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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]], Display Glasses
|Type = [[Smart Glasses]]
|Type = [[Smart glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Consumer AR]]
|Subtype = AR Display Glasses
|Platform = USB-C tethered (DisplayPort Alt Mode)
|Platform = USB-C devices
|Developer = [[Epson]]
|Creator = [[Epson]]
|Manufacturer = [[Epson]]
|Announced = 2020
|Release Date = 2021
|Release = Late 2020
|Price = $579 USD (BT-40) / $999 USD (BT-40S)
|Price = $579 (BT-40) / $999 (BT-40S)
|Website = https://epson.com/For-Work/Wearables/Smart-Glasses/Moverio-BT-40-Smart-Glasses-with-USB-Type-C-Connectivity-/p/V11H969020
|Website = https://epson.com
|Predecessor = [[Epson Moverio BT-35E]]
|OS = Host device dependent
|Display = Si-OLED (see-through)
|CPU = Host device dependent
|Resolution = Full HD 1080p binocular
|GPU = Host device dependent
|Contrast Ratio = 500,000:1
|Storage =
|Field of View = 34°
|RAM =
|Equivalent Screen Size = 120" at 16 feet
|Display = 2 x 0.45" Si-OLED
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Resolution = 1920 x 1080 per eye (Full HD)
|Sensors = GPS, Accelerometer, Compass, Head Tracking
|Refresh = 60 Hz
|Audio = 3.5mm audio jack
|Brightness =
|Connectivity = USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode)
|Contrast = 500,000:1
|Weight = Light (glasses only)
|FOV = 34°
|Virtual Screen = 120" at 16 feet
|PPD =
|Lenses = Transparent displays
|IPD =
|Eye Tracking =
|Hand Tracking =
|Tracking = 3DoF (sensors only)
|Spatial Mapping =
|Speakers =
|Microphone = Via headphone jack
|Audio Jack = 3.5mm (4-pin CTIA)
|Connectivity = USB Type-C
|Ports = USB-C
|Battery = None (device powered)
|Weight = 95g (without attachments)
|Dimensions = 164 x 194 x 41 mm
|Materials =
|Colors = Black
|Sensors = Compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, light sensor
|Input = Host device
}}
}}


The '''Epson Moverio BT-40''' is a consumer [[augmented reality]] [[smart glasses]] developed by [[Epson]], released in March 2021. The BT-40 features Epson's Si-OLED technology delivering Full HD 1080p binocular displays with an exceptional 500,000:1 contrast ratio, appearing like a 120-inch screen from 16 feet away with a 34° field of view. Using plug-and-play USB Type-C connectivity with DisplayPort Alt Mode, the glasses work with compatible smartphones, tablets, and laptops without requiring onboard processing. Available as the basic BT-40 ($579) or BT-40S ($999) with an intelligent Android touch controller, the Moverio BT-40 targets AR development, entertainment, and personal viewing applications.
The '''Epson Moverio BT-40''' is a pair of [[augmented reality]] display [[smart glasses]] developed by [[Epson]]. Released in late 2020 at $579, the BT-40 features dual Si-OLED (Silicon-Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays with Full HD 1080p resolution per eye, providing a transparent display experience equivalent to viewing a 120-inch screen from 16 feet away. The BT-40S variant ($999) includes an Intelligent Touch Controller for standalone operation.<ref name="epson">{{cite web|url=https://news.epson.com/news/moverio-bt-40-40s-ar-smart-glasses|title=Epson Unveils Next Generation of Moverio Augmented Reality Smart Glasses|publisher=Epson}}</ref>


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


Epson announced the Moverio BT-40 in March 2021 as the next generation of its Moverio AR smart glasses line. The BT-40 simplified the design by using USB-C tethering to host devices rather than integrated processing, reducing weight and complexity while delivering superior display quality. The BT-40S variant includes the BO-IC400 intelligent touch controller running Android 9.0 for standalone AR applications. The Moverio line has been a pioneer in see-through AR glasses since the original BT-100 in 2011.<ref name="epson">{{cite web |url=https://news.epson.com/news/moverio-bt-40-40s-ar-smart-glasses |title=Epson Unveils Next Generation of Moverio AR Smart Glasses |publisher=Epson |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Moverio Series ===
The BT-40 is part of Epson's Moverio series of AR smart glasses, which has served various markets including enterprise, drone piloting, and personal entertainment.
 
