I reviewed my first and only Android VR headset last year, and while it was fun to use for short periods, I found it very uncomfortable to my eyes and head for periods of usage over 15 minutes, and would definitely not watch an entire movie on such device. Avegant’s engineers worked for a headset for the military that had to be used for long periods of time, and they found they could adapt their product for consumer use and create Avegant Glyph, and alternative to VR headset that looks like a stereo headset, but also includes two 720p DLP projectors placed right in front of your eyes, hereby creating your own private, and portable – home theater.
Avegant Glyph specifications:
- Resolution – 1280x720p per eye via 2 million micro-mirrors
- Aspect Ratio – 16:9
- Field of view – ~40° diagonal
- Diopter Adjustment – +1 to -7 range
- Adjustable IPD, and projectors vertical position.
- Head Tracking – 9 Axis IMU
- Video & Audio Input – micro HDMI
- Audio-Only Input – 3.5mm TRRS (standard AUX)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz; Dynamic Range: 95 dB
- USB – 1x micro USB port for charging
- Battery – 2,060 mAh Li Ion battery with up to 4 hours video playback, and unlimited passive audio
- Dimensions – 190.5 x 190.5 x 101.6 mm
- Weight – 411 grams
The device weight is about the same as the virtual reality headset I used, but I can still believe it might be more comfortable due to the different weight distribution. It’s also not a standalone device, so you need to connect a source via the micro HDMI port and/or audio jack, which in many cases means purchasing a XXX to micro HDMI adapter. The Glyph firmware can be upgraded for “enhanced features and capabilities”. Beside watch 2D and 3D movies, it can also be used for 3D gaming, flying drones, private mode while connected to laptop, etc… Note that contrary to VR headset, you still have peripheral vision, which may be an downside since it’s less immersive, and an upside, as you are still aware of the environment around you.
Charbax interviewed a company’s representative as they showcased the Glyph at Mobile World Congress 2017.
Avegant Glyph first started to sell in the US last year, and some larger blog already reviewed it, such as Wired and Engadget, and while they really liked the video and audio experience, they still found it to be a little uncomfortable to use for longer duration, although it was an improvement over VR headsets. Customer feedback on Amazon, where is it sold for $499, is positive on average, but with many mixed reviews, possibly because the company made some adjustments to their product since they fist launched it. You’ll find more information on Avegant website.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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“Diopter Adjustment – +1 to -7” That’s the first time I’ve ever seen Diopter correction for a VR device, but I’m no expert. Is it common? Also the adjustment range seems to be mainly for distance vision, so VR for close-in might suffer?
@Drone
It’s common to have VR headset working within a diopter range, but I think it the first time I can see it being adjusted. It’s for people with myopia.