Despite all of the product's problems, I still wish Google had decided to release Google Glass to the general public (the $1,500 Explorer edition doesn't count). The company decided that medical institutions and industry were the markets for Glass, and now Olympus is following suit with its 'EyeTrek INSIGHT EI-10 Smart Glasses.'

Like Google Glass, the EI-10 projects an image in front of your eyes, so you can easily view information while your hands are occupied. There's a touch bar on the side for navigation, and for connectivity, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are included. Olympus says the internal battery should last for one hour of use, but at least it's hot-swappable. The EI-10 is designed to be used with both protective work glasses and prescription glasses.

Not only will this not be sold to consumers, but it's hardly an upgrade from Glass. The hardware is very similar to the original 2013 Glass Explorers edition, and the EI-10 is even a downgrade in some areas. Here are the specs:

Specs

Processor TI OMAP 4470
Storage 8GB
Camera 1992 × 1216 effective pixels
RAM 1GB
Display OLED 640x400
Connectivity MicroUSB, Bluetooth 4.1, 4-pole mini jack
Battery 300mAh
Software Android 4.2.2

The processor is a bizarre choice. Despite it being a step up from the OMAP 4430 used in Glass, it's still a six-year-old chip. If I had to guess, Android 4.2 is probably being used because the chipset drivers for newer versions don't exist, due to Texas Instruments leaving the smartphone/tablet business in 2012. The EI-10 also has a smaller 300mAh battery compared to the 570mAh one in Glass.

Obviously specifications aren't as much of a concern to companies as they are to consumers, but even in workplace settings, this doesn't sound fun to use. The one hour of use is going to get old quick, and developers making internally-used applications for this will have to target ancient SDK versions.

Olympus plans to sell the EI-10 for $1,499.99, the same price as the Glass Explorer edition. You can find more information at the source link below.

Press Release

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Drawing on its long history in the development of smart glasses technology, Olympus America Inc. announced today the launch of the EyeTrek INSIGHT EI-10 Smart Glasses in the United States. The patented optical system in the EyeTrek INSIGHT EI-10 enables users to see its display without blocking eyesight and easily access information whenever needed without interfering with their activities.


Within its lightweight and compact form factor, the EI-10 incorporates both wireless LAN and Bluetooth® technology for wireless connection to a network or to peripheral devices. The EI-10's long battery life and hot swap capabilities allow for extended use in a variety of demanding business settings.

The EI-10 is equipped with an attachment mechanism that allows it to be easily mounted to safety glasses or prescription glasses, so it can be used in a variety of environments with varying safety requirements and business use cases. Embedded sensors allow for easy navigation of the user interface and applications, which include photo and video capture and playback, QR code reader, and utility functions for custom developed applications.

The EI-10 is equipped with the Android® operating system and users are able to develop customized applications via the development tools provided by Olympus. Additionally, Olympus is currently partnering with product and software developers to further enhance users' experiences with the El-10.

Partners including Rochester Optical (https://rochesteroptical.com/olympus/), a global leader in optical innovation, have worked with Olympus to develop prescription eyeglass frames with an integrated EI-10 mounting mechanism. WESTUNITIS (https://rms-et.westunitis.com/), a Japan-based software company, provides business solution software for use with the EI-10.

Olympus will continue to build their partner portfolio to facilitate the development of new opportunities and applications for the El-10 user.

Feature Overview

  • Compact, lightweight design optimized for extended use across business applications
  • Wireless LAN and Bluetooth for wireless connection to various networks and devices
  • Unique optical technology with a semi-transparent effect allows visualization of images and data without impeding eyesight
  • Incorporated sensors allow for a wide variety of custom-developed user applications
  • Android-based with robust development tools for product integration and application development

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The EyeTrek INSIGHT EI-10 will be available in November for an estimated street price of $1,499.99 USD. For a complete list of specifications, or for more information, visit the Olympus website: www.getolympus.com/smartglasses

EyeTrek INSIGHT EI-10 Specifications

Device

Model No.

EI-10

Weight

66 g (approx. including battery)

Display Type

OLED

Display Resolution

nHD+ (640x400)

Field of View

Diagonal 13 deg. (approx.)

CPU

TI OMAP 4470

OS

Android 4.2.2

RAM (main memory)

1GB

ROM (user memory)

8GB

Sensors

3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyro, 3-axis magnetic field

Camera Resolution

1992 × 1216 effective pixels

Microphone

16bit monaural

Voice Input / Output

4-pole mini jack

Bluetooth

Bluetooth 4.1 (A2DP / AVRCP / SPP / HID)

Supported frequency band: 2402MHz-2480MHz

Max. output: 4.0mW

Bluetooth low energy is not supported

Wireless LAN

IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n

Supported frequency band: 2412MHz-2452MHz, 5150MHz-5250MHz, 5250MHz-5350MHz, 5470-5725MHz

Max. output: 8.9mW

USB Port

Micro-B

Operation environment

(incl. accessories)

Temperature: 5°C (41°F) - 35°C (95°F), Humidity: 30 - 90% (no dew condensation)

Storage environment

(incl. accessories)

Temperature: 0°C (32°F) - 40°C (104°F), Humidity: 10 - 90% (no dew condensation)

Battery

Model No.

WHB-001

Battery Type

Li-ion polymer

Battery Life

30-60 min (approx., depending on the applications used)

Battery Voltage / Power

DC 3.7V / 1.1Wh

Battery Capacity

300mAh

AC Adapter for Battery Charger

Model No.

UN312-0520

Rated Input

AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz

Rated Output

DC5V, 2.0A

Battery Charger

Model No.

EI-CH1

Rated Input

DC5V, 2.0A

Rated Output

DC4.2V, 0.75A (when 5 batteries are charged)

Product Name

MSRP

EI-10

$1,499.99

Battery Charger EI-CS1

$249.99

Battery 5 Pack EI-BTS

$209.99

Power Pack Adapter EI-PC1

$109.99

Protective Eyewear with Mount EI-OG1

$129.99

Headset with Mic EI-HS1

$89.99

ABOUT OLYMPUS AMERICA INC.

Olympus America Inc. is a leading provider of digital imaging and audio technology solutions noted for its precision optics and groundbreaking technologies. For more than 90 years, Olympus has innovated and developed best-in-class products that expand the boundaries of product design and functionality, empowering consumers and professionals alike to capture their stories. These include:

Digital Compact Cameras

Professional and Consumer Interchangeable Lens Cameras

Related Underwater Products and Accessories

Digital Audio Recorders

Binoculars

Accessories

For more information about Olympus and our award-winning products, please visit getolympus.com or connect with us and other fans like you through our social and photographic communities: @getolympus on Facebook®, Twitter®, Tumblr®, YouTube®, Pinterest®, Instagram® and Flickr®.

Specifications and design are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. All trademarks and registered trademarks listed herein are the property of their respective holders, in the U.S. and/or other countries.

© 2017 Olympus America Inc.

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/olympus-launches-the-eyetrek-insight-ei-10-smart-glasses-for-business-applications-300550021.html

SOURCE Olympus America Inc.