According to Ars Technica, the newest toy from JAKKS Pacific has many improvements over the previous generation, mainly that you can finally use both eyes to see what’s going on instead of suffering through the odd monovision of the original model. Other improvements include the ability to fine tune vision by adjusting the interpupillary distance and a drop in price.

The EyeClops goggles still use infra-red sensing technology rather than true night vision, but with a low price of $US59.99, they’re difficult to resist. [Ars Technica]

DIY Dust Goggles.

They’re post-apocalyptic and cool and remind me of that Tim Burton CGI flick 9 coming out this fall. They also look easy enough to do in the short time I have before she heads off into the dusty Nevada wilderness for music, parties and unspeakable debauchery. These will surely help fend off the the dust. As for the rest of the event’s festivities, well, that’s what the clinic is for.

And FYI: In case you missed it, the headline was inspired by this classic Simpsons moment:

[MAKE]

So if you’re a rambunctious hoodlum, consider these DIY LED goggles up for grabs. The full plans can be found over at Instructables, but they basically call for a pair of goggles, two bottlecaps and a few LEDs. You fit the white LED-loaded caps into the goggles, and they’ll shine through the lenses in whatever colour you’d like (the blue in this example shot is actually from the lens colour.)

Oh, but there’s one catch. You can’t actually see through this eyewear. So your gang should work the blind aspect into the general theme. [Instructables via MAKE]

These insane goggles aren’t just weird looking; they also make weird music. Housing the tweaked guts of a Pikachu doll, these bad boys are able to make your grandparents wonder just what the hell is wrong with your generation in record time.

As you can see from the video, the instrument itself is controlled by an external box that lets you adjust the speed and pitch of the sample. The flashing light is, I guess, just for style. Awesome?

[Get Lofi via Hack-a-Day]

Those Vuzix video goggles are now getting an adapter cable in order to connect them to iPhones. Fantastic, since iPhone owners always have their phone with them.

Current customers can upgrade for $US40, whereas new users will be able to get them bundled directly with their Vuzix AV230XL systems for $US200. There’s no guarantee that you’ll get mugged if you wear these things on the subway, but broadcasting that you have both an expensive phone AND an expensive pair of video goggles doesn’t help your chances. [Vuzix]

As with all my work there are:

NO BRANDNAMES!

NO LOGOS!!

NO INSIGNIAS!!

Everything has been $160 customised for superb end product. I inspect everything I make love several times after and before it is shipped two insure the highest quality possible. I believe this love shows in the very satisfied customer that have bought my work, kindly loved me, and left wonderfully positive feedbacks!

Vuzix launched a camera add-on for the iWear VR920 video headset which surveys the space in front of the cam, and superimposes interactive, 3D graphics on top. Here what was on display at GDC 09.

The hardware itself is just a camera that sits in front of the eyewear, and feeds a signal back to your eyes. The magic happens when an app is programmed to recognise certain objects, and know to augment what your seeing with 3D visuals on top.

This resulted in four demos at GDC, developed by Metaio: A knight and dragon fighting in a Lego scene, An alien invasion on top of a magazine page, digital doodlings on top of a specially marked surface using the optional PhasAR controller and a virtual shooting range, where the PhasAR is clipped into a gun-like shell controller. While the headset itself still feels pretty clunky and dated, the new camera tech has a lot of potential.

Both the knight and dragon demo, and the alien invasion demo are similar in that they add 3D animations on top of a predetermined object. However, the knight and dragon demo has 3D spatial recognition that knows exactly how the lego are built in all directions. If you navigate the camera away from these objects, the graphics and animations disappear. Move back on the scene, and within a couple of seconds, the eye candy reappears. You can even use the PhasAR to trigger animations. It’s really cool to see the tech used in a more consumer-centric manner.

The digital doodler demo makes use of specially marked spaces that are reminiscent of QR barcodes, and when it sees that space, it knows to start superimposing doodles on the screen. You hold the PhasAR like a pen, and start moving it in the air, and as you do that, the screen is littered with your handiwork. I’m sure we’ll see a bunch of virtual graffiti kiosks popping up around this eventually.

