Epson Moverio BT-40
| Epson Moverio BT-40 | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality |
| Type | Smart Glasses |
| Subtype | Consumer AR |
| Platform | USB-C tethered (DisplayPort Alt Mode) |
| Developer | Epson |
| Manufacturer | Epson |
| Release Date | 2021 |
| Price | $579 USD (BT-40) / $999 USD (BT-40S) |
| Website | https://epson.com/For-Work/Wearables/Smart-Glasses/Moverio-BT-40-Smart-Glasses-with-USB-Type-C-Connectivity-/p/V11H969020 |
| Predecessor | Epson Moverio BT-35E |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | Si-OLED (see-through) |
| Resolution | Full HD 1080p binocular |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 34° |
| Optics | |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Tracking | |
| Audio | |
| Audio | 3.5mm audio jack |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode) |
| Device | |
| Weight | Light (glasses only) |
| Sensors | GPS, Accelerometer, Compass, Head Tracking |
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.
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.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
Premium Si-OLED technology:
- Full HD 1080p binocular display
- Si-OLED technology (Silicon OLED)
- 500,000:1 contrast ratio
- 34° field of view
- Appears like 120-inch screen at 16 feet
- See-through optics
- Transparent when not displaying
- Crisp, bright images
- True blacks (OLED)
Optics
- Binocular stereoscopic display
- See-through design
- Peripheral vision maintained
- Magnetic shade attachment (for outdoor use)
- Fits over prescription eyewear
Sensors
Built-in tracking:
- GPS
- Accelerometer
- Compass
- Head tracking
- Motion tracking
- 6DoF development support
Connectivity
Plug-and-play design:
- USB Type-C connection
- DisplayPort Alt Mode required
- Compatible with smartphones
- Compatible with tablets
- Compatible with laptops
- Cable housing unit (belt clip)
- 3.5mm audio jack
Build
Comfortable glasses form:
- Lightweight glasses design
- Ergonomic fit
- Flexible temple hinges
- Optional nose pads
- Fits wide range of head sizes
- Over-prescription compatible
- Conventional glasses appearance
Variants
BT-40 (Basic)
- $579 MSRP
- Glasses only
- USB-C tethered to host device
- Display and sensors only
- Host device provides processing
BT-40S (with Controller)
- $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
AR Development
- Lens development platform
- Prototype testing
- AR experience creation
- SDK support
Entertainment
- Personal cinema experience
- Gaming
- Video viewing
- 120" virtual screen
Drone Operation
- FPV viewing
- Drone control
- Aerial photography
Professional
- Presentations
- Training
- Remote viewing
- Design visualization
Technical Specifications
| Specification | BT-40 | BT-40S |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Full HD 1080p Si-OLED | Same |
| FOV | 34° | Same |
| Contrast | 500,000:1 | Same |
| Virtual Screen | 120" at 16' | Same |
| Connection | USB-C | USB-C + Controller |
| Controller | Not included | Android 9.0 |
| Camera | Via host device | 13 MP (controller) |
| Battery | Via host | 5 hours (controller) |
| Price | $579 | $999 |
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[2]