TechVRI tried the future of AR – and this is what it looks likeAR glasses have been ill-fated in the past, but Lumus has a new approach – and I’m more excited about AR than everWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechVRI tried the future of AR – and this is what it looks likeAR glasses have been ill-fated in the past, but Lumus has a new approach – and I’m more excited about AR than everWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
AR glasses have been ill-fated in the past, but Lumus has a new approach – and I’m more excited about AR than ever
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Lumus)
(Image credit: Lumus)
For most of usAugmented Reality(often abbreviated to AR) conjures up visions of Pokemon Go (what a summer that was, eh?) andGoogleGlass, in experiencing virtual ‘layers’ augmenting real life. But having just tried a new pair of AR glasses featuring Lumus’ 2D Wave Guide technology – you can forget all of that.
Lumus specialises in developing AR optics that don’t make you look like a ‘Glasshole’ (cough, sorry). In fact the Lumus Z Lens, which is what I tested out, make you look more like Buddy Holly. Featuring a tiny projector built into the arm and ultra-thin lenses, the unobtrusive nature of the tech changes the way you see the world, offering 50 degrees of vision.
Although I don’t wear glasses, Lumus’ lenses can still be ultra-thin even if you need a prescription – they directly bond onto the Wave Guides, the only AR lenses that do so. While Lumus is a supplier and doesn’t sell to the public, expect to see the next generation of AR technology featuring the company’s work – perhaps as soon as late 2024 or early 2025.
Crystal clear
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
While their discreet appearance is a big draw, what most impressed me about Lumus’ technology was the image quality. I was able to read small text with absolutely no difficulty and when shown images, one a photo of the Cookie Monster, I could see each individual strand of his fur, and there was no rainbow effect as often found on such glasses.
Honestly I have always thought of AR as a gimmick – and a colleague pondered whether we’re ready for the tech, afterseeing it in abundance at a major mobile phone trade show– but even after just a short time with them, Lumus’ lenses feel different.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Similarly, the glasses I used were much lighter weight than the likes ofMicrosoft’s HoloLens(another victim of the consumer AR game, discontinued in 2021).
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I was then shown a video of an animated airship and its interior and the video was smooth and detailed. Trying to have a conversation with such distractions was difficult; I felt like I was hallucinating. But this was further proof for me that the optical augmented reality of the Lumus Z Lens is the way to go.
If I’m ever going to get into VR/AR, it needs not to cramp my style, and Lumus seems to be at the forefront of that. It’s not the only company in the game, though, with a T3 colleaguerecently testing out the Rokid Max. So the future of AR certainly looks to be strong and competitive – and I’m excited for it.
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