Avegant's Glyph video headset, also dubbed as a "personal theater headset," is now ready for the masses.
Avegant first launched the Glyph video headset as a Kickstarter project in January last year. Their effort helped them raise $1.5 million. Now, two years into the launch, the Kickstarter company is going into mass production, with shipping set next month.
Avegant's Glyph video headset currently has 10,000 orders. However, according to Joerg Tewes, Avegant's CEO, 3,000 custom-engraved Founder's Edition units will first be delivered to Kickstarter backers.
The Glyph "personal theater headset" is connected via smartphone or tablet, which projects directly to the eyes whatever is shown on the devices, such as movies, TV shows and games.
As noted by The Verge, it's much like Sony's head-mount displays that brings to consumers a virtual viewing experience.
However, according to Engadget's hands-on review earlier in the year, Avegant's Glyph video headset is "more of a personal theater headset than something for virtual reality".
The field of view is only 45 degrees small, and it reportedly feels like watching a 65-inch TV or movie theater screen. In addition, it's worth noting that users will be getting peripheral vision both above and below the display, allowing users to see well beyond whatever they're watching.
Unlike the Gear VR and Oculus Rift, the Glyph video headset isn't as immersive.
With that said, the video quality and resolution of the device is nothing short of stunning, Engadget reports. The device actually works by projecting images directly to the eyeballs via 2 million micromirrors rather than using a screen or LCD.
Avegant has also reportedly partnered with Jaunt, which will allow users to watch 3D or even 360-degree videos via the Glyph head gear.
"The experience that we're replicating is the on-the-go theater experience," according to Avegant Chief Systems Officer Edward Tang.
"It's not VR. Instead, it feels like you're in a movie theater," he added.
Generally, the market of the Glyph video headset is the frequent traveler who wants a mobile and bigger screen for watching shows. The Glyph, which can be used by simply plugging into an HDMI-ready device, offers just that.
Unfortunately, the Glyph may not be for everyone as far as price is concerned. The pre-order price tag of the Glyph video headset is $599, while the normal price on the market is at a hefty $699.
The Glyph video headset is available via Avegant's online store. Another option is on Amazon, but consumers would have to wait until March 2016.
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