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Virtual i-O i-glasses!

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Revision as of 19:55, 25 June 2025 by Xinreality (talk | contribs) (Created page with "{{Device Infobox |image = 300px |VR/AR = Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality |Type = Head-mounted display |Subtype = PC-Powered VR |Platform = PC, Video Game Consoles, Video Sources |Creator = Greg Amadon, Linden Rhoads |Developer = Virtual i-O |Manufacturer = Virtual i-O (1995-1997), i-O Display Systems (after 1997) |Announcement Date = 1994 |Release Date = 1995 |Price = $395 (original), $799 (PC 3D), varies by model |Website = N/A (com...")
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Virtual i-O i-glasses!
File:I-glasses VR headset.jpg
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype PC-Powered VR
Platform PC, Video Game Consoles, Video Sources
Creator Greg Amadon, Linden Rhoads
Developer Virtual i-O
Manufacturer Virtual i-O (1995-1997), i-O Display Systems (after 1997)
Announcement Date 1994
Release Date 1995
Price $395 (original), $799 (PC 3D), varies by model
Website N/A (company defunct)
Versions i-glasses! (original), i-glasses PC/2D, i-glasses PC 3D, i-glasses Video, i-glasses SVGA
Requires PC with VGA output or video source with composite output
Predecessor None
Successor i-glasses SVGA
System
Operating System Windows 95, Windows 98, DOS
Chipset N/A
CPU N/A (external processing)
GPU N/A (external processing)
HPU N/A
Storage
Storage N/A
Memory N/A
SD Card Slot No
Display
Display Dual LCD
Subpixel Layout Standard RGB
Peak Brightness N/A
Resolution 300×200 (original), 640×480 (PC versions), 800×600 (SVGA)
Pixel Density N/A
Refresh Rate 60 Hz (up to 120 Hz for SVGA)
Persistence Full persistence LCD
Precision N/A
Image
Field of View 30 degrees
Horizontal FoV 30 degrees
Vertical FoV N/A
Visible FoV 30 degrees
Rendered FoV N/A
Binocular Overlap Full
Average Pixel Density N/A
Peak Pixel Density N/A
Foveated Rendering No
Optics
Optics Fixed focus
Ocularity Binocular
IPD Range Fixed
Adjustable Diopter No
Passthrough Yes (semi-transparent displays)
Tracking
Tracking Optional 3DOF head tracking
Tracking Frequency N/A
Base Stations No
Eye Tracking No
Face Tracking No
Hand Tracking No
Body Tracking No
Rotational Tracking Yes (with optional tracker)
Positional Tracking No
Update Rate N/A
Tracking Volume N/A
Play Space Seated
Latency N/A
Audio
Audio Built-in stereo headphones
Microphone No
3.5mm Audio Jack Yes
Camera No
Connectivity
Connectivity VGA, Composite video, Serial port (for tracker)
Ports VGA input, Video input, Power, Serial
Wired Video Yes
Wireless Video No
WiFi No
Bluetooth No
Power External AC adapter
Battery Capacity N/A
Battery Life N/A
Charge Time N/A
Device
Dimensions N/A
Weight 227g (8 ounces)
Material Plastic
Headstrap Adjustable head mount
Haptics No
Color Black
Sensors Optional head tracker
Input Optional CyberPuck controller
Compliance FCC
Size Lightweight design
Cable Length Varies


The i-glasses were a series of head-mounted displays (HMDs) developed and manufactured by Virtual i-O from 1995 to 1997, and later by i-O Display Systems. These devices were among the first consumer-oriented virtual reality headsets to achieve mainstream distribution, offering an affordable entry point into VR and augmented reality experiences during the mid-1990s.[1]

History

Company Formation

Virtual i-O was founded by Greg Amadon and Linden Rhoads in Seattle, Washington. The company spent three years developing their virtual reality eyeglasses technology before finding investment from John Malone, CEO of Tele-Communications Inc., after demonstrating an early prototype using 900 pounds of computer and video equipment in his garage in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.[2]

Development and Launch

The i-glasses were first released in 1995 as one of the first affordable home VR headsets, alongside competitors like the VictorMaxx CyberMaxx and Forte VFX1.[1] The headset was designed to be lightweight and comfortable, weighing only 227 grams (8 ounces), making it significantly lighter than many competing VR systems of the era.[3]

European Distribution

In July 1995, Virtual Products GmbH, a subsidiary of Escom AG, became the exclusive distributor of i-glasses in Europe. Escom developed a special PAL video standard version specifically for the European market.[4]

Company Decline

By late 1996, Virtual i-O faced significant financial difficulties. Internal company morale deteriorated, with widespread layoffs occurring in December 1996. A group of disgruntled former employees, known as "Deep Bile," actively circulated information about the company's troubles.[5] The company's struggles were later chronicled in Fred Moody's book "The Visionary Position," which documented five high-tech start-ups including Virtual i-O.[5]

Technical Specifications

Display Technology

The i-glasses utilized dual LCD displays to create a stereoscopic 3D effect. The displays were semi-transparent, allowing users to see through them in brightly lit environments, enabling augmented reality applications.[3] The virtual display created the effect of viewing a large screen from a distance:

