Vuzix Blade
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.
| 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 |
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]