the inclusion of prescription lenses into the goggles.  


The design of the headset is pretty close to what the company has been promising through their regular updates, leaks, and patent news. It may not be quite apparent, but the frames of the goggles look bulky. Anyways, the Magic Leap One goggles look attractively unique and stylish.
== Hardware ==
The Magic Leap One mixed reality system consists of three primary hardware components:


To gather spatial data, the headset comes equipped with multiple integrated sensors and at least six external cameras. Like Microsoft HoloLens, the Magic Leap One has built-in speakers and built-in microphones, four of them in the headset. The MR headset is supposed to have a higher field of view than the HoloLens, but it doesn’t.
=== The Lightwear Headset ===
[[File:magic leap one4.jpg|thumb|The Magic Leap One Lightwear headset]]


Magic Leap has used Photonic Wafers, which are translucent cells that generate Lightfield signals. Photonic Wafers does this by moving photons inside a 3D nanostructure. More about the Lightfield technology is mention below.
The Lightwear headset features a distinctive design inspired by [[steampunk]] aesthetics. The headset includes:


The headset that was made available to purchase did not in fact use lightfield technology, but instead used standard [[waveguide]] technology with two separate focal planes that automatically switched based on eye tracking to determine where the user was roughly focusing. It didn't work very well.
* A six-layer waveguide display system (two layers each for red, green, and blue)<ref name="techrepublic">{{cite web |url=https://www.techrepublic.com/article/magic-leap-1-augmented-reality-headset-a-cheat-sheet/ |title=Magic Leap 1 augmented reality headset: A cheat sheet |website=TechRepublic |date=March 25, 2020}}</ref>
* Resolution of 1280×960 per eye<ref name="vrcompare">{{cite web |url=https://vr-compare.com/headset/magicleap1 |title=Magic Leap 1: Full Specification |website=VRcompare |accessdate=May 5, 2025}}</ref>
* Refresh rate of approximately 120 Hz<ref name="vrcompare"/>
* Field of view of 40° horizontal, 30° vertical, and 50° diagonal<ref name="fov">{{cite web |url=https://magic-leap.reality.news/news/magic-leap-one-field-view-specs-finally-uncovered-0186278/ |title=Magic Leap One Field of View Specs Finally Uncovered |website=Next Reality |date=July 31, 2018}}</ref>
* Multiple integrated sensors and six external cameras for spatial tracking
* Built-in spatial audio speakers
* Four integrated microphones
* Eye tracking capabilities


===The Lightpack Computer===
The headset was offered in two sizes, with the option for custom temple, nose, and forehead pads. Magic Leap also developed prescription lens inserts for users who required vision correction.<ref name="niora">{{cite web |url=https://www.niora.net/en/p/magic_leap_one |title=Magic Leap One - Review - Full specification |website=Niora |accessdate=May 5, 2025}}</ref>
The computer that powers the headset comes in the form of a compact disc-shaped hip-pack. The device comes with a clip-on mechanism to attach to the belt or shoulder pad and is tethered to the headset. The Lightpack Computer has a dedicated graphic card and is a lot like an Alienware PC or MacBook Pro.  


Interestingly, the Magic Leap Mixed Reality System has another computer situated in the goggle/headset that shares the workload of the Lightpack Computer. The secondary computer, which has limited computing power, is believed to have machine learning capabilities and is tasked to handle detection of the surrounding environment.
==== Display Technology ====
The Magic Leap One uses what the company initially called "Digital Lightfield Technology" but is actually a waveguide-based display system. The display functions by:


===The Controller===
1. Using LEDs to generate the light source
The third hardware component of the mixed reality system is the handheld controller used to navigate the menus and thoroughly participate in the mixed world created by Magic Leap One. Also, the controller can be tracked in space. The system accepts multiple input modes including eye tracking, head position, gestures, and voice command inputs.
2. Directing light onto a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) display
3. Reflecting the light to project a virtual image
4. Sending the image through the six-layer waveguide system that directs the image into the user's eyes<ref name="solidsmack">{{cite web |url=https://www.solidsmack.com/engineering/tearing-down-a-magic-leap-one-mixed-reality-headset-is-magical-in-its-own-way/ |title=Tearing Down a Magic Leap One Mixed Reality Headset Is Magical in Its Own Way |website=SolidSmack |date=October 2, 2018}}</ref>


