Amazon patents Augmented Reality smart glasses

Microsoft has the HoloLens, which is their take on Augmented Reality (AR) but someone else could soon join that party, but from an unsuspecting company. Amazon is likely to create the AR headset, via recently published patents to the USPTO by the company.

Amazon has recently cut down on their "Google Moonshot" like experiments, but could be open to some other ideas. The glasses would be shown feed from a connected tablet. Suggesting that the device isn't one to be used on-the-go, rather to be used in stationary places, like the living room. The headset would also be able to convert videos or images to be shown in a transparent effect. However, the display isn't fully immersing the user into a virtual world/space. Thankfully, software could superimpose 3D images into the user's physical environment. This is called mixed reality, where the real and "digital" world blend together in compelling ways.

In the patent, it states "On the one hand, a large screen is beneficial for watching movies, playing games and even email comfortably" it later goes on to say that "On the other hand, the larger the screen, the bigger the device, which may be less desirable for a light and portable product. Another problem consumers experience with portable devices, like tablet devices, is the lack of ability to immerse themselves in a tablet experience, such as watching a movie on an airplane. "

The future is unclear for the AR headset, but it would let Amazon stream more and more content to their customers, such as through their Prime instant Video service, and more. However, if the device does become a reality, it's popularity will be the deciding factor if it will be a success or not. Google's Glass offered almost the same features that Amazon's device does, but virtually nobody wanted to wear a $1,500USD headset.

Via: | The Verge |

Source: | USPTO |

#2015 #Amazon #VR #AR #Patent #Future