The fourth demo is the virtual shooting range, where more of those QR tiles are placed in the distance, the PhasAR is clipped into its gun shell, and in your headset is a 3D shooting range, where you can blast away to your heart’s content. While this is essentially the same as playing a shooting game on the Wii (with something on your face), it’s neat to think you could hypothetically set this up anywhere and casually pop a couple caps.

Like most of these hardware tech demos at GDC, developer support is key to the CamAR and PhasAR having any relevance to consumers. Vuzix says they’ll begin pushing the hardware to developers in 30 days and have the product to market this summer, which will run on most computers released in the last 4-5 years. They expect both products to retail for under $US100 apiece, and will also have a CamAR/VR920 bundle for those lacking the headset. [Vuzix]

Vuzix to introduce the World’s First Consumer Augmented Reality Video Eyewear at 2009 Game Developers Conference

See this groundbreaking technology at Booth Number 6420 NH

London, Wednesday March 25: Vuzix Corporation, the leader in video eyewear for the mainstream consumer, defence and low vision markets, will showcase a game-changing Augmented Reality Accessory Kit for the popular VR920 Virtual Reality Video iWear.

Partnering with metaio, Inc., a world leader in augmented reality software solutions, Vuzix will demonstrate at the 2009 GDC how a simple printed page can be brought to life with 3-D animated characters that literally pop out of the book and fire breathing dragons from a fantasy tale can swoop overhead.

Vuzix AR Accessory Kit consists of two main features:

· CamAR™, a clip-on USB camera that mounts onto a pair of Vuzix Video iWear. The CamAR not only allows the user to see through to the real world but is also designed to accurately track objects and the user’s position in 3-dimensional space.

· PhasAR™, a wireless augmented reality input controller is designed to be used in unison with the CamAR™. The PhasAR™ allows users to interact with virtual, mixed and augmented reality worlds with a revolutionary 6 degree of freedom tracking system that lets the computer know exactly where the user is touching in the virtual and real worlds. Depending on the application, the PhasAR™ can become anything from a powerful virtual magic wand to a 3-D virtual paint brush. The PhasAR™ enables powerful 2-D like mouse support in order to effortlessly control virtual objects in 3-D space.

Together, these new devices allow the user to perceive and interact with the real world in ways they have never dreamed of before.

“This capability, known as Augmented Reality (AR), will open up new applications in the gaming, education and business sectors,” said Vuzix CEO, Paul Travers. “The applications for gaming and education will range from books that come alive to interactive worlds with 3-D characters that materialise right in your living room.”

“You have to ask yourself,” said Travers, “why play video games on your flat panel when it can be brought right into your living room?”

If you are visiting GDC, please visit booth number 6420 NH for the opportunity to experience this technology for the first time.

Additionally, we are also happy to set up interviews where available for an in-depth review of this technology. Images available on request.

Come and meet us at The Gadget Show Live at the Birmingham NEC in the UK on the 17-19th April to try out the Vuzix iWear range which offers a big-screen experience from a device that fits in your pocket. Connect with one of many mobile devices and you can enjoy a virtual screen of up to 62″ for all of your mobile content including 3D.

The Gadget: Rimless goggles with a locking lens plate for switching up the glass for sunny or cloudy days. A follow up to their I/O googles, but with improved foam sealing and shape.

The Price: $US180

The Rundown: Smith Optics is my favourite goggle company. I usually use their sensor phenom lens on cloudy/storm days, and their full on mirror for sunny days. This goggle ships with both, in a clever zip up nylon box, so you’re covered in all conditions. The original I/O had some seal issues around the nose (it, uh, didn’t seal well on most people’s faces, narrow or broad) but the IO/S (and the improved I/O) fixes that with a piece of foam slit above the nose, with more material for closure. (The S shape is for smaller faces, but is the same concept as the I/O) The shape of the original was also really round, so if you tried to put it on your face, the seal on the lens twisted off the frame. Less so with these, but try them on before you buy. Unlike old swappable lenses on cheap goggs, these lock into place by way of the strap holders and two switches on top. Very sturdy. And, Smith Optics almost never fog, unless you’re a sweatball or in a swampy storm. I still prefer to run separate goggles for sunny and cloudy days, because I don’t like handling my lenses any more than I have to, but if you can only have one set and these fit, I recommend them for their amazing versatility. [Smith Optics, Snowmodo]

So what is “see-thru” quantum optics anyway?