  • Original i-glasses: Appeared as an 80-inch screen from 5 feet away[6]
  • Later models: Created the impression of viewing a 52-inch screen from 6 feet away[6]

Models and Versions

Virtual i-O released several versions of the i-glasses to target different markets:

Model Resolution Target Market Key Features
i-glasses! (Original) 300×200 General consumers Basic VR/video viewing, $395
i-glasses PC/2D 640×480 PC users 2D display mode for Windows
i-glasses PC 3D 640×480 PC gamers Stereoscopic 3D support
i-glasses Video 300×200 Video/console gaming Composite video input
i-glasses SVGA 800×600 Professional/PC users Higher resolution, Plug and Play

Head Tracking

The i-glasses supported optional 3 degrees of freedom (3DOF) head tracking through a separate device. The tracking system used:

  • Serial port connection to PC (typically COM1)
  • 70 degrees pitch and roll capability[7]
  • Integration with compatible software for head-controlled navigation

SVGA Model Features

The later i-glasses SVGA model, released by i-O Display Systems, included advanced features:[8]

  • Resolution: 800×600 pixels
  • Refresh rate: Up to 120 Hz (double the input rate up to 60 Hz)
  • On-screen display (OSD) for adjusting:
    • Brightness and contrast
    • Audio balance
    • Horizontal centering
    • Color settings
    • 3D mode selection
  • Support for frame sequential stereo with nVidia game drivers
  • Line interlace 3D support with compatible hardware

Connectivity and Compatibility

System Requirements

The i-glasses were designed to be compatible with a wide range of systems:[4]

  • Personal computers (PC)
  • Amiga computers
  • Gaming consoles (Sega, Nintendo, Sony)
  • Television and VCR systems
  • Any device with composite video output

Connection Methods

The headset used different connection methods depending on the model:

  • PC Models: VGA connection with a control box that included:
 * VGA IN port for PC video output
 * VGA OUT port for monitor passthrough
 * SERIAL/HEAD TRACKER port for optional tracking
 * 9-volt transformer for power[9]
  • Video Models: Composite A/V connections for universal compatibility

Software Support

Operating System Compatibility

Virtual i-O secured support from major software companies:

Applications and Games

The i-glasses were marketed for various applications:

  • PC gaming with stereoscopic 3D support
  • Virtual reality environments
  • Television and video viewing
  • Professional visualization
  • Educational software

Reception and Impact

Market Position

The i-glasses were positioned as an affordable alternative to high-end VR systems of the era. At $395 for the base model, they were significantly less expensive than professional VR equipment while offering consumer-friendly features like lightweight design and broad compatibility.[3]

Technical Limitations

Despite their innovative approach, the i-glasses faced several limitations:

  • Limited field of view (30 degrees)[3]
  • Low resolution compared to modern standards
  • Maximum input resolution of 640×480 for early models[1]
  • Complex cable setup requiring multiple connections

Legacy

The i-glasses represented an important step in the commercialization of VR technology. While Virtual i-O ultimately failed as a company, their products demonstrated that consumer VR was technically feasible and could be produced at accessible price points. The semi-transparent display design also pioneered early augmented reality applications, allowing users to overlay digital content on their real-world view.[3]

Preservation

Examples of i-glasses headsets are preserved in several technology museums and private collections. The devices remain functional with appropriate video sources, though finding compatible software and replacement parts has become increasingly difficult. The VR enthusiast community continues to document and preserve information about these early consumer VR systems.[1]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 V-Rtifacts. 1995 Virtual IO I-Glasses. Retrieved from https://vrtifacts.com/1995-virtual-io-i-glasses/
  2. ↑ Fortune Magazine. Virtual I-O Virtual-Reality Headgear. July 8, 1996. Retrieved from https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/1996/07/08/214358/index.htm
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Google Arts & Culture. Virtual i-O i-glasses! Personal 3D Viewer head-mounted display. Retrieved from https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/virtual-i-o-i-glasses-personal-3d-viewer-head-mounted-display/4wHrXHZrWs9ZBA
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 CUCUG. Virtual i - O Glasses. Retrieved from https://www.cucug.org/amiga/aminews/1995/at950801.html
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Seattle Weekly. Books Quarterly: All in a Day's Work at Virtual i/O. October 9, 2006. Retrieved from https://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/books-quarterly-all-in-a-days-work-at-virtual-i-o/
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Tom's Hardware. The History Of Virtual Reality: Page 2. March 24, 2016. Retrieved from https://www.tomshardware.com/picturestory/704-history-of-virtual-reality-2.html
  7. ↑ PicClick UK. VFX1 HeadGear VIRTUAL REALITY with CyberPuck. Retrieved from https://picclick.co.uk/VFX1-HeadGear-VIRTUAL-REALITY-with-CyberPuck-LinkBOX-and-182752960111.html
  8. ↑ I-O Display Systems. I-glasses SVGA User Manual. Retrieved from https://www.manualslib.com/manual/631835/I-O-Display-Systems-I-Glasses.html
  9. ↑ Stanford Graphics. Virtual I/O's iglasses! head mounted display. Retrieved from https://graphics.stanford.edu/infrastructure/gamma-corrected/iglasses.html
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