Despite the significant backlash that the Google Glass pilot program generated, Sony is dipping its toe into the augmented reality market. Dubbed “SmartEyeglass,” these hilariously bulky glasses are currently available for pre-order in Germany and the UK. This initial release is only intended for testing and development purposes, but does Sony really expect anyone to go out in public with these ridiculous goggles on?
Just last month, Google stopped selling the “explorer edition” of Google Glass. And while we’ll likely see another iteration on the concept, it’s clear that Google’s implementation was too conspicuous. SmartEyeglass, however, is even worse. The glasses themselves are bulky and odd-looking, but the addition of a large cable and a controller makes this “developer edition” stand out like a sore thumb.
We’ve already seen a lot of societal push-back with Google’s more modest wearable tech, so developers will definitely be wary about walking around town with this camera strapped to their faces. Without a doubt, Sony intends on improving these glasses before they make their way to store shelves, but these early models don’t fill me with confidence. If developers and early adopters can’t comfortably use SmartEyeglass in real-world situations, then why bother releasing this prototype in the first place?
Even with the battery exiled to the controller, Sony estimates that you’ll have roughly two and a half hours of continuous use between charges. Frankly, that’s what worries me the most about this endeavor. Even with all the extra bulk inherent to this device, battery life is still miserable.Considering that Sony is charging £620 (roughly $952) for these glasses, this is incredibly difficult to recommend as it stands. Triple that estimate to 7.5, and that’s still not enough to last through a normal work day.
A few weeks ago, Microsoft announced HoloLens — augmented reality glasses that Redmond insists on referring to as “holographic” technology. Similarly, former Valve employees are making gaming-focused AR goggles called “CastAR.” Both the 3DS and the Vita have flirted with augmented reality games in the past, and so it absolutely makes sense for Sony to be researching AR glasses. But frankly, SmartEyeglass shouldn’t be sold in this state — even with the “developer edition” caveat.
Japanese and American pre-orders are “coming soon.” Just don’t be surprised if Sony drops this initiative completely in a few months, and pretends like none of this ever happened.If you’re still interested in trying out these glasses for yourself, you can pre-order a pair in Germany and the UK right now.