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Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
 
Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
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|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Type = [[Smart Glasses]]
|Type = [[Smart Glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Enterprise AR]]
|Subtype = [[Consumer AR]]
|Platform = [[Android]]
|Platform = [[Android]]
|Developer = [[Vuzix]]
|Developer = [[Vuzix]]
|Manufacturer = [[Vuzix]]
|Manufacturer = [[Vuzix]]
|Release Date = 2019
|Release Date = January 2019
|Price = ~$999 USD
|Announcement Date = CES 2018
|Price = $999 USD
|Website = https://www.vuzix.com/
|Website = https://www.vuzix.com/
|Successor = [[Vuzix Blade 2]]
|Successor = [[Vuzix Blade 2]]
|Display = Waveguide (see-through)
|Chipset = Quad Core ARM A53
|Resolution = 480x853
|Display = Waveguide
|Color Depth = 24-bit
|Resolution = 480x480
|Brightness = >2000 nits
|Field of View = 19° (28° adjustable window)
|Field of View = ~19°
|Ocularity = Monocular (right eye)
|Ocularity = Monocular (right eye)
|Camera = 8 MP autofocus
|Cameras = 8MP HD
|Video = 720p @ 60fps, 1080p @ 30fps
|Audio = Integrated speaker + noise-cancelling mic
|Audio = Built-in stereo speakers, voice control
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
|Battery = All-day use
|Weight = 90g
|Certifications = ANSI Z87.1 (eye protection)
|Storage = 8GB + microSD
|Weight = ~90g
}}
}}


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 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.


== 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 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>


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


Advanced waveguide technology:
Waveguide optics:


* '''Waveguide optics''' (see-through)
* '''480x480 resolution'''
* '''480x853 resolution'''
* '''1:1 aspect ratio'''
* '''24-bit color''' (ultra-bright)
* '''Right-eye monocular'''
* '''>2000 nits brightness'''
* '''19° field of view'''
* ~19° field of view
* '''28° adjustable window'''
* Monocular (right eye)
* Vuzix waveguide technology
* Transparent overlay on real world
* 24-bit color
* No vision occlusion
* Transparent display
 
=== Processing ===
 
* '''Quad Core ARM A53'''
* '''1GB RAM'''
* '''8GB flash storage'''
* '''microSD expansion'''
* Android OS


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


* '''8 MP autofocus''' camera
* '''8MP HD camera'''
* 720p video @ 60fps
* '''1080p video''' recording
* 1080p video @ 30fps
* Photo capture
* Photo capture
* Barcode scanning
* Documentation


=== Audio ===
=== Audio ===


* Built-in stereo speakers
* '''Integrated speaker'''
* Advanced Vuzix voice control
* '''Noise-cancelling microphone'''
* No Bluetooth headset required
* Voice control
* Multilingual voice commands
* Alexa enabled


=== Build ===
=== Controls ===


Glasses form factor:
* '''Touchpad'''
* '''Head motion tracking'''
* Haptic feedback
* Vibration alerts
* Intuitive interaction


* ~90g weight
=== Connectivity ===
* '''ANSI Z87.1 certified''' (eye protection)
 
* Prescription inserts available
* '''Wi-Fi'''
* Safety-rated
* '''Bluetooth'''
* Comfortable for extended wear
* Android ecosystem
* Professional appearance
* Cloud services


=== Processing ===
=== Lenses ===


* Android OS
* '''UV protection standard'''
* Quad-core ARM CPU
* Prescription inserts available
* Wi-Fi connectivity
* Safety lenses optional
* Bluetooth
* Tinted options
* Multi-day battery life


== Input Methods ==
=== Design ===


=== Voice Control ===
* '''90g weight'''
* Hands-free commands
* Glasses form factor
* Multilingual support
* All-day wearable
* Wake word activation
* Self-contained


=== Touch ===
== Features ==
* 2-axis touchpad
* Multi-finger gestures


=== Companion App ===
=== Alexa Integration ===
* Android app
* iOS app


== Enterprise Applications ==
* Voice assistant
* Hands-free commands
* Smart home control
* Information queries


=== Field Service ===
=== Notifications ===
* Work instructions overlay
* Remote expert guidance
* Hands-free documentation


=== Manufacturing ===
* '''Haptic alerts'''
* Assembly guidance
* Message display
* Quality inspection
* Calendar reminders
* Training
* Call notifications


=== Healthcare ===
=== Applications ===
* Patient information display
* Telemedicine
* Hands-free documentation


=== Logistics ===
* Navigation
* Pick-by-vision
* Translation
* Inventory management
* Fitness tracking
* Barcode scanning
* Enterprise apps


== Technical Specifications ==
== Technical Specifications ==
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! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || Waveguide
| Display || 480x480 waveguide
|-
|-
| Resolution || 480x853
| FOV || 19° (28° window)
|-
|-
| Color || 24-bit
| Eye || Right (monocular)
|-
|-
| Brightness || >2000 nits
| Processor || ARM A53 Quad Core
|-
|-
| Field of View || ~19°
| RAM || 1GB
|-
|-
| Camera || 8 MP autofocus
| Storage || 8GB + microSD
|-
|-
| Video || 720p/1080p
| Camera || 8MP HD
|-
|-
| Certification || ANSI Z87.1
| Connectivity || Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
|-
|-
| Weight || ~90g
| Weight || 90g
|-
|-
| Price || ~$999
| Price || $999
|}
|}


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'''Praise:'''
'''Praise:'''
* First waveguide AR in glasses form factor
* First standalone AR glasses
* ANSI Z87.1 safety certified
* Waveguide optics advanced
* Prescription insert compatibility
* 90g lightweight
* 8MP camera capable
* Alexa integration
* Voice control hands-free
* Hands-free operation
* See-through display practical
* No tether required
* Enterprise features robust
* Android versatility
* Compact, lightweight design
* Touchpad intuitive
* All-day battery life
* Enterprise-ready
* Professional appearance


'''Criticism:'''
'''Criticism:'''
* 480x480 low resolution
* 19° FOV very narrow
* 19° FOV very narrow
* 480x853 resolution limited
* Monocular only
* Monocular display (right eye only)
* $999 expensive for specs
* ~$999 price for enterprise
* Unflattering design
* Limited consumer appeal
* Fit uncomfortable
* Android OS dated
* Tinted lenses required
* 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>
* 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 Blade 2]]
* [[Vuzix Blade 2]]
* [[Vuzix M4000]]
* [[Vuzix M400]]
* [[RealWear HMT-1]]
* [[Nreal Light]]
* [[ThinkReality A3]]
* [[North Focals]]


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:Enterprise AR]]
[[Category:Consumer AR]]
[[Category:Vuzix]]
[[Category:Vuzix]]
[[Category:2019 in technology]]
[[Category:2019 in technology]]
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