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Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references
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|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Type = [[Smart Glasses]]
|Type = [[Smart glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Consumer AR]]
|Subtype = AR Smart Glasses
|Platform = [[Android]]
|Platform = [[Android]]
|Developer = [[Vuzix]]
|Creator = [[Vuzix]]
|Manufacturer = [[Vuzix]]
|Announced = CES 2018
|Release Date = January 2019
|Release = 2019
|Announcement Date = CES 2018
|Price = $999.99 (Developer Kit)
|Price = $999 USD
|Website = https://www.vuzix.com
|Website = https://www.vuzix.com/
|OS = Android
|Successor = [[Vuzix Blade 2]]
|CPU = ARM Cortex-A53 (quad-core)
|Chipset = Quad Core ARM A53
|GPU =
|Storage = Micro SD expandable
|RAM =
|Display = Waveguide
|Display = Waveguide
|Resolution = 480x480
|Resolution =
|Field of View = 19° (28° adjustable window)
|Refresh =
|Ocularity = Monocular (right eye)
|Brightness =
|Cameras = 8MP HD
|FOV = 20° diagonal
|Audio = Integrated speaker + noise-cancelling mic
|Virtual Screen = 6" at arm's length (17")
|PPD =
|Lenses = UV protection (prescription compatible)
|IPD =
|Eye Tracking =
|Hand Tracking =
|Tracking =
|Spatial Mapping =
|Speakers =
|Microphone = Noise-canceling
|Audio Jack =
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
|Weight = 90g
|Ports = Micro SD slot
|Storage = 8GB + microSD
|Battery = Built-in
|Weight = 96g (3.4 oz)
|Materials =
|Colors =
|Sensors = Head motion tracker
|Input = Touchpad, voice (Alexa), head motion
}}
}}


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.
The '''Vuzix Blade''' is a pair of [[augmented reality]] [[smart glasses]] developed by [[Vuzix]]. Released in 2019, the Blade features a stylish sunglass-like form factor with a waveguide display providing a 20-degree diagonal field of view. The glasses include an 8MP camera, Amazon Alexa integration, and a touchpad interface, targeting both enterprise professionals and consumers. Vuzix's established presence in the enterprise AR market positioned the Blade as a versatile device for remote assistance, notifications, and hands-free information access.<ref name="tomshardware">{{cite web|url=https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/vuzix-blade-ar-smart-glasses-consumer,5667.html|title=Vuzix Blade Smart Glasses Review: AR Fun Over Fashion|publisher=Tom's Hardware}}</ref>


== History and Development ==
== 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.<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>
=== CES 2018 Debut ===
Vuzix unveiled the Blade at CES 2018, showcasing a more consumer-friendly design compared to their previous enterprise-focused devices.


== Design and Hardware ==
=== Enterprise Heritage ===
Vuzix built a reputation in the enterprise AR market before launching the Blade, giving them credibility for business applications.


=== Display ===
=== Consumer and Enterprise Focus ===
The Blade was designed to serve both professional use cases and consumer applications.


Waveguide optics:
== Design and Hardware ==


* '''480x480 resolution'''
=== Sunglass Form Factor ===
* '''1:1 aspect ratio'''
* '''Weight:''' 96 grams (3.4 oz)
* '''Right-eye monocular'''
* '''Style:''' Resembles premium sunglasses
* '''19° field of view'''
* '''Lenses:''' Standard UV protection
* '''28° adjustable window'''
* '''Prescription:''' Compatible with prescription inserts
* Vuzix waveguide technology
* 24-bit color
* Transparent display


=== Processing ===
=== Display System ===
* '''Technology:''' Waveguide optics
* '''Field of View:''' 20 degrees diagonal
* '''Virtual Screen:''' Equivalent to a 6-inch mobile device at arm's length (17 inches)


* '''Quad Core ARM A53'''
=== Processor ===
* '''1GB RAM'''
ARM Cortex-A53 quad-core CPU optimized for low power consumption.
* '''8GB flash storage'''
* '''microSD expansion'''
* Android OS


=== Camera ===
=== Camera ===
* '''Resolution:''' 8 megapixels
* '''Video:''' 720p/1080p recording
* '''Indicator:''' Red LED indicates when recording


* '''8MP HD camera'''
== Input Methods ==
* '''1080p video''' recording
* Photo capture
* Documentation
 
=== Audio ===
 
* '''Integrated speaker'''
* '''Noise-cancelling microphone'''
* Voice control
* Alexa enabled


=== Controls ===
=== Touchpad ===
Side-mounted touchpad for gesture-based navigation.


* '''Touchpad'''
=== Voice Control ===
* '''Head motion tracking'''
Amazon Alexa integration for voice commands.
* Haptic feedback
* Vibration alerts
* Intuitive interaction


=== Connectivity ===
=== Head Motion ===
Head motion tracker for gesture-based control.


* '''Wi-Fi'''
=== Haptic Feedback ===
* '''Bluetooth'''
Vibration alerts for notifications.
* Android ecosystem
* Cloud services


=== Lenses ===
== Audio ==


* '''UV protection standard'''
=== Microphone ===
* Prescription inserts available
Built-in noise-canceling microphone for voice control and calls.
* Safety lenses optional
* Tinted options


=== Design ===
== Connectivity ==


* '''90g weight'''
* Wi-Fi
* Glasses form factor
* Bluetooth
* All-day wearable
* Compatible with iOS and Android devices
* Self-contained


== Features ==
== Storage ==


=== Alexa Integration ===
Micro SD card slot for expandable storage.