==Features==
The system features two focal planes for managing vergence-accommodation conflict, though the implementation received mixed reviews.<ref name="kguttag">{{cite web |url=https://kguttag.com/2018/09/26/magic-leap-review-part-1-the-terrible-view-through-diffraction-gratings/ |title=Magic Leap Review Part 1 – The Terrible View Through Diffraction Gratings |website=KGuttag |date=September 26, 2018}}</ref> The headset blocks approximately 85% of real-world light, which was a point of criticism for some reviewers.<ref name="kguttag"/>
===Digital lightfield technology===
The device is based on the theory that to understand the surrounding the visual cortex in our brain doesn’t need all the information-rich light that bounces off the objects around us. Hence, there is no need to re-create the light field in its entirety. Instead, the device only needs to capture select pieces of the light field and supply them to the brain via the eye.  


Using this principle, the advanced Digital Lightfield Technology uses photonics to create lights of various depths and combines them with natural light to generate virtual objects. The idea is to narrow the gap between real-world and digital objects. Our brain will be a lot more comfortable processing lifelike virtual objects generated by the device.
=== The Lightpack Computer ===
[[File:magic leap one3.jpg|thumb|The Magic Leap One Lightpack computer unit]]


===Visual Perception===
The Lightpack is a disc-shaped computing unit that powers the Magic Leap One system. It features:
The Magic Leap One is equipped with a powerful sensor suite that detects objects, planes, and surfaces in the surrounding environment and allows their reconstruction. With this technology, the system will see what the user sees of the physical environment. This way, the virtual objects will be capable of more than just establishing their presence along with the real objects. They’ll be able to interact with the surrounding physical world.  


===Persistent Object===
* NVIDIA Parker SOC with:
Technologies such as room-mapping and visual perception recreate a digital replica of the real world and store the same. The lightfield/digital objects that the user created and placed in a physical environment will remain there until it is moved or removed by the user. For example: Suppose you mount a virtual TV on a real wall and leave the room. When you return, you’ll find the TV where you placed it.
  * 2 Denver 2.0 64-bit cores + 4 ARM Cortex A57 64-bit cores (with 2 A57's and 1 Denver accessible to applications)
  * NVIDIA Pascal GPU with 256 CUDA cores<ref name="magicleapwiki">{{cite web |url=https://magic-leap.fandom.com/wiki/Specs_-_Magic_Leap_One:_Creator's_Edition |title=Specs - Magic Leap One: Creator's Edition |website=Magic Leap Wiki |accessdate=May 5, 2025}}</ref>
* 8 GB RAM<ref name="vrcompare"/>
* 128 GB storage (with 95 GB available to users)<ref name="magicleapwiki"/>
* Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 3 hours of continuous use<ref name="magicleapwiki"/>
* Bluetooth 4.2, WiFi 802.11ac/b/g/n, and USB-C connectivity<ref name="magicleapwiki"/>


===Soundfield Audio===
The Lightpack is designed to be clipped to a belt or shoulder pad and is tethered to the headset. This design choice distributed the weight and heat generation away from the user's head, allowing for a more comfortable experience compared to headsets that contain all components in the headgear.<ref name="techrepublic"/>
Immersive audio is as important as the lifelike digital objects. To match the great visuals, Magic Leap has introduced the Soundfield Audio that guarantees amazing audio quality by adding intensity and distance to the sound.  


===Next Generation Interface===
=== The Controller ===
The Magic Leap One goes way beyond the old fashioned click and point interface. The system offers next generation advanced interface that accepts multiple input modes such as eye tracking, head pose, gestures, and voice inputs.
[[File:magic leap one2.jpg|thumb|The Magic Leap One controller]]


===High Powered Chipset===
The Magic Leap One controller enables interaction with the mixed reality environment. It features:
The performance of Magic Leap One will be as good as any high-performing laptop. This is made possible by the powerful, integrated processing unit used in the system. The user of the mixed reality headset will be able to play first-person games from the comfort of his/her room, create high-quality lightfield objects, and 3D models.


