Intel Backs off Smart Glasses

Perhaps a bit surprising given the enthusiasm they gave only a short while ago.    They had been working on object analysis as well.   So will we see new moves in this space?  I expect it from Asia.

Intel is giving up on its smart glasses    By Dieter Bohn in TheVerge

Intel has confirmed that it plans to shut down the New Devices Group (NDG), and cease development on the Vaunt smart glasses project we revealed earlier this year. The story was first reported this evening by The Information, which also notes that the closure will probably result in “some layoffs” from the team that was reportedly around 200 people.

Here’s Intel’s statement:

Intel is continuously working on new technologies and experiences. Not all of these develop into a product we choose to take to market. The Superlight [the codename for Vaunt] project is a great example where Intel developed truly differentiated, consumer augmented reality glasses. We are going to take a disciplined approach as we keep inventing and exploring new technologies, which will sometimes require tough choices when market dynamics don’t support further investment. ... " 

Intel Builds Smart Glasses

Still waiting for workable examples.  Ultimately how AR will be delivered  A little surprise to see Intel in this space.  We looked at a number of applications that seemed obvious, but did not prosper.    The idea may be like the personal computer or the smartphone,  once you get it commonly used by a broad population,  applications will emerge.   But first a reasonable, affordable and malleable architecture has to be in place.

Intel unveils smart glasses that you might want to wear
A low-powered laser beams images into your eye.

By Steve Dent, @stevetdent in Engadget

Intel has launched an impressively light, regular-looking set of smart glasses called Vaunt, confirming rumors from Bloomberg and others. Seen by The Verge, they have plastic frames and weigh under 50 grams, a bit more than regular eyeglasses but much less than Google Glass, for example. The electronics are crammed into the stems and control a very low-powered, class one laser that shines a red, monochrome 400 x 150 pixel image into your eye. Critically, the glasses contain no camera, eliminating the "big brother" vibe from Glass and other smart glasses .... "