Sony shows off its answer to Google Glass

Following its presentation Monday at MWC, Sony revealed more information about its SmartEyeglass concept, which is the Japanese manufacturer's answer to Google Glass. Sony suggests that you will be able to watch a soccer game while wearing the specs, and see the name and stats of certain players. Or, you might arrive at the airport and instantly see check-in information including the gate number, and directions on how to get there.

Unlike Google's connected specs, Sony's SmartEyeglass also comes with a wired hand-held computer that controls the UI and the camera. Sony's concept also includes something called Binocular see-through eyewear display. This makes viewing the information on the specs more comfortable by having the information on the screen appear at a distance from your eyes.

Other features of the Smart Eyeglass include an embedded camera; an accelerometer, gyro and compass; a brightness sensor; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and a microphone.

Sony first displayed the specs at CES 2014 in Las Vegas and on Monday, continued to expand on the concept a little more with the gadget available for previews at MWC. Right now, the prototype requires the presence of an Android phone as the apps for the glasses run on the handset. Sony says that it is working with partners on an SDK, which has a similar framework as the one for the Sony SmartWatch 2. The SDK will offer control of what’s displayed on the binocular see-through eyewear display, along with access to sensors, microphone and camera.

Sony is still well behind Google Glass in terms of when Sony's Smart Eyeglass will eventually hit the market. The Japanese manufacturer says that it will reveal more info about the device soon, but has not yet decided when the glasses will be made available to consumers.

source: Sony via AndroidGuys

17 Comments

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posted on 24 Feb 2014, 15:26

1. good2great (Posts: 1042; Member since: 22 Feb 2012)

much much better design! i believe Google is lightyears ahead with the technology but design looks pretty damn good

posted on 24 Feb 2014, 15:27

3. PapaSmurf (Posts: 10457; Member since: 14 May 2012)

Glass looks better but this slightly has a more usable feature over GG.

posted on 24 Feb 2014, 15:36

6. Finalflash (Posts: 3485; Member since: 23 Jul 2013)

Glass is like the bare minimum though, it is just a prototype for testing the software and hardware, the design isn't Google's concern. This isn't exactly good looking, but it demonstrates that it can take any form. Likely the software running that thing will be Google based because they have the leg up on that and that is what Google wants.

posted on 08 Mar 2014, 05:05

17. pwnarena (Posts: 1129; Member since: 15 Feb 2013)

Just read more about its difference from Google Glass. I like the display tech because both lenses will show images. Also, the image will look like they're floating on air and projected at a distance.

posted on 24 Feb 2014, 15:26

2. PapaSmurf (Posts: 10457; Member since: 14 May 2012)

Hmmm. Google Glass competitor. Price?

posted on 24 Feb 2014, 15:30 2

4. a_merryman (Posts: 749; Member since: 14 Dec 2011)

Ummmm, no thanks Sony. I like the direction Google Glass is heading in so much more, having it as its own piece and being able to attach different glasses to it is nice.

posted on 24 Feb 2014, 17:42

12. InspectorGadget80 (unregistered)

And I don't think no one would want to carry a small device connected too a GLASS.

posted on 24 Feb 2014, 18:59

13. a_merryman (Posts: 749; Member since: 14 Dec 2011)

Unless that thing is a smartphone and it is adding utility you wouldn't otherwise be able to have. Otherwise it seems like a step backwards.

posted on 24 Feb 2014, 15:30

5. emadshiny (Posts: 1144; Member since: 05 Dec 2012)

Sony must have released an 8 inch tablet instead of this.
Holy cow! Why the hell you didn't do that Sony?

posted on 24 Feb 2014, 15:38 5

7. tedkord (Posts: 13777; Member since: 17 Jun 2009)

And Sony is known for design? That is stone ugly.

posted on 24 Feb 2014, 16:18

10. PapaSmurf (Posts: 10457; Member since: 14 May 2012)

Looks like sunglasses from the 90's.

posted on 24 Feb 2014, 15:58

8. uchihakurtz (Posts: 401; Member since: 12 Nov 2012)

Dat green font, fugly... I much prefer GG

posted on 24 Feb 2014, 16:07

9. bugsbunny00 (Posts: 2195; Member since: 07 Jun 2013)

so we only use this in the terminal airport?

posted on 24 Feb 2014, 16:21

11. CX3NT3_713 (Posts: 2285; Member since: 18 Apr 2011)

....ohhhh okay?,,,,......

posted on 24 Feb 2014, 20:36

14. kaikuheadhunterz (Posts: 1157; Member since: 18 Jul 2013)

I prefer connecting a wired computer than relying on gestures or voice commands. Has a much higher accuracy

posted on 24 Feb 2014, 22:07

15. lyndon420 (Posts: 4952; Member since: 11 Jul 2012)

These things look horrible. And please tell me they come in other colors besides 'douche-bag white'???

posted on 08 Mar 2014, 05:01

16. pwnarena (Posts: 1129; Member since: 15 Feb 2013)

This is actually better than Google Glass in terms of display. Google Glass uses that prism display which is a small screen on one side of the device. This one has both lenses showing images/videos.

The tech behind it is called LOE by Lumus.
http://techtheday.com/lumus-light-guide-optical-element-the-ideal-wearable-tech-for-the-eyes/

With it, the wearer can view things naturally. The images will appear like they are not on the glasses but farther away.