==Software Development Kit (SDK)==
* 6 degrees of freedom (6DoF) tracking
Magic Leap has revealed its plan to also release a Software Development Kit (SDK) in early 2018; they have been promising an SDK launch since 2015. Tech enthusiasts are hoping that the latest announcement about Magic Leap One will speed up the process. Along with the SDK, the company also plans to establish a Creator Portal that would supply the developers with the essential resources, tools, samples, and documentation for application and content creation.  
* 8-bit resolution trigger button
* Digital bumper button
* Digital home button
* Haptic feedback
* Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 7.5 hours of continuous use<ref name="magicleapwiki"/>


==Promotional Materials / Goals==
The controller uses a combination of electromagnetic tracking and internal sensors to determine its position in 3D space, allowing users to point at and interact with virtual objects.<ref name="cnbc">{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/24/how-magic-leap-works-ifixit-teardown.html |title=Here's a good explanation on how the $2,295 Magic Leap One headset works |website=CNBC |date=August 24, 2018}}</ref>
*Users are not bound by physical space anymore. Magic Leap One offers a new way to deliver content for entertainment and work.  
*Users are not required to visit different worlds to enjoy gaming. The system brings the characters, story, and action to the real world.  
*Go beyond faceless communication that the current technology offers. Be physically present in the digital environment to meet, greet, and communicate with others.
*Magic Leap One will help users exercise their creative muscle; experiment with shapes, colors, and textures; draw, create, and play with small and big digital objects.
*The new mixed reality system will make the whole world your playground. Discover new ways to interact with digital objects, take online shopping to the next level, and do much more.


==Rumors==
== Technology ==
Until 2017, the company had been regularly making headlines and generating a lot of buzz in the tech community. Expectations peaked in 2014 when it was announced that they have received funding from giants such as Alibaba, Google, and others. But, Magic Leap has taken its sweet time to come up with its MR headset prototype.
=== Digital Lightfield Technology ===
Magic Leap's "Digital Lightfield Technology" was one of the company's most promoted features. The technology is based on the theory that the visual cortex in the brain doesn't need all the information-rich light that bounces off objects in the environment. Instead, the device captures select pieces of the light field and delivers them to the brain via the eye.


The announcement of the impending release of the prototype has come just at the right time. The masses were getting bored of the seasonal updates by the company. Until Wednesday, Magic Leap had been sending out only teasers about what they have been working on. So much so, there were speculations on why there is a prolonged delay by the company to present something concert to the masses. There were rumors in some quarters that the company was facing problems in shrinking its technology to a wearable size. To refute rumors, the company invited Rolling Stone and a few other select media houses to try out its mixed reality prototype.
In practice, the Magic Leap One doesn't use a true lightfield display but rather a waveguide-based system with multiple focal planes to create the illusion of depth.<ref name="techcrunch">{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/08/23/teardown-of-magic-leap-one-reveals-highly-advanced-placeholder-tech/ |title=Teardown of Magic Leap One reveals highly advanced placeholder tech |website=TechCrunch |date=August 23, 2018}}</ref> The system projects virtual objects at different depths and blends them with natural light to create digital content that appears to exist in the physical world.


===Unanswered questions===
=== Visual Perception ===
The invitation extended to Rolling Stone and the privilege given to its reporter to try the Magic Leap One System has raised questions from certain tech enthusiasts. Some are asking the reasons for choosing Rolling Stone instead of tech media houses such as CNET or Wired. While many are going gaga over the announcement, some have been very guarded in their response.
The Magic Leap One includes a suite of sensors that detect objects, planes, and surfaces in the surrounding environment. This technology enables the system to:


Talking at length about the secondary computer in the goggle, Rony Abovitz, the founder of Magic Leap, said that the hardware has a Wi-Fi, drive, and quite a few electronics bundled inside the headset. But, the founder or the company failed to explain how the whole system works, the type of operating system used, speeds of CPU/GPU in the system, and the full hardware specifications. The masses are yet to know whether the internal components can be upgraded in the future. Will the upgrade be expensive? What are the system’s energy requirements and how is it powered? Etc.
* Create a digital replica of the physical space
* Allow virtual objects to interact with the physical world
* Understand the user's position within the environment
* Enable persistent placement of virtual objects in the real world


==Pictures==
=== Persistent Objects ===
Through room-mapping and visual perception technologies, the Magic Leap One can store a digital representation of the physical environment. This allows virtual objects placed in a physical space to remain in their position even after the user leaves and returns to the area.
 
