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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 ==
Line 180: Line 182:
[[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]]

Revision as of 17:54, 7 January 2026

Vuzix Blade
Basic Info
VR/AR Augmented Reality
Type Smart Glasses
Subtype Consumer AR
Platform Android
Developer Vuzix
Manufacturer Vuzix
Announcement Date CES 2018
Release Date January 2019
Price $999 USD
Website https://www.vuzix.com/
Successor Vuzix Blade 2
System
Chipset Quad Core ARM A53
Storage
Storage 8GB + microSD
Display
Display Waveguide
Resolution 480x480
Image
Field of View 19° (28° adjustable window)
Optics
Ocularity Monocular (right eye)
Tracking
Audio
Audio Integrated speaker + noise-cancelling mic
Connectivity
Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Device
Weight 90g


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

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.[1]

Design and Hardware

Display

Waveguide optics:

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

Processing

  • Quad Core ARM A53
  • 1GB RAM
  • 8GB flash storage
  • microSD expansion
  • Android OS

Camera

  • 8MP HD camera
  • 1080p video recording
  • Photo capture
  • Documentation

Audio

  • Integrated speaker
  • Noise-cancelling microphone
  • Voice control
  • Alexa enabled

Controls

  • Touchpad
  • Head motion tracking
  • Haptic feedback
  • Vibration alerts
  • Intuitive interaction

Connectivity

  • Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth
  • Android ecosystem
  • Cloud services

Lenses

  • UV protection standard
  • Prescription inserts available
  • Safety lenses optional
  • Tinted options

Design

  • 90g weight
  • Glasses form factor
  • All-day wearable
  • Self-contained

Features

Alexa Integration

  • Voice assistant
  • Hands-free commands
  • Smart home control
  • Information queries

Notifications

  • Haptic alerts
  • Message display
  • Calendar reminders
  • Call notifications

Applications

  • Navigation
  • Translation
  • Fitness tracking
  • Enterprise apps

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Display 480x480 waveguide
FOV 19° (28° window)
Eye Right (monocular)
Processor ARM A53 Quad Core
RAM 1GB
Storage 8GB + microSD
Camera 8MP HD
Connectivity Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
Weight 90g
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[2]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Vuzix Blade Smart Glasses". Vuzix. https://www.vuzix.com/products/vuzix-blade-2-smart-glasses.
  2. ↑ "Vuzix Blade Review". Tom's Guide. https://www.tomsguide.com/us/vuzix-blade,review-6065.html.
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