Vuzix Ultralite
| Vuzix Ultralite | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality |
| Type | Smart Glasses |
| Subtype | Lightweight Smart Glasses, OEM Platform |
| Platform | iOS, Android |
| Creator | Vuzix |
| Developer | Vuzix |
| Manufacturer | Vuzix |
| Announcement Date | CES 2023 |
| Release Date | 2023 (OEM), 2024 (Z100) |
| Price | OEM platform (varies), Z100 ~$499 |
| Website | https://www.vuzix.com/ |
| Versions | Vuzix Ultralite OEM, Vuzix Ultralite S, Vuzix Z100 |
| Requires | Smartphone (iOS or Android) |
| Predecessor | Vuzix Blade |
| Successor | None announced |
| System | |
| Operating System | Smartphone-paired |
| Chipset | Custom low-power |
| CPU | Embedded |
| GPU | N/A |
| Storage | |
| Storage | N/A (smartphone-based) |
| Memory | N/A (smartphone-based) |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | Monocular waveguide |
| Subpixel Layout | Full color |
| Peak Brightness | Outdoor visible |
| Resolution | Low resolution HUD |
| Pixel Density | Moderate |
| Refresh Rate | Standard |
| Persistence | Low persistence |
| Image | |
| Field of View | Small (HUD-style) |
| Horizontal FoV | Notification overlay |
| Vertical FoV | Compact |
| Average Pixel Density | Moderate |
| Peak Pixel Density | Moderate |
| Foveated Rendering | N/A |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Waveguide (see-through) |
| Ocularity | Monocular |
| IPD Range | N/A (monocular) |
| Adjustable Diopter | Prescription ready |
| Passthrough | Optical see-through |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | No spatial tracking |
| Tracking Frequency | N/A |
| Base Stations | N/A |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | No |
| Body Tracking | N/A |
| Rotational Tracking | IMU |
| Positional Tracking | No |
| Update Rate | N/A |
| Tracking Volume | N/A |
| Play Space | Mobile use |
| Latency | Low latency display |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Built-in speakers (optional) |
| Microphone | Optional |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | No |
| Camera | Optional (Z100 has camera) |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Ports | Proprietary charging |
| Wired Video | No |
| Wireless Video | No |
| WiFi | Via smartphone |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Power | Built-in rechargeable |
| Battery Capacity | Internal |
| Battery Life | Up to 48 hours |
| Charge Time | USB charging |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | Standard eyewear |
| Weight | 38g |
| Material | Lightweight frames |
| Headstrap | None (temples) |
| Haptics | No |
| Color | Multiple frame options |
| Sensors | IMU |
| Input | Smartphone touch, voice |
| Compliance | CE, FCC |
The Vuzix Ultralite is an ultra-lightweight smart glasses OEM platform developed by Vuzix, unveiled at CES 2023 and winning innovation awards. Weighing just 38 grams—claimed to be the lightest smart glasses solution available—the Ultralite uses advanced monocular waveguide optics and a custom micro-display engine to deliver see-through notifications and information from a paired smartphone (iOS or Android) directly to the user's field of view. Designed as an OEM platform for partners to build upon, the Ultralite enables applications including language translation, closed captioning, messaging, navigation directions, and workout metrics. A standout feature is the exceptional battery life of up to 48 hours on a single charge, enabled by the platform's power-efficient design. The glasses are prescription-ready with multiple eyewear sizes and component combinations available. Vuzix expanded the platform with the Ultralite S in late 2023, a sports and fitness variant that won CES 2024 Innovation Awards in both Wearable Technologies and Sports & Fitness categories. In early 2024, Vuzix released the Z100 Developer Edition (~$499), built on the Ultralite platform with added AI/GPT capabilities and developer-focused features. The Ultralite platform positions Vuzix to compete in the growing market for lightweight, everyday-wearable smart glasses that function as sophisticated smartphone accessories.