=== Soundfield Audio ===
The Magic Leap One features a spatial audio system that adds intensity and distance to sound, creating a more immersive audio experience that matches the visual elements. The built-in speakers deliver audio without requiring headphones, allowing users to maintain awareness of their physical surroundings.
 
=== Multiple Input Methods ===
The Magic Leap One accepts several input methods:
 
* The handheld controller for pointing and selection
* Eye tracking for gaze-based interaction
* Head position for orientation
* Gesture recognition for hand-based controls
* Voice commands for hands-free operation
 
== Software and Development ==
Magic Leap developed its own operating system for the Magic Leap One, based on Linux. The company released a Software Development Kit (SDK) alongside the hardware to allow developers to create applications for the platform.
 
The Magic Leap World store serves as the distribution platform for applications developed for the device. The Creator Portal provides developers with resources, tools, documentation, and sample code to assist in content creation.
 
=== LuminOS ===
LuminOS is the operating system that powers the Magic Leap One. It features:
 
* A spatial computing environment
* Support for 3D applications and content
* Integration with the device's sensor suite
* APIs for developers to access the hardware capabilities
 
=== Magic Kit ===
Magic Kit is the development framework that includes:
 
* Unity and Unreal Engine integration
* APIs for spatial mapping
* Tools for creating and manipulating digital content
* Libraries for gesture recognition and voice commands
 
== Applications ==
The Magic Leap One was positioned for several use cases:
 
* Entertainment and gaming - bringing characters and interactive elements into the real world
* Communication - enabling more immersive remote collaboration
* Creative work - 3D modeling, design, and artistic expression
* Education - interactive learning experiences
* Productivity - virtual screens and workspaces
 
== Reception ==
The Magic Leap One received mixed reviews upon its release. While many praised the ambitious nature of the technology and the potential it represented, critics pointed out several limitations:
 
* The field of view (40° horizontal, 30° vertical) was limited compared to expectations<ref name="fov"/>
* The display quality and resolution were considered underwhelming by some reviewers<ref name="kguttag"/>
* The high price point ($2,295) restricted its accessibility<ref name="trustedreviews"/>
* The waveguide display system significantly darkened the real world environment<ref name="kguttag"/>
* Limited battery life of approximately 3 hours<ref name="magicleapwiki"/>
 
Despite these criticisms, the Magic Leap One was acknowledged as an important step in the evolution of mixed reality hardware, providing developers with tools to explore the potential of spatial computing.
 
== Legacy and Successor ==
The Magic Leap One was succeeded by the [[Magic Leap 2]], which was announced in 2021 and released in 2022. The Magic Leap 2 featured several improvements over the original, including:
 
* Significantly larger field of view (up to 70° diagonal)
* Lighter weight design
* AMD processor platform
* Enterprise-focused applications
 
As of December 31, 2024, the Magic Leap One reached its end-of-life, with cloud services and support being discontinued.<ref name="eol">{{cite web |url=https://www.magicleap.care/hc/en-us/articles/18878883445645-Magic-Leap-1-End-of-Life |title=Magic Leap 1 End of Life |website=Magic Leap Care |accessdate=May 5, 2025}}</ref>
 
== Pictures ==
<gallery mode="packed">
<gallery mode="packed">
File:magic leap one4.jpg
File:magic leap one4.jpg|The Magic Leap One Lightwear headset
File:magic leap one3.jpg
File:magic leap one3.jpg|The Magic Leap One Lightpack computing unit
File:magic leap one2.jpg
File:magic leap one2.jpg|The Magic Leap One controller
File:magic leap one1.jpg
File:magic leap one1.jpg|Full Magic Leap One system
</gallery>
</gallery>


