Lenovo demonstrates augmented reality glasses with ‘artificial intelligence’

Lenovo will demonstrate its New Glass C200 at CES. They are augmented reality glasses with a camera and object recognition software that works in conjunction with an Android smartphone. The company plans to launch the glasses later this year.

According to Lenovo, the glasses weigh sixty grams and the device runs on Linux. It is unclear exactly what kind of hardware is in the New Glass C200. Lenovo states that the computing power of a smartphone is used. To use the glasses, a smartphone must be inserted into the Pocket Unit. That part resembles a battery pack and has a USB-C connection. Lenovo is demonstrating the prototype at CES in combination with a Motorola Moto Z phone, but in theory other Android smartphones should also work.

Lenovo does not allow journalists and visitors to the demo room to try the glasses themselves. According to the employees, this is because the device is still very fragile. It is therefore unclear what exactly the wearer of the glasses will see, but according to the product experts, the size of the image is comparable to a 24″ screen at a distance of half a meter.

However, we doubt whether the prototype at CES actually projects anything into the eye. The glasses that the employee wears do not show the light that you would expect at the place where the image is projected. Lenovo does not disclose specifications in its press release, but according to the employees on the stand, the projector has a wqhd resolution. That equates to 2560×1440 pixels. The camera itself records in 1080p resolution.

According to Lenovo, the New Glass C200 uses artificial intelligence to recognize objects. The company calls it ai Martin. At the fair, Lenovo shows on a TV screen what the camera registers and in a caption the software constantly makes suggestions about what to see. In the somewhat dark demo room, the recognition of objects or people left a lot to be desired. In some cases, however, the glasses are able to make a correct estimate of what is in front of the camera, or at least the suggestion comes close.

Lenovo states that the glasses can help people “do their jobs better” and “get information faster”. The glasses must also make it possible to connect with employees who are working on something remotely and who need assistance with this.

It is not clear whether the final version of the glasses will have the same appearance or will be adapted. At CES, Lenovo tells us that changes are still possible. The device should hit the market in July. The makers are mainly targeting the Chinese market, but the glasses should also be available in other parts of the world. It is not yet known what the device will cost.