Epson unveils consumer see-through mobile viewer

First generation of new multimedia glasses for entertainment away from home

Anticipating future growth in demand for wearable, portable devices for entertainment and enterprise, Epson has unveiled its first generation of see-through multimedia glasses. The Moverio BT-100 offers the ability to watch a variety of content through transparent lenses, ensuring users can remain aware of their surroundings, while viewing content in total privacy.

The pocket-sized control unit with its Android™ 2.2¹ platform offers web browsing capability allowing users to watch a variety of content from most websites including MPEG 4 and H.264 videos, files or applications and side by side 3D viewing on the move. As well as powering the BT-100, this smartphone-sized box has dedicated buttons for common functions and a touch-sensitive trackpad for ease of use.

Developed with travel environments in mind, the Moverio BT-100 draws from Epson’s expertise in imaging technologies and delivers a perceived image equivalent to that of a 320-inch display viewed from 20 meters away. The QHD display resolution, which equals to a quarter of Full HD, ensures that the experience is similar to watching a big-screen projection, even in confined environments such as aeroplanes and trains.

The Moverio BT-100 is very easy to use and comes with Wi-Fi connectivity, control unit, detachable headphones, 4GB SD card, internal 1GB memory and a carry case.

Available in Japan from November 2011, followed by wider availability from January 2012, the Moverio BT-100 offers a hands-free alternative to tiny smartphone and tablet PC screens.

Valerie Riffaud-Cangelosi, senior business manager at Epson Europe said: “As a business, Epson is focused on innovation and identifying and catering for future technology trends – and we are particularly excited about the opportunities for bringing wearable see-through technology to market. This wearable content viewing device offers users the opportunity to watch content on the go, without being cut off from their surrounding environment.

“The BT-100 is the first generation of this kind of innovative conceptual product that we are committed to developing further and delivering real customer value.”

Key Features

• Transparent lenses for see-through viewing
• Large perceived image - equivalent to watching an 80-inch screen from five metres away
• QHD screen resolution (one quarter of a Full HD display)
• Android™ 2.2 platform and Adobe Flash player for easy web browsing and faster application speeds
• Easy access to the internet with Wi-Fi connectivity
• Easy-to-use control unit, featuring dedicated buttons and touch-sensitive trackpad
• Carry case and battery charger
• Store content on the 4GB SDHC card (included)
• Up to 32GB memory capacity for large file storage
• Built-in 1GB internal memory
• Watch side-by-side 3D content
• Replacement nose pads and adjustable side arms
• Fits over glasses
• Intuitive smart-navigation user menu
• Digital user guide enables quick, helpful problem solving whenever needed
• Enjoy both audio and visual content with a pair of Dolby Mobile2 stereo sound earphones (included)
• Up to six hour battery life²
• Removable transparent lens shade

¹Android is a trademark of Google
²Battery life will vary depending on the product configuration, product model, applications loaded on the product; power management setting of the product, and the product features used by the customer. As with all batteries, the maximum capacity of this battery will decrease with time and usage. Six hour figure based on Epson tests using:

• Display image is MPEG4 moving picture 15 frames/sec. Image pattern : Color-bar (scrolling horizontally)
• Brightness setting : 12mA