==References==
== References ==
*https://www.magicleap.com/?utm_source=reveal&utm_medium=TW&utm_campaign=WTDO
<references>
*https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/20/16800474/magic-leap-one-creator-edition-augmented-reality-goggles-announce
<ref name="verge">{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/20/16800474/magic-leap-one-creator-edition-augmented-reality-goggles-announce |title=Magic Leap finally unveils augmented reality goggles, says they'll ship in 2018 |website=The Verge |date=December 20, 2017}}</ref>
*https://www.wired.com/story/its-time-to-take-magic-leap-seriously/
<ref name="trustedreviews">{{cite web |url=https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/magic-leap-one-release-date-3359749 |title=Magic Leap One: Creator's Edition now available to buy in US |website=Trusted Reviews |date=August 8, 2018}}</ref>
*https://techcrunch.com/2017/12/20/magic-leap-shows-off-its-magic-leap-one-creators-edition-ar-headset-shipping-in-2018/
<ref name="wiki">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Leap |title=Magic Leap - Wikipedia |website=Wikipedia |accessdate=May 5, 2025}}</ref>
*https://www.engadget.com/2017/12/20/magic-leap-one-details-questions-dont-know/
<ref name="techrepublic">{{cite web |url=https://www.techrepublic.com/article/magic-leap-1-augmented-reality-headset-a-cheat-sheet/ |title=Magic Leap 1 augmented reality headset: A cheat sheet |website=TechRepublic |date=March 25, 2020}}</ref>
*https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/lightwear-introducing-magic-leaps-mixed-reality-goggles-w514479
<ref name="vrcompare">{{cite web |url=https://vr-compare.com/headset/magicleap1 |title=Magic Leap 1: Full Specification |website=VRcompare |accessdate=May 5, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="fov">{{cite web |url=https://magic-leap.reality.news/news/magic-leap-one-field-view-specs-finally-uncovered-0186278/ |title=Magic Leap One Field of View Specs Finally Uncovered |website=Next Reality |date=July 31, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="niora">{{cite web |url=https://www.niora.net/en/p/magic_leap_one |title=Magic Leap One - Review - Full specification |website=Niora |accessdate=May 5, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="solidsmack">{{cite web |url=https://www.solidsmack.com/engineering/tearing-down-a-magic-leap-one-mixed-reality-headset-is-magical-in-its-own-way/ |title=Tearing Down a Magic Leap One Mixed Reality Headset Is Magical in Its Own Way |website=SolidSmack |date=October 2, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="kguttag">{{cite web |url=https://kguttag.com/2018/09/26/magic-leap-review-part-1-the-terrible-view-through-diffraction-gratings/ |title=Magic Leap Review Part 1 – The Terrible View Through Diffraction Gratings |website=KGuttag |date=September 26, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="magicleapwiki">{{cite web |url=https://magic-leap.fandom.com/wiki/Specs_-_Magic_Leap_One:_Creator's_Edition |title=Specs - Magic Leap One: Creator's Edition |website=Magic Leap Wiki |accessdate=May 5, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="cnbc">{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/24/how-magic-leap-works-ifixit-teardown.html |title=Here's a good explanation on how the $2,295 Magic Leap One headset works |website=CNBC |date=August 24, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="techcrunch">{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/08/23/teardown-of-magic-leap-one-reveals-highly-advanced-placeholder-tech/ |title=Teardown of Magic Leap One reveals highly advanced placeholder tech |website=TechCrunch |date=August 23, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="eol">{{cite web |url=https://www.magicleap.care/hc/en-us/articles/18878883445645-Magic-Leap-1-End-of-Life |title=Magic Leap 1 End of Life |website=Magic Leap Care |accessdate=May 5, 2025}}</ref>
</references>


[[Category:Devices]] [[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]] [[Category:Mixed Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]] [[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]] [[Category:Mixed Reality Devices]]

