14 DAY TRIAL // Google Glass may not have entranced the planet's populace to the extent the company might have hoped, and analysts expected, but it definitely set the foundation for a new market, which Lumus is now joining.
Taking advantage of the 2014 edition of the Consumer Electronics Show taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada, Lumus has introduced the DK-40 wearable computer.
The device was one of the many things put on display at ShowStoppers and is both similar to and unlike the Google Glass.
First off, instead of putting a small notification screen at the corner of your right eye, the Lumus DK-40 puts a full VGA image over it.
The VGA screen is really the right lens of the glasses. On that note, Lumus went with the complete spectacles shape, instead of a monocle hanging from a full glasses frame.
The DK-40 uses Lumus' new projector lenses, hence the VGA resolution (640 x 480 pixels).
It also has a 25-degree field of view (Glass has 15 degrees), a 5-megapixel camera, and an Android app that works as a remote control when installed on your phone.
Don't think that means the glasses are just an extension though. They are fully self-sufficient, with a complete hardware-software setup running Android.
It will run for up to four hours on a single charge and will let you change the picture as you move your head around thanks to the integrated six-axis motion tracking technology.
Furthermore, the Lumus DK-40 can use prescription lenses too if you wear glasses for vision correction. Granted, Google Glass can do that too, but for the Lumus device it's easier.
It doesn't hurt that Lumus has been providing optical systems for the Air Force for years, used in fighter jet HUDs and the like. That said, it already has a range of slot-in lenses for those with poor eyesight.
Finally, you'll be able to switch from clear to color to monochrome images whenever you want. The only bad news is that this won't be selling to consumers once they become available in March. It might change its mind if interest is high though. The price will probably be higher than the Glass' $1,500 / €1,500.
Photo Gallery (4 Images)
