Videos

Last week Vuzix demonstrated the world's first consumer augmented reality video eyewear at the 2009 Game Developer's Conference. When used with their VR920 Virtual Reality Video Glasses, the new Augmented Reality Accessory Kit brings printed pages to life with 3-D animated characters. The Vuzix AR Accessory Kit has two main features:

• CamAR, a clip-on USB camera that mounts onto a pair of Vuzix Video Eyewear. The CamAR allows the user to see through to the real world but also tracks objects and the user's position in 3-dimensional space.
• PhasAR, a wireless augmented reality input controller is designed to be used with the CamAR. The PhasAR allows users to interact with virtual, mixed and augmented reality worlds with a revolutionary 6 degree of freedom tracking system that lets the computer know exactly where the user is touching in the virtual and real worlds. Depending on the application, the PhasAR can become anything from a virtual magic wand to a 3-D virtual paint brush. The PhasAR enables 2-D like mouse support in order to control virtual objects in 3-D space.

Pricing and availability have not yet been announced.

You don't need me to tell you that times are tough. Some of us are brave and will tackle the depressing news head-on, but for the rest of us, escapism is looking more pleasant by the day. Television is the ultimate in escapism, because, regardless of whatever else is going on, your full attention is devoted to the program for that blissful and problem-less hour.

Vuzix's latest product, the iWear AV310 Widescreen, is the epitome of escapism. Looking like regular glasses, the iWear AV310 provides a 52-inch virtual screen to the person wearing them. Weighing less than four ounces and lasting upwards of 11 hours on one single AA battery, the glasses allow the ultimate escape from reality.

As interesting and desirable as this product is, Vuzix is in-tune enough to know that consumers can't be shelling out too much money right now. That's why the AV310 Widescreen costs only about $250.

As consumers demand more mobile products, including those that provide video, Vuzix is engineering solutions that stretch our imagination. Their new wearable displays are completely functional sunglasses that just happen to also show video like a big screen. The display is effectively the same as 60-inch screen at 9 feet.

The Wrap 920AV package has built-in noise-isolating earphones and weighs less than 3 ounces. The battery runtime is specified as 6 hours on two AA batteries. They will be offered with optional prescription lenses, and can be used with eyeglasses too. There are lots of gee-whiz 3D features for virtual reality and gaming too.

Vuzix will be showing the new Wrap 920AV sunglasses at CES 2009. They will be available Spring 2009. Pricing has not been announced yet.

Why do we take so many pictures? Because we don't have a video camera, right? eStarling now has a WiFi digital picture frame that supports video! Yes, you might say, “Why, that’s a television!” Well … not really. You can shoot a video with your cell phone, and immediately upload that video to the eStarling ImpactV for your friends or family to share the memory. This company has even developed an iPhone App that enables your iPhone to easily upload content to the ImpactV.

The quality of the video and pictures on the frame is great. You can even send YouTube videos, movie trailers, news clips, music videos, etc. Any video with a maximum of four (4) minutes in length can be sent to this device. I am sure your creative minds can find a way to integrate this into your life. Here is the link to the company site, www.estarling.com. The MSRP for the 8-inch ImpactV is $199.

Sling.com is a new video on demand IPTV website. Users can subscribe to channels and shows to customize the programming presented to them. They are still filling out their lineup but have announced over 90 providers and 150 brands, including Discovery Communications, Hulu (CBS), Lifetime Television, PBS, Starz, National Geographic, and many more.

If you own a Slingbox you can now access your home television and DVR via the Sling.com website. This means no additional software needed to download. The company's Slingcatcher box can utilize Sling.com now too.

As well as being a competitor, Hulu is providing content on Sling too. Joost and Miro also have many fans in sending television over the internet.

If you're new to internet television, this market it quickly gaining quality content from traditional networks as well as new guys like Revision3 and the hilarious Onion News Network.

Check Sling.com out. Your favorite shows may already be there, many of mine are. Surf around the list of networks and shows. I'm sure you'll find something new and interesting that broadcast tv and cable don't provide.