Revision as of 09:04, 6 May 2025

Magic Leap One headset
Magic Leap One
Basic Info
VR/AR Augmented Reality/Mixed Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype Standalone AR
Platform Magic Leap
Creator Rony Abovitz
Developer Magic Leap
Manufacturer Magic Leap
Announcement Date December 20, 2017
Release Date August 8, 2018
Price $2,295 USD
Website https://www.magicleap.com/
Versions Magic Leap One: Creator Edition
Requires None (standalone device)
Predecessor None
Successor Magic Leap 2
System
Operating System Proprietary OS based on Linux
Chipset NVIDIA Parker SOC
CPU NVIDIA Parker SOC; 2 Denver 2.0 64-bit cores + 4 ARM Cortex A57 64-bit cores (2 A57's and 1 Denver accessible to applications)
GPU NVIDIA Pascal, 256 CUDA cores
Storage
Storage 128 GB (95 GB available to user)
Memory 8 GB RAM
SD Card Slot No
Display
Display Waveguide-based lightfield display
Peak Brightness Approximately 200 nits
Resolution 1280 x 960 per eye
Refresh Rate 120 Hz
Image
Field of View 50° diagonal
Horizontal FoV 40°
Vertical FoV 30°
Foveated Rendering No
Optics
Optics Six-layer waveguide (2 red, 2 green, 2 blue)
Ocularity Binocular
IPD Range Fixed IPD with software adjustment
Adjustable Diopter Yes (prescription inserts available)
Passthrough Yes
Tracking
Tracking Inside-out 6DoF
Base Stations None required
Eye Tracking Yes
Face Tracking No
Hand Tracking Yes
Body Tracking No
Rotational Tracking Yes
Positional Tracking Yes
Tracking Volume Room-scale
Audio
Audio Spatial Audio built-in speakers
Microphone Yes (4 microphones in headset)
3.5mm Audio Jack Yes
Camera Multiple integrated sensors and at least 6 external cameras
Connectivity
Connectivity Bluetooth 4.2, WiFi 802.11ac/b/g/n, USB-C
Ports USB-C
WiFi 802.11ac/b/g/n
Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.2
Power Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Battery Life Up to 3 hours continuous use
Device
Weight 316g (headset only)
Headstrap Three-point adjustable headband
Haptics Yes (controller)
Color Black/Grey
Sensors IMU, proximity, multiple camera sensors
Input Controller with 6DoF tracking, eye tracking, head position, gestures, voice

Property "VR/AR" (as page type) with input value "Augmented Reality]]/[[Mixed Reality" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.


The Magic Leap One is a mixed reality / augmented reality head-mounted display developed by the tech startup Magic Leap and released in 2018. It is described by the company as the 'creator edition' of its MR headset, primarily targeting developers and creative professionals. The device represents one of the first consumer-accessible mixed reality headsets that attempts to blend digital content with the physical world using advanced optics technology.

Overview

The Magic Leap One was officially announced on December 20, 2017[1] and released to the public on August 8, 2018, at a price of $2,295 USD.[2] The system was initially only available in select US cities through AT&T, which became Magic Leap's exclusive retail partner.[3]

Magic Leap was founded by Rony Abovitz in 2010 and prior to the Magic Leap One's release, the company had raised approximately $2.6 billion in funding from investors including Google, Alibaba Group, and others.[3]

Hardware

The Magic Leap One mixed reality system consists of three primary hardware components:

The Lightwear Headset

The Magic Leap One Lightwear headset

The Lightwear headset features a distinctive design inspired by steampunk aesthetics. The headset includes:

  • A six-layer waveguide display system (two layers each for red, green, and blue)[4]
  • Resolution of 1280×960 per eye[5]
  • Refresh rate of approximately 120 Hz[5]
  • Field of view of 40° horizontal, 30° vertical, and 50° diagonal[6]
  • Multiple integrated sensors and six external cameras for spatial tracking
  • Built-in spatial audio speakers
  • Four integrated microphones
  • Eye tracking capabilities

The headset was offered in two sizes, with the option for custom temple, nose, and forehead pads. Magic Leap also developed prescription lens inserts for users who required vision correction.[7]