History and Development
Vuzix Background
Company history:
- AR/smart glasses pioneer
- Enterprise + consumer focus
- Multiple product generations
- Waveguide expertise
CES 2023 Announcement
Ultralite reveal:
- Innovation Award winner
- Platform approach
- OEM partnership model
- Lightweight breakthrough
Ultralite S Launch
Sports variant:
- Late 2023 announcement
- Sports/fitness focus
- CES 2024 Awards winner
- Specialized application
Z100 Developer Edition
Developer product:
- Early 2024 release
- ~$499 price point
- AI/GPT capabilities
- Developer tools
Design Philosophy
Ultra-Lightweight
Weight priority:
- 38g total weight
- Lightest smart glasses
- Standard eyewear feel
- Extended comfort
All-Day Wearability
Usage model:
- Fashion-acceptable
- Prescription ready
- Multiple sizes
- Daily companion
OEM Platform
Business model:
- Partner customization
- Component flexibility
- Application variety
- Market expansion
Power Efficiency
Battery focus:
- 48-hour battery life
- Efficient design
- Minimal charging
- All-day operation
Display Technology
Monocular Waveguide
Optical system:
- Single eye display
- See-through waveguide
- Optical transparency
- Ambient visibility
Micro-Display Engine
Display source:
- Custom micro-display
- Compact integration
- Power efficient
- Clear imagery
HUD-Style
Information display:
- Notification overlay
- Glanceable information
- Minimal intrusion
- Contextual data
Physical Design
Weight
Lightweight achievement:
- Weight: 38g
- Lightest available
- Standard glasses weight
- No fatigue
Frame Options
Customization:
- Multiple sizes
- Various styles
- Component combinations
- Partner customization
Prescription Ready
Vision correction:
- Prescription lens compatible
- Rx integration
- Accessibility
- Daily wear
Battery
Battery Life
Power specifications:
- Runtime: Up to 48 hours
- Multi-day capability
- Minimal charging
- Exceptional efficiency
Power Efficiency
Design approach:
- Super power-efficient
- Optimized components
- Low-power display
- Extended operation
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Wireless connection:
- Smartphone pairing
- iOS support
- Android support
- Wireless freedom
Smartphone Integration
Paired operation:
- Notification delivery
- App integration
- Voice assistant
- Phone companion
Applications
Language Translation
Real-time translation:
- Text display
- Conversation support
- Travel assistance
- Communication aid
Closed Captioning
Accessibility:
- Audio transcription
- Hearing assistance
- Real-time captions
- Inclusive feature
Messaging
Communication:
- Message notifications
- Text preview
- Quick response
- Hands-free reading
Directions:
- Turn-by-turn display
- Walking directions
- Heads-up guidance
- Eyes-on-road
Fitness Metrics
Sports use:
- Workout status
- Performance data
- Training metrics
- Sports focus
Product Variants
Ultralite OEM
Platform product:
- Partner customization
- Component options
- OEM deployment
- Custom applications
Ultralite S
Sports variant:
- Sports/fitness focus
- CES 2024 Award winner
- Athletic applications
- Workout optimization
Z100 Developer Edition
Developer product:
- Price: ~$499
- Weight: ~36g
- AI/GPT features
- Camera included
- Developer tools
AI/GPT Integration
Visual GPT
AI capabilities:
- GPT integration
- Visual AI features
- Smart assistance
- Future-ready
Voice Assistant
Interaction:
- Voice commands
- AI responses
- Hands-free control
- Smart features
Comparison with Lightweight Smart Glasses
| Feature | Vuzix Ultralite | Ray-Ban Meta | Even Realities G1 | INMO Air2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Smart glasses | AI camera glasses | AI glasses | AR glasses |
| Display | Monocular waveguide | None | Monocular | Waveguide |
| Weight | 38g | ~50g | 35g | 27g |
| Battery | 48 hours | ~4 hours | 9+ hours | 3.5 hours |
| Camera | Optional (Z100) | Yes (12MP) | Yes | Yes |
| Prescription | Ready | Transition | Ready | Optional |
| Price | OEM (~$499 Z100) | $299 | $599 | $499 |
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- 38g ultra-lightweight (lightest available)
- 48 hours exceptional battery life
- Monocular waveguide see-through display
- iOS and Android compatible
- Prescription ready
- OEM platform flexibility
- Multiple frame sizes/styles
- CES Innovation Award winner
- AI/GPT support (Z100)
- Sports/fitness variant (Ultralite S)
Limitations
- Monocular (single eye) display
- OEM platform (limited direct consumer)
- Small display FOV
- Smartphone required
- No spatial tracking
- Basic display resolution
- Limited standalone functionality
- No AR world-locking
- OEM pricing varies
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Ultra-lightweight smart glasses |
| Display | Monocular waveguide |
| Weight | 38g |
| Battery Life | Up to 48 hours |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth (iOS/Android) |
| Prescription | Ready |
| Camera | Optional (Z100 variant) |
| Variants | OEM, Ultralite S, Z100 |
| Z100 Price | ~$499 |
| Awards | CES 2023, 2024 Innovation |