Epson has released new software in partnership with ByondXR for the Moviero BT-300FPV augmented reality eyewear that gives you a heads up on your quadcopter/drone flying experience. Built for Epson’s Moviero BT-300FPV smart eyewear the new software gives drone flyers a live HUD in the viewing experience so you can keep your eyes on your drone.
The new software is compatible with a number of the popular line of DJI drones that include: Mavic Pro, Phantom 4 and Inspire 2 drone series. The Moviero AR headset hardware was originally released in 2011 and although many believe the headset is pretty cool, it’s usefulness hasn’t been fully realized. Epson along with the help of ByondXR the new Moverio BT-300 software leaps forward to plunge into commercial and consumer drone market.
“With the Epson Moverio BT-300 Drone Edition smart glasses and Flight Sim app, Epson is looking to revolutionize the industry with the ability to create a safer and more productive flight, enhancing the flight experience for drone pilots,” said Eric Mizufuka, Manager, Augmented Reality Solutions, Epson America. “This is an exciting achievement that showcases our dedication to innovating new AR solutions and accelerates the industry forward.”
The Moverio BT-300FPV smart glasses have been redesigned to allow for a better fit but now also allow you to wear them over a pair of RX glasses.
The onboard HUD lets you keep your eye on the action and your drone, you can even have a pointer follow it in the sky. Once you’ve flown off in the sky it can be easy to lose sight of your drone in the plain sky. See PIP in-flight live camera footage within your HUD and record 1080p HD video footage at 30fps, snap pictures and also all but eliminates screen glare.
For exceptionally bright days or in direct sunlight a removable shade attachment is available with the DJI compatible