=== 2020 Launch ===
Epson launched the BT-40 and BT-40S in late 2020 as the next generation of their transparent display smart glasses.


== Design and Hardware ==
== Design and Hardware ==


=== Display ===
=== Display System ===
* '''Display Type:''' Si-OLED (Silicon-Organic Light-Emitting Diode)
* '''Screen Size:''' 0.45 inches wide format (16:9) per eye
* '''Resolution:''' 1920 x 1080 per eye (Full HD)
* '''Total Pixels:''' 2,073,600 x RGB per display
* '''Color Depth:''' 24-bit (16.77 million colors)
* '''Refresh Rate:''' 60 Hz
* '''Contrast Ratio:''' Up to 500,000:1


Premium Si-OLED technology:
=== Virtual Screen ===
* '''Field of View:''' 34 degrees
* '''Equivalent Size:''' 120-inch screen viewed from 16 feet
* '''Transparency:''' Unused display areas appear transparent


* '''Full HD 1080p''' binocular display
=== Physical Design ===
* '''Si-OLED technology''' (Silicon OLED)
* '''Weight:''' 95 grams (without attachments)
* '''500,000:1 contrast ratio'''
* '''Dimensions:''' 164 x 194 x 41 mm
* '''34° field of view'''
* '''Comfort:''' Advanced weight distribution, optional nose pads
* Appears like '''120-inch screen''' at 16 feet
* See-through optics
* Transparent when not displaying
* Crisp, bright images
* True blacks (OLED)


=== Optics ===
== Transparency ==


* Binocular stereoscopic display
The Si-OLED displays enable fully transparent viewing:
* See-through design
* See surroundings while viewing content
* Peripheral vision maintained
* High contrast allows selective transparency
* '''Magnetic shade attachment''' (for outdoor use)
* Suitable for AR overlay applications
* Fits over prescription eyewear


=== Sensors ===
== Sensors ==


Built-in tracking:
=== Motion Sensors ===
* Compass (headset only)
* Gyroscope (headset only)
* Accelerometer (headset only)


* '''GPS'''
=== Environmental ===
* '''Accelerometer'''
* Light sensor
* '''Compass'''
* '''Head tracking'''
* '''Motion tracking'''
* 6DoF development support


=== Connectivity ===
== Connectivity ==


Plug-and-play design:
=== USB Type-C ===
Plug-and-play connectivity enables seamless viewing from:
* Compatible smartphones
* Tablets
* Laptops
* Other USB-C devices


* '''USB Type-C''' connection
=== Audio ===
* '''DisplayPort Alt Mode''' required
* 3.5mm audio jack (4-pin CTIA standard)
* Compatible with smartphones
* Compatible with headphones with microphone
* Compatible with tablets
* Compatible with laptops
* Cable housing unit (belt clip)
* '''3.5mm audio jack'''


=== Build ===
== 3D Support ==


Comfortable glasses form:
Supports side-by-side 3D content.


* Lightweight glasses design
== Variants ==
* Ergonomic fit
* Flexible temple hinges
* Optional nose pads
* Fits wide range of head sizes
* Over-prescription compatible
* Conventional glasses appearance


== Variants ==
=== BT-40 ===
* Price: $579
* Basic headset without controller
* Requires external device for content


=== BT-40 (Basic) ===
=== BT-40S ===
* $579 MSRP
* Price: $999
* Glasses only
* Includes Intelligent Touch Controller
* USB-C tethered to host device
* Standalone operation capability
* Display and sensors only
* Android-based computing unit
* Host device provides processing


