Toshiba launches smart glasses assisted by small Windows 10 Pro PC

Toshiba has introduced smart glasses that connect to a Windows 10 Pro mobile PC and, for example, assist workers in workshops by displaying relevant information on a small screen in front of the eyes. The manufacturer calls it ‘assisted reality’.

The AR100 glasses, which according to Slashgear are based on the Vuzix M00 AR headset, have a 5 megapixel camera, a display integrated in the glasses where images in a resolution of 640 x 360 pixels are displayed, a dual microphone, a speaker and various sensors that detect, for example, the ambient light and movements. According to Engadget, users of the glasses experience the screen as if they were looking at a 5″ screen of a mobile phone from a distance of about 40cm.

Unlike Microsoft’s HoloLens, the necessary electronics are not built into the glasses and they are not augmented reality glasses that show virtual objects. The glasses are assisted by the dynaEdge DE-100, a portable computer that features a sixth-generation Intel Core vPro or Core M processor. Furthermore, an SSD up to 512GB can be built in and up to 16GB lpddr3 memory is supported. The computer should last about 6.5 hours on the built-in battery. The computer runs on Windows 10 Pro, but Toshiba has also built in its own software shell.

The glasses support WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS and, according to the manufacturer, allow users to connect to the company network without using their hands, after which relevant information can be displayed on the display of the glasses or data can be sent. The glasses and the PC are connected with a USB-C cable. Furthermore, the dynaEdge DE-100 has a USB 3.0 port, a 3.5 mm jack and a micro SD card can be inserted.

Toshiba reports that the mini PC and the glasses for the business market will be jointly available from the second quarter of this year. The combined price is USD 1,899 in the US.