Vuzix (formerly Icuity) has announced the release of its iWear VR920 video eyewear. The device, which looks like a pair of futuristic sunglasses, acts as a second screen for a Mac or PC. It costs $399.99.
The device utilizes two LCD displays that show a native 640 x 480 pixel image in each of your eyes. With a 32-degree field of view, the VR920 offers a “virtual screen” equivalent to a 62-inch display viewed from 9 feet away, according to Vuzix. It’s good for viewing video content or other digital media discretely in public places.
The VR920 features scaling that enables you to work at up to 1024 x 768 resolution. The eyewear also comes equipped with earbuds built into the temples so you can listen to audio, as well. It weighs 3.2 ounces and includes a six foot-long cable with mini-USB and VGA connectors on the end. It’s powered using USB.
Although the device is designed to plug into a VGA (DB-15) video connector, it will also work with DVI using an adapter provided by Vuzix. It features a built-in microphone if you want to use it for VoIP communications.
If you plan to use it with a PC instead of a Mac, the VR920 has one other major feature, too. It can work with games that support 3D stereoscopic view (using Nvidia graphics chips and drivers) and 3D head tracking capabilities, for immersive 3D gaming.
That feature isn’t supported on the Mac yet, but according to information on their Web site, Vuzix is working on it.