The stylish Wrap 920AV functions with any media playing device with a video output and projects a virtual 60-inch screen, as viewed from 9-feet. The state-of-the-art lens technology also allows users for the first time to view 3D video content while seeing and interacting with the real world. This incredible blend of reality and computer generated content will transform the world of portable video while opening up the consumer to previously impossible “location aware” applications. An optional 6-Degree of Freedom tracking sensor and/or Stereo Camera Pair will enable users to upgrade their Wrap 920AV to experience virtual, augmented and mixed reality environments.

If the glasses work as advertised, interacting with 3D digital content within a real world landscape might be a big step towards decent, workable virtual reality. Plus, the battery life has been bumped up to around six hours (not to mention a significant reduction in the Geordi factor of the design). The glasses are slated for release in Spring of 2009 at an undisclosed price.

Vuzix Announces World’s First Fashionable Sunglass-Style Video Eyewear with Revolutionary “See-Thru” Quantum Optics

Provides a 60-inch private video display complete with Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality capabilities and built-in noise-isolating earphones all in less than 3 ounces

Rochester, NY – January 5th, 2009 – Vuzix Corporation is thrilled to announce a ground-breaking addition to the video eyewear market: the Wrap 920AV. As the demand for mobile access to digital entertainment and information skyrockets, Vuzix has once again pushed the envelope. This portable big screen solution with Vuzix’ proprietary Quantum optics technology allows for a “see-thru” video experience in the form of a functional pair of sunglasses and is upgradeable with optional accessories.

The stylish Wrap 920AV functions with any media playing device with a video output and projects a virtual 60-inch screen, as viewed from 9-feet. The state-of-the-art lens technology also allows users for the first time to view 3D video content while seeing and interacting with the real world. This incredible blend of reality and computer generated content will transform the world of portable video while opening up the consumer to previously impossible “location aware” applications. An optional 6-Degree of Freedom tracking sensor and/or Stereo Camera Pair will enable users to upgrade their Wrap 920AV to experience virtual, augmented and mixed reality environments.

“The Wrap 920AV will not just change the portable video industry, but how consumers view and interact with information,” said Vuzix CEO Paul Travers. “From watching a Civil War video reproduction battle reenactment on the actual battleground to walking through the streets of New York City with an animated virtual tour guide, the possibilities are endless,” added Travers.

“As listed in 2008 at the Gartner Emerging Trends and Technologies Roadshow, Augmented Reality promises a paradigm shift in how consumers interact with news, entertainment and information,” said Vuzix Consumer Division Product Manager Ron Haidenger. “The Wrap 920AV is the first product at a consumer price point to deliver this game changing technology to the masses,” added Haidenger.

Additionally, Vuzix will be offering low cost optional prescription lens inserts to provide the perfect solution for consumers wearing prescription eyeglasses. A patent pending electronic Inter-Pupillary Distance system enables eye separation adjustment, ensuring that all users will have an optimal viewing experience. Amazingly, the entire system weighs less than 3 ounces.

The Wrap 920AV’s features include:

• Virtual 60-inch screen viewed from 9-feet
• 2D and 3D video formats
• Quantum Optics Technology
• Twin high-resolution AMLCD displays
• Ultra low power electronics
• High-quality noise-isolating and removable comfort fit earphones
• Up to 6 hours of battery life on two AA batteries
• On screen display settings control
• For use with or without eyeglasses
• Optional prescription lens inserts
• Optional Bluetooth 6-Degree of Freedom head tracking system
• Optional USB-powered Stereo Camera Pair

Compatible devices include:

• All iPod/iPhone models with video output
• Portable media players
• Video cameras
• Cellular phones with video output
• Console video game systems
• Digital cameras
• DVD players
• PCs & laptops with S-Video

The Wrap 920AV will be available on Vuzix.com and through various other distribution channels in Spring 2009.