Display Technology

The Magic Leap One uses what the company initially called "Digital Lightfield Technology" but is actually a waveguide-based display system. The display functions by:

1. Using LEDs to generate the light source 2. Directing light onto a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) display 3. Reflecting the light to project a virtual image 4. Sending the image through the six-layer waveguide system that directs the image into the user's eyes[8]

The system features two focal planes for managing vergence-accommodation conflict, though the implementation received mixed reviews.[9] The headset blocks approximately 85% of real-world light, which was a point of criticism for some reviewers.[9]

The Lightpack Computer

The Magic Leap One Lightpack computer unit

The Lightpack is a disc-shaped computing unit that powers the Magic Leap One system. It features:

  • NVIDIA Parker SOC with:
 * 2 Denver 2.0 64-bit cores + 4 ARM Cortex A57 64-bit cores (with 2 A57's and 1 Denver accessible to applications)
 * NVIDIA Pascal GPU with 256 CUDA cores[10]
  • 8 GB RAM[5]
  • 128 GB storage (with 95 GB available to users)[10]
  • Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 3 hours of continuous use[10]
  • Bluetooth 4.2, WiFi 802.11ac/b/g/n, and USB-C connectivity[10]

The Lightpack is designed to be clipped to a belt or shoulder pad and is tethered to the headset. This design choice distributed the weight and heat generation away from the user's head, allowing for a more comfortable experience compared to headsets that contain all components in the headgear.[4]

The Controller

The Magic Leap One controller

The Magic Leap One controller enables interaction with the mixed reality environment. It features:

  • 6 degrees of freedom (6DoF) tracking
  • 8-bit resolution trigger button
  • Digital bumper button
  • Digital home button
  • Haptic feedback
  • Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 7.5 hours of continuous use[10]

The controller uses a combination of electromagnetic tracking and internal sensors to determine its position in 3D space, allowing users to point at and interact with virtual objects.[11]

Technology

Digital Lightfield Technology

Magic Leap's "Digital Lightfield Technology" was one of the company's most promoted features. The technology is based on the theory that the visual cortex in the brain doesn't need all the information-rich light that bounces off objects in the environment. Instead, the device captures select pieces of the light field and delivers them to the brain via the eye.

In practice, the Magic Leap One doesn't use a true lightfield display but rather a waveguide-based system with multiple focal planes to create the illusion of depth.[12] The system projects virtual objects at different depths and blends them with natural light to create digital content that appears to exist in the physical world.

Visual Perception

The Magic Leap One includes a suite of sensors that detect objects, planes, and surfaces in the surrounding environment. This technology enables the system to:

  • Create a digital replica of the physical space
  • Allow virtual objects to interact with the physical world
  • Understand the user's position within the environment
  • Enable persistent placement of virtual objects in the real world

Persistent Objects

Through room-mapping and visual perception technologies, the Magic Leap One can store a digital representation of the physical environment. This allows virtual objects placed in a physical space to remain in their position even after the user leaves and returns to the area.

Soundfield Audio

The Magic Leap One features a spatial audio system that adds intensity and distance to sound, creating a more immersive audio experience that matches the visual elements. The built-in speakers deliver audio without requiring headphones, allowing users to maintain awareness of their physical surroundings.

Multiple Input Methods

The Magic Leap One accepts several input methods:

  • The handheld controller for pointing and selection
  • Eye tracking for gaze-based interaction
  • Head position for orientation
  • Gesture recognition for hand-based controls
  • Voice commands for hands-free operation

Software and Development

Magic Leap developed its own operating system for the Magic Leap One, based on Linux. The company released a Software Development Kit (SDK) alongside the hardware to allow developers to create applications for the platform.

The Magic Leap World store serves as the distribution platform for applications developed for the device. The Creator Portal provides developers with resources, tools, documentation, and sample code to assist in content creation.

