Epson Moverio BT-40
The Epson Moverio BT-40 is a pair of augmented reality display smart glasses developed by Epson. Released in late 2020 at $579, the BT-40 features dual Si-OLED (Silicon-Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays with Full HD 1080p resolution per eye, providing a transparent display experience equivalent to viewing a 120-inch screen from 16 feet away. The BT-40S variant ($999) includes an Intelligent Touch Controller for standalone operation.[1]
| Epson Moverio BT-40 | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality, Display Glasses |
| Type | Smart glasses |
| Subtype | AR Display Glasses |
| Platform | USB-C devices |
| Creator | Epson |
| Price | $579 (BT-40) / $999 (BT-40S) |
| Website | https://epson.com |
| System | |
| CPU | Host device dependent |
| GPU | Host device dependent |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | 2 x 0.45" Si-OLED |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 per eye (Full HD) |
| Image | |
| Optics | |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 3DoF (sensors only) |
| Audio | |
| Microphone | Via headphone jack |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | USB Type-C |
| Ports | USB-C |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | 164 x 194 x 41 mm |
| Weight | 95g (without attachments) |
| Sensors | Compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, light sensor |
| Input | Host device |
History and Development
Moverio Series
The BT-40 is part of Epson's Moverio series of AR smart glasses, which has served various markets including enterprise, drone piloting, and personal entertainment.
2020 Launch
Epson launched the BT-40 and BT-40S in late 2020 as the next generation of their transparent display smart glasses.
Design and Hardware
Display System
- Display Type: Si-OLED (Silicon-Organic Light-Emitting Diode)
- Screen Size: 0.45 inches wide format (16:9) per eye
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 per eye (Full HD)
- Total Pixels: 2,073,600 x RGB per display
- Color Depth: 24-bit (16.77 million colors)
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Contrast Ratio: Up to 500,000:1
Virtual Screen
- Field of View: 34 degrees
- Equivalent Size: 120-inch screen viewed from 16 feet
- Transparency: Unused display areas appear transparent
Physical Design
- Weight: 95 grams (without attachments)
- Dimensions: 164 x 194 x 41 mm
- Comfort: Advanced weight distribution, optional nose pads
Transparency
The Si-OLED displays enable fully transparent viewing:
- See surroundings while viewing content
- High contrast allows selective transparency
- Suitable for AR overlay applications
Sensors
Motion Sensors
- Compass (headset only)
- Gyroscope (headset only)
- Accelerometer (headset only)
Environmental
- Light sensor
Connectivity
USB Type-C
Plug-and-play connectivity enables seamless viewing from:
- Compatible smartphones
- Tablets
- Laptops
- Other USB-C devices
Audio
- 3.5mm audio jack (4-pin CTIA standard)
- Compatible with headphones with microphone
3D Support
Supports side-by-side 3D content.
Variants
BT-40
- Price: $579
- Basic headset without controller
- Requires external device for content
BT-40S
- Price: $999
- Includes Intelligent Touch Controller
- Standalone operation capability
- Android-based computing unit
Environmental Specifications
- Operating Temperature: 5°C – 35°C (20% – 80% humidity)
- Storage Temperature: -10°C – 60°C (10% – 90%, no condensation)
Use Cases
Entertainment
Personal cinema experience with transparent displays.
Drone Operation
FPV viewing while maintaining situational awareness.
Professional
Presentations, training, and information display.
Accessibility
Subtitle and closed caption display.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 2 x 0.45" Si-OLED |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 per eye (Full HD) |
| Color Depth | 24-bit (16.77 million colors) |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Contrast | 500,000:1 |
| Field of View | 34° |
| Virtual Screen | 120" at 16 feet |
| Weight | 95g |
| Connectivity | USB Type-C |
| Audio | 3.5mm jack (CTIA) |
| 3D Support | Side-by-side |
| Price | $579 (BT-40) / $999 (BT-40S) |