Avegant Glyph
| Avegant Glyph | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | Personal Theater, Video Headset |
| Platform | HDMI devices (phones, consoles, PCs, drones) |
| Creator | Avegant |
| Developer | Avegant Corporation |
| Manufacturer | Avegant |
| Announcement Date | 2015 |
| Release Date | 2016 |
| Price | ~$599 |
| Website | https://www.avegant.com/ (discontinued) |
| Versions | Avegant Glyph, Glyph HD, Glyph Founder's Edition |
| Requires | HDMI video source |
| Predecessor | None |
| Successor | None (company pivoted) |
| System | |
| Operating System | Android 4.0+ / iOS 7.0+ (smartphone compatible) |
| Chipset | Embedded processor |
| CPU | Embedded |
| GPU | Source device dependent |
| Storage | |
| Storage | N/A |
| Memory | N/A |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | Retinal Imaging Technology (micromirror array) |
| Subpixel Layout | N/A (micromirror) |
| Peak Brightness | Not specified |
| Resolution | 1280 × 720 per eye (2 million micromirrors total) |
| Pixel Density | N/A |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Persistence | N/A |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 40° diagonal |
| Horizontal FoV | ~35° |
| Vertical FoV | ~20° |
| Average Pixel Density | N/A |
| Peak Pixel Density | N/A |
| Foveated Rendering | No |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Retinal Imaging Technology (RIT) |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | Adjustable |
| Adjustable Diopter | Yes (+1 to -7 diopter) |
| Passthrough | No |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 3DoF (9-axis IMU for 360° content) |
| Tracking Frequency | N/A |
| Base Stations | None |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | No |
| Body Tracking | No |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes (360° video only) |
| Positional Tracking | No |
| Update Rate | 60Hz |
| Tracking Volume | N/A |
| Play Space | Seated |
| Latency | Low latency |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Integrated premium headphones |
| Microphone | Yes |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Yes (audio only input) |
| Camera | No |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Micro HDMI, Micro USB (charging) |
| Ports | Micro HDMI, Micro USB, 3.5mm audio |
| Wired Video | Yes (Micro HDMI) |
| Wireless Video | No |
| WiFi | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Power | Internal Li-ion battery |
| Battery Capacity | 2060mAh |
| Battery Life | ~4 hours (video) |
| Charge Time | Not specified |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | Headphone form factor |
| Weight | ~440g |
| Material | Premium plastic, audio-quality construction |
| Headstrap | Headphone-style band (optional additional strap) |
| Haptics | No |
| Color | Black/Silver |
| Sensors | 9-axis IMU (head tracking for 360° content) |
| Input | Source device controls |
| Compliance | FCC |
The Avegant Glyph is a unique personal theater and video headset developed by Avegant Corporation, announced in 2015, launched via Kickstarter, and released in 2016 at approximately $599. Unlike traditional VR headsets that use LCD or OLED displays, the Glyph pioneered "Retinal Imaging Technology" (RIT) using an array of two million micromirrors to beam images directly into the user's eyes—a technology that Avegant claimed produced more natural, eye-strain-reducing visuals similar to how humans perceive the real world. The Glyph's innovative form factor resembles a pair of premium over-ear headphones that flip down to become a personal video display, providing a 1280 × 720 (720p) per eye resolution with 40° diagonal field of view—equivalent to viewing a 65-inch screen from 8 feet away. Supporting most video formats including 3D and 360-degree content (with onboard head tracking), the Glyph connects via Micro HDMI to smartphones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, cameras, and drones, with built-in diopter adjustment (+1 to -7) eliminating the need for glasses for most users. The device includes high-quality integrated audio with 20Hz-20kHz frequency response and 4 hours of battery life.
Note: Avegant pivoted away from consumer headsets to focus on light field display technology for AR/automotive applications. The Glyph is no longer in production.