=== BT-40S (with Controller) ===
== Environmental Specifications ==
* $999 MSRP
* Includes '''BO-IC400 controller'''
* '''Android 9.0''' (Google certified)
* Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
* '''13 MP autofocus camera'''
* Flashlight
* Noise-canceling microphone
* Touchscreen interface
* Expandable storage (up to 2 TB)
* IPx2 rated
* 5-hour battery life
* Google Play compatible


== Applications ==
* '''Operating Temperature:''' 5°C – 35°C (20% – 80% humidity)
* '''Storage Temperature:''' -10°C – 60°C (10% – 90%, no condensation)


=== AR Development ===
== Use Cases ==
* Lens development platform
* Prototype testing
* AR experience creation
* SDK support


=== Entertainment ===
=== Entertainment ===
* Personal cinema experience
Personal cinema experience with transparent displays.
* Gaming
* Video viewing
* 120" virtual screen


=== Drone Operation ===
=== Drone Operation ===
* FPV viewing
FPV viewing while maintaining situational awareness.
* Drone control
* Aerial photography


=== Professional ===
=== Professional ===
* Presentations
Presentations, training, and information display.
* Training
* Remote viewing
* Design visualization


== Technical Specifications ==
=== Accessibility ===
Subtitle and closed caption display.
 
== Specifications ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Specification !! BT-40 !! BT-40S
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || 2 x 0.45" Si-OLED
|-
| Resolution || 1920 x 1080 per eye (Full HD)
|-
|-
| Display || Full HD 1080p Si-OLED || Same
| Color Depth || 24-bit (16.77 million colors)
|-
|-
| FOV || 34° || Same
| Refresh Rate || 60 Hz
|-
|-
| Contrast || 500,000:1 || Same
| Contrast || 500,000:1
|-
|-
| Virtual Screen || 120" at 16' || Same
| Field of View || 34°
|-
|-
| Connection || USB-C || USB-C + Controller
| Virtual Screen || 120" at 16 feet
|-
|-
| Controller || Not included || Android 9.0
| Weight || 95g
|-
|-
| Camera || Via host device || 13 MP (controller)
| Connectivity || USB Type-C
|-
|-
| Battery || Via host || 5 hours (controller)
| Audio || 3.5mm jack (CTIA)
|-
|-
| Price || $579 || $999
| 3D Support || Side-by-side
|-
| Price || $579 (BT-40) / $999 (BT-40S)
|}
|}
== Reception ==
'''Praise:'''
* Full HD 1080p impressive resolution
* 500,000:1 contrast outstanding
* Si-OLED true blacks
* 34° FOV wider than competitors
* 120" equivalent screen immersive
* Plug-and-play convenient
* Fits over prescription glasses
* Lightweight design
* BT-40S Android controller versatile
* Head tracking for AR development
'''Criticism:'''
* Requires DisplayPort Alt Mode host
* Limited device compatibility
* No standalone capability (BT-40)
* BT-40S controller separate
* $579-$999 pricing
* Limited mainstream appeal
* Niche use cases
* Wired connection required<ref name="bhphoto">{{cite web |url=https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1634767-REG/epson_v11h969020_moverio_bt_40_smart_glasses.html |title=Epson Moverio BT-40 |publisher=B&H Photo |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Epson]]
* [[Epson Moverio BT-300]]
* [[Epson Moverio BT-35E]]
* [[Epson Moverio BT-35E]]
* [[Vuzix Blade]]
* [[Si-OLED]]
* [[Xreal Air 2]]
* [[Display glasses]]
* [[Rokid Max]]


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


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:Smart glasses]]
[[Category:Display glasses]]
[[Category:Si-OLED displays]]
[[Category:Epson]]
[[Category:Epson]]
[[Category:2021 in technology]]
[[Category:Moverio]]
[[Category:2020s AR]]

