Vuzix Blade
| Vuzix Blade | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality |
| Type | Smart Glasses |
| Subtype | Enterprise AR |
| Platform | Android |
| Developer | Vuzix |
| Manufacturer | Vuzix |
| Release Date | 2019 |
| Price | ~$999 USD |
| Website | https://www.vuzix.com/ |
| Successor | Vuzix Blade 2 |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | Waveguide (see-through) |
| Resolution | 480x853 |
| Image | |
| Field of View | ~19° |
| Optics | |
| Ocularity | Monocular (right eye) |
| Tracking | |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Built-in stereo speakers, voice control |
| Camera | 8 MP autofocus |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Device | |
| 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.
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.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
Advanced waveguide technology:
- Waveguide optics (see-through)
- 480x853 resolution
- 24-bit color (ultra-bright)
- >2000 nits brightness
- ~19° field of view
- Monocular (right eye)
- Transparent overlay on real world
- No vision occlusion
Camera
- 8 MP autofocus camera
- 720p video @ 60fps
- 1080p video @ 30fps
- Photo capture
- Barcode scanning
Audio
- Built-in stereo speakers
- Advanced Vuzix voice control
- No Bluetooth headset required
- Multilingual voice commands
Build
Glasses form factor:
- ~90g weight
- ANSI Z87.1 certified (eye protection)
- Prescription inserts available
- Safety-rated
- Comfortable for extended wear
- Professional appearance
Processing
- Android OS
- Quad-core ARM CPU
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Multi-day battery life
Input Methods
Voice Control
- Hands-free commands
- Multilingual support
- Wake word activation
Touch
- 2-axis touchpad
- Multi-finger gestures
Companion App
- Android app
- iOS app
Enterprise Applications
Field Service
- Work instructions overlay
- Remote expert guidance
- Hands-free documentation
Manufacturing
- Assembly guidance
- Quality inspection
- Training
Healthcare
- Patient information display
- Telemedicine
- Hands-free documentation
Logistics
- Pick-by-vision
- Inventory management
- Barcode scanning
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Waveguide |
| Resolution | 480x853 |
| Color | 24-bit |
| Brightness | >2000 nits |
| Field of View | ~19° |
| Camera | 8 MP autofocus |
| Video | 720p/1080p |
| Certification | ANSI Z87.1 |
| Weight | ~90g |
| Price | ~$999 |
Reception
Praise:
- First waveguide AR in glasses form factor
- ANSI Z87.1 safety certified
- Prescription insert compatibility
- 8MP camera capable
- Voice control hands-free
- See-through display practical
- Enterprise features robust
- Compact, lightweight design
- All-day battery life
- Professional appearance
Criticism:
- 19° FOV very narrow
- 480x853 resolution limited
- Monocular display (right eye only)
- ~$999 price for enterprise
- Limited consumer appeal
- Android OS dated
- Niche use cases[2]