History and Development
Avegant Background
Company origins:
- Founded by Michigan University researchers
- Retinal imaging technology focus
- Kickstarter success
- Consumer electronics venture
Kickstarter Campaign
Crowdfunding success:
- 2014 campaign
- Over $1.5 million raised
- Enthusiast community
- Technology validation
2016 Release
Commercial launch:
- ~$599 retail price
- Founder's Edition special
- Consumer availability
- Unique market position
Company Pivot
Technology evolution:
- Moved to light field displays
- AR/automotive focus
- B2B transition
- Consumer exit
Design Philosophy
Retinal Imaging Technology
Unique display approach:
- Micromirror projection
- Direct retinal imaging
- Natural eye perception
- Reduced eye strain
Headphone Form Factor
Dual-purpose design:
- Premium headphones (up)
- Video display (down)
- Familiar form
- Social acceptability
Personal Theater
Entertainment focus:
- Private viewing
- Portable cinema
- High-quality audio
- Immersive experience
Universal Compatibility
Wide device support:
- Smartphones
- Gaming consoles
- Laptops/PCs
- Drones/cameras
Display Technology
Micromirror Array
Retinal Imaging Technology:
- Technology: DLP micromirror projection
- Micromirrors: 2 million total
- Type: Direct retinal projection
- Unique in consumer market
Resolution
Visual specifications:
- Resolution: 1280 × 720 per eye
- Total: 720p HD
- Aspect: 16:9
- HD viewing quality
Field of View
Viewing window:
- FOV: 40° diagonal
- Equivalent: 65" screen at 8 feet
- Entertainment-focused
- Comfortable viewing
Eye Strain Reduction
RIT benefits:
- Natural light perception
- Reduced fatigue
- Comfortable extended viewing
- Eye-friendly technology
Optical Adjustment
Diopter Adjustment
Vision correction:
- Range: +1 to -7 diopter
- Nearsighted accommodation
- Farsighted accommodation
- No glasses needed (most users)
IPD Adjustment
Eye alignment:
- Adjustable positioning
- User customization
- Comfortable viewing
- Wide compatibility
Physical Design
Headphone Form Factor
Unique approach:
- Over-ear headphone style
- Display flips down
- Familiar wearing
- Portable design
Flip Mechanism
Transformation:
- Headphones position (up)
- Display position (down)
- Quick transition
- Single device
Weight
Specifications:
- Weight: ~440g
- Headphone-equivalent
- Balanced distribution
- Extended wear possible
Build Quality
Premium construction:
- High-quality materials
- Audio-grade components
- Durable build
- Premium feel
Audio System
Premium Headphones
Integrated audio:
- Over-ear design
- Frequency: 20Hz-20kHz
- Dynamic Range: 95dB
- High fidelity
Audio Quality
Performance:
- Full-range response
- Clear reproduction
- Immersive sound
- Entertainment grade
Audio Input
Connection options:
- 3.5mm audio input
- Audio-only mode
- Music listening
- Standalone headphones
Connectivity
Micro HDMI
Video input:
- Micro HDMI connection
- Universal compatibility
- Most devices supported
- Standard interface
Device Compatibility
Supported sources:
- iPhone/Android smartphones
- Gaming consoles (Xbox, PlayStation)
- Laptops/MacBooks
- PCs and cameras
- Drones (FPV viewing)
Charging
Power connection:
- Micro USB charging
- Standard cable
- Easy power
- Universal charging
Battery
Li-ion Battery
Power specifications:
- Capacity: 2060mAh
- Life: ~4 hours video
- Integrated battery
- Session duration
Portable Power
Mobile use:
- Self-contained
- No external power
- Travel suitable
- Entertainment ready
Content Support
Video Formats
Content compatibility:
- Standard video
- 3D content
- 360-degree video
- Head tracking (360°)
360° Content
Immersive viewing:
- 9-axis IMU tracking
- Head-tracked viewing
- Immersive content
- VR-like experience
3D Support
Stereoscopic content:
- 3D video playback
- Side-by-side format
- Depth perception
- Cinematic 3D
Package Contents
Included Items
Package contents:
- Glyph headset
- HDMI cable
- USB charging cable
- Lens cover
- Optional headstrap
- Carrying case
- Interchangeable nose pieces (4)
Use Cases
Personal Entertainment
Primary use:
- Movie watching
- Video streaming
- Private viewing
- Immersive content
Gaming
Console gaming:
- PlayStation display
- Xbox display
- Portable big-screen
- Gaming immersion
Drone FPV
Aerial viewing:
- Camera drone connection
- First-person viewing
- Immersive flight
- Real-time display
Travel
Portable entertainment:
- Airplane viewing
- Hotel cinema
- Private anywhere
- Compact travel
Comparison with Video Headsets
| Feature | Avegant Glyph | Sony HMZ-T3 | Cinemizer OLED |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$599 | ~$999 | ~$750 |
| Display Tech | Micromirror | OLED | OLED |
| Resolution | 720p/eye | 720p/eye | 640×480/eye |
| FOV | 40° | 45° | 35° |
| Audio | Integrated premium | Integrated | Earbuds |
| Form Factor | Headphones | Visor | Glasses |
| Weight | 440g | 320g | 120g |
| Unique Feature | RIT, diopter adjust | OLED quality | Compact |
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- Unique Retinal Imaging Technology
- Premium integrated headphones
- Headphone/display dual form factor
- Wide diopter adjustment (+1 to -7)
- 360° content support with head tracking
- Universal HDMI compatibility
- 3D content support
Limitations
- 720p resolution (lower than competitors)
- 40° FOV (narrower than VR)
- No VR tracking (3DoF for 360° only)
- 440g weight
- Discontinued product
- Company pivoted away
- Limited content ecosystem
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Retinal Imaging (2M micromirrors) |
| Resolution | 1280 × 720 per eye |
| FOV | 40° diagonal |
| Screen Equivalent | 65" at 8 feet |
| Diopter | +1 to -7 adjustment |
| Audio | 20Hz-20kHz, 95dB range |
| Battery | 2060mAh, ~4 hours |
| Connection | Micro HDMI |
| Weight | ~440g |
| Price | ~$599 |