Revision as of 22:10, 7 January 2026

Epson Moverio BT-40
Basic Info
VR/AR Augmented Reality, Display Glasses
Type Smart glasses
Subtype AR Display Glasses
Platform USB-C devices
Creator Epson
Price $579 (BT-40) / $999 (BT-40S)
Website https://epson.com
System
CPU Host device dependent
GPU Host device dependent
Storage
Display
Display 2 x 0.45" Si-OLED
Resolution 1920 x 1080 per eye (Full HD)
Image
Optics
Tracking
Tracking 3DoF (sensors only)
Audio
Microphone Via headphone jack
Connectivity
Connectivity USB Type-C
Ports USB-C
Device
Dimensions 164 x 194 x 41 mm
Weight 95g (without attachments)
Sensors Compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, light sensor
Input Host device


The Epson Moverio BT-40 is a pair of augmented reality display smart glasses developed by Epson. Released in late 2020 at $579, the BT-40 features dual Si-OLED (Silicon-Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays with Full HD 1080p resolution per eye, providing a transparent display experience equivalent to viewing a 120-inch screen from 16 feet away. The BT-40S variant ($999) includes an Intelligent Touch Controller for standalone operation.[1]

History and Development

Moverio Series

The BT-40 is part of Epson's Moverio series of AR smart glasses, which has served various markets including enterprise, drone piloting, and personal entertainment.

2020 Launch

Epson launched the BT-40 and BT-40S in late 2020 as the next generation of their transparent display smart glasses.

Design and Hardware

Display System

  • Display Type: Si-OLED (Silicon-Organic Light-Emitting Diode)
  • Screen Size: 0.45 inches wide format (16:9) per eye
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080 per eye (Full HD)
  • Total Pixels: 2,073,600 x RGB per display
  • Color Depth: 24-bit (16.77 million colors)
  • Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
  • Contrast Ratio: Up to 500,000:1

Virtual Screen

  • Field of View: 34 degrees
  • Equivalent Size: 120-inch screen viewed from 16 feet
  • Transparency: Unused display areas appear transparent

Physical Design

  • Weight: 95 grams (without attachments)
  • Dimensions: 164 x 194 x 41 mm
  • Comfort: Advanced weight distribution, optional nose pads

Transparency

The Si-OLED displays enable fully transparent viewing:

  • See surroundings while viewing content
  • High contrast allows selective transparency
  • Suitable for AR overlay applications

Sensors

Motion Sensors

  • Compass (headset only)
  • Gyroscope (headset only)
  • Accelerometer (headset only)

Environmental

  • Light sensor

Connectivity

USB Type-C

Plug-and-play connectivity enables seamless viewing from:

  • Compatible smartphones
  • Tablets
  • Laptops
  • Other USB-C devices

Audio

  • 3.5mm audio jack (4-pin CTIA standard)
  • Compatible with headphones with microphone

3D Support

Supports side-by-side 3D content.

Variants

BT-40

  • Price: $579
  • Basic headset without controller
  • Requires external device for content

BT-40S

  • Price: $999
  • Includes Intelligent Touch Controller
  • Standalone operation capability
  • Android-based computing unit

Environmental Specifications

  • Operating Temperature: 5°C – 35°C (20% – 80% humidity)
  • Storage Temperature: -10°C – 60°C (10% – 90%, no condensation)

Use Cases

Entertainment

Personal cinema experience with transparent displays.

Drone Operation

FPV viewing while maintaining situational awareness.

Professional

Presentations, training, and information display.

Accessibility

Subtitle and closed caption display.

Specifications

Specification Details
Display 2 x 0.45" Si-OLED
Resolution 1920 x 1080 per eye (Full HD)
Color Depth 24-bit (16.77 million colors)
Refresh Rate 60 Hz
Contrast 500,000:1
Field of View 34°
Virtual Screen 120" at 16 feet
Weight 95g
Connectivity USB Type-C
Audio 3.5mm jack (CTIA)
3D Support Side-by-side
Price $579 (BT-40) / $999 (BT-40S)

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Epson Unveils Next Generation of Moverio Augmented Reality Smart Glasses". Epson. https://news.epson.com/news/moverio-bt-40-40s-ar-smart-glasses.
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