* Voice assistant
== Use Cases ==
* Hands-free commands
* Smart home control
* Information queries


=== Notifications ===
=== Enterprise ===
* Remote assistance and expert guidance
* Hands-free documentation
* Work instructions and checklists
* Field service support


* '''Haptic alerts'''
=== Consumer ===
* Message display
* Notifications and alerts
* Calendar reminders
* Navigation assistance
* Call notifications
* Camera and media capture
* Voice assistant access


=== Applications ===
== Product Evolution ==


* Navigation
Vuzix has continued developing the Blade series:
* Translation
* [[Vuzix Blade 2]] - Updated version with improved specifications
* Fitness tracking
* [[Vuzix Shield]] - Enterprise safety glasses
* Enterprise apps


== Technical Specifications ==
== Specifications ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 125: Line 130:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || 480x480 waveguide
| Display || Waveguide
|-
| Field of View || 20° diagonal
|-
|-
| FOV || 19° (28° window)
| Virtual Screen || 6" at arm's length
|-
|-
| Eye || Right (monocular)
| Camera || 8MP HD (720p/1080p video)
|-
|-
| Processor || ARM A53 Quad Core
| Processor || ARM Cortex-A53 quad-core
|-
|-
| RAM || 1GB
| OS || Android
|-
|-
| Storage || 8GB + microSD
| Connectivity || Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
|-
|-
| Camera || 8MP HD
| Voice Assistant || Amazon Alexa
|-
|-
| Connectivity || Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
| Weight || 96g (3.4 oz)
|-
|-
| Weight || 90g
| Storage || Micro SD expandable
|-
|-
| Price || $999
| Price || $999.99
|}
|}
== 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<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]]
* [[Vuzix Blade 2]]
* [[Vuzix Blade 2]]
* [[Vuzix M400]]
* [[Vuzix M400]]
* [[Nreal Light]]
* [[AR smart glasses]]
* [[North Focals]]
* [[Enterprise AR]]


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


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:Smart glasses]]
[[Category:Enterprise AR]]
[[Category:Consumer AR]]
[[Category:Consumer AR]]
[[Category:Vuzix]]
[[Category:Vuzix]]
[[Category:2019 in technology]]
[[Category:2010s AR]]

Revision as of 22:16, 7 January 2026

Vuzix Blade
Basic Info
VR/AR Augmented Reality
Type Smart glasses
Subtype AR Smart Glasses
Platform Android
Creator Vuzix
Price $999.99 (Developer Kit)
Website https://www.vuzix.com
System
CPU ARM Cortex-A53 (quad-core)
Storage
Storage Micro SD expandable
Display
Display Waveguide
Image
Optics
Tracking
Audio
Microphone Noise-canceling
Connectivity
Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Ports Micro SD slot
Device
Weight 96g (3.4 oz)
Sensors Head motion tracker
Input Touchpad, voice (Alexa), head motion


The Vuzix Blade is a pair of augmented reality smart glasses developed by Vuzix. Released in 2019, the Blade features a stylish sunglass-like form factor with a waveguide display providing a 20-degree diagonal field of view. The glasses include an 8MP camera, Amazon Alexa integration, and a touchpad interface, targeting both enterprise professionals and consumers. Vuzix's established presence in the enterprise AR market positioned the Blade as a versatile device for remote assistance, notifications, and hands-free information access.[1]

History and Development

CES 2018 Debut

Vuzix unveiled the Blade at CES 2018, showcasing a more consumer-friendly design compared to their previous enterprise-focused devices.

Enterprise Heritage

Vuzix built a reputation in the enterprise AR market before launching the Blade, giving them credibility for business applications.

Consumer and Enterprise Focus

The Blade was designed to serve both professional use cases and consumer applications.

Design and Hardware

Sunglass Form Factor

  • Weight: 96 grams (3.4 oz)
  • Style: Resembles premium sunglasses
  • Lenses: Standard UV protection
  • Prescription: Compatible with prescription inserts

Display System

  • Technology: Waveguide optics
  • Field of View: 20 degrees diagonal
  • Virtual Screen: Equivalent to a 6-inch mobile device at arm's length (17 inches)

Processor

ARM Cortex-A53 quad-core CPU optimized for low power consumption.

Camera

  • Resolution: 8 megapixels
  • Video: 720p/1080p recording
  • Indicator: Red LED indicates when recording

Input Methods

Touchpad

Side-mounted touchpad for gesture-based navigation.

Voice Control

Amazon Alexa integration for voice commands.

Head Motion

Head motion tracker for gesture-based control.

Haptic Feedback

Vibration alerts for notifications.

Audio

Microphone

Built-in noise-canceling microphone for voice control and calls.

Connectivity

  • Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth
  • Compatible with iOS and Android devices

Storage

Micro SD card slot for expandable storage.

Use Cases

Enterprise

  • Remote assistance and expert guidance
  • Hands-free documentation
  • Work instructions and checklists
  • Field service support

Consumer

  • Notifications and alerts
  • Navigation assistance
  • Camera and media capture
  • Voice assistant access

Product Evolution

Vuzix has continued developing the Blade series:

Specifications

Specification Details
Display Waveguide
Field of View 20° diagonal
Virtual Screen 6" at arm's length
Camera 8MP HD (720p/1080p video)
Processor ARM Cortex-A53 quad-core
OS Android
Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa
Weight 96g (3.4 oz)
Storage Micro SD expandable
Price $999.99

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Vuzix Blade Smart Glasses Review: AR Fun Over Fashion". Tom's Hardware. https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/vuzix-blade-ar-smart-glasses-consumer,5667.html.
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