Google Glass Early Competitors: Sony HMZ-T2, Oculus Rift, Canon MREAL & Viking Head-Mounted Displays
Google Glass has been gaining momentum as news of potential units hitting the market this year propels it closer to the public.
However, wearable technology in the form of head-mounted displays is not exclusive to Google Glass, as four other companies try their hand at changing a specific industry's landscape with hands-free, 3D, and CG technology in front of their eyes.
SONY HMZ-T2
Earlier this year at the International Consumer Electronics Show 2013, Sony introduced the HMZ T2 headset, a head-mounted display that allows the gamer to virtually play on any gaming console, DVD player, or even a Blue-ray player, so long as it has an HDMI capability.
According to Radioshack, gamers at the CES 2013 were given a chance to try it for themselves by playing the Gran Turismo.
The Verge reports that the HMD features 3D capacities viewed through a 750-inch screen seen, with virtual 5.1 surround sound. Added reports have revealed a 45-degree viewing angle and OLED screens for a better experience.
Japanese gamers can look forward to the Sony HMZ-T2 this October, as it will be released and sold for around ¥70,000
OCULUS VR RIFT
Gaming has been experience a fast evolution, with virtual reality now having a more concrete future in the industry. This was further strengthened when the Oculus VR Rift came into the picture.
PC Mag even reports that this HMD technology may just be the greatest hope for virtual reality. Despite its bulky appearance that makes you look like a pro skier, depth perception, 3D effect of images, textures of objects, and an immersive feeling that it's not surprising to get lost in a demo game.
CANON MREAL
Camera maker Canon has also been pursuing HMD technology even before, but its latest dabble showcases small monitors for dimensional images as well as a pair of cameras position in front of the wearer's eyes, reports EndGadget.
Dubbed the MREAL (short for Mixed Reality), Canon's take on an augmented reality HMD allows target markets like target automotive designers, manufacturers, researchers, and even curators in museums t interact with CG versions of their work before actual construction.
Think of how Tony Stark was able to create later versions of the Iron Man-creating parts using his high-technology before getting down to the dirty work.
The Canon MREAL is slated for a March 1 release in the US, with a price tag of $125,000
BRILLIANT SERVICE'S VIKING
The mobile industry may also tap into the HMD technology, and Japan-based company Brilliant Service is currently leading the way.
All Things D reports that Viking is a potential answer to a hands-free future in cellphones, and to do this, the company makes use of the Objective-C programming language phone and navigation functions, which is expected to expand to other features used in smartphones.
Apps are also included in future plans, meaning developers will be invited onboard to created apps for the OS.
The software already made a debut in the MWC Congress, but according to All Things D, Brilliant Service will not distribute the headset, but it has been looking into OEM companies for the device.