Jump to content

Epson Moverio BT-40: Difference between revisions

Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references
Line 1: Line 1:
{{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]]