LuminOS

LuminOS is the operating system that powers the Magic Leap One. It features:

  • A spatial computing environment
  • Support for 3D applications and content
  • Integration with the device's sensor suite
  • APIs for developers to access the hardware capabilities

Magic Kit

Magic Kit is the development framework that includes:

  • Unity and Unreal Engine integration
  • APIs for spatial mapping
  • Tools for creating and manipulating digital content
  • Libraries for gesture recognition and voice commands

Applications

The Magic Leap One was positioned for several use cases:

  • Entertainment and gaming - bringing characters and interactive elements into the real world
  • Communication - enabling more immersive remote collaboration
  • Creative work - 3D modeling, design, and artistic expression
  • Education - interactive learning experiences
  • Productivity - virtual screens and workspaces

Reception

The Magic Leap One received mixed reviews upon its release. While many praised the ambitious nature of the technology and the potential it represented, critics pointed out several limitations:

  • The field of view (40° horizontal, 30° vertical) was limited compared to expectations[6]
  • The display quality and resolution were considered underwhelming by some reviewers[9]
  • The high price point ($2,295) restricted its accessibility[2]
  • The waveguide display system significantly darkened the real world environment[9]
  • Limited battery life of approximately 3 hours[10]

Despite these criticisms, the Magic Leap One was acknowledged as an important step in the evolution of mixed reality hardware, providing developers with tools to explore the potential of spatial computing.

Legacy and Successor

The Magic Leap One was succeeded by the Magic Leap 2, which was announced in 2021 and released in 2022. The Magic Leap 2 featured several improvements over the original, including:

  • Significantly larger field of view (up to 70° diagonal)
  • Lighter weight design
  • AMD processor platform
  • Enterprise-focused applications

As of December 31, 2024, the Magic Leap One reached its end-of-life, with cloud services and support being discontinued.[13]

Pictures

  • The Magic Leap One Lightwear headset
    The Magic Leap One Lightwear headset
  • The Magic Leap One Lightpack computing unit
    The Magic Leap One Lightpack computing unit
  • The Magic Leap One controller
    The Magic Leap One controller
  • Full Magic Leap One system
    Full Magic Leap One system

References

  1. ↑ "Magic Leap finally unveils augmented reality goggles, says they'll ship in 2018". December 20, 2017. https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/20/16800474/magic-leap-one-creator-edition-augmented-reality-goggles-announce.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Magic Leap One: Creator's Edition now available to buy in US". August 8, 2018. https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/magic-leap-one-release-date-3359749.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Magic Leap - Wikipedia". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Leap. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Magic Leap 1 augmented reality headset: A cheat sheet". March 25, 2020. https://www.techrepublic.com/article/magic-leap-1-augmented-reality-headset-a-cheat-sheet/.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Magic Leap 1: Full Specification". https://vr-compare.com/headset/magicleap1. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Magic Leap One Field of View Specs Finally Uncovered". July 31, 2018. https://magic-leap.reality.news/news/magic-leap-one-field-view-specs-finally-uncovered-0186278/.
  7. ↑ "Magic Leap One - Review - Full specification". https://www.niora.net/en/p/magic_leap_one. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  8. ↑ "Tearing Down a Magic Leap One Mixed Reality Headset Is Magical in Its Own Way". October 2, 2018. https://www.solidsmack.com/engineering/tearing-down-a-magic-leap-one-mixed-reality-headset-is-magical-in-its-own-way/.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 "Magic Leap Review Part 1 – The Terrible View Through Diffraction Gratings". September 26, 2018. https://kguttag.com/2018/09/26/magic-leap-review-part-1-the-terrible-view-through-diffraction-gratings/.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 "Specs - Magic Leap One: Creator's Edition". https://magic-leap.fandom.com/wiki/Specs_-_Magic_Leap_One:_Creator's_Edition. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  11. ↑ "Here's a good explanation on how the $2,295 Magic Leap One headset works". August 24, 2018. https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/24/how-magic-leap-works-ifixit-teardown.html.
  12. ↑ "Teardown of Magic Leap One reveals highly advanced placeholder tech". August 23, 2018. https://techcrunch.com/2018/08/23/teardown-of-magic-leap-one-reveals-highly-advanced-placeholder-tech/.
  13. ↑ "Magic Leap 1 End of Life". https://www.magicleap.care/hc/en-us/articles/18878883445645-Magic-Leap-1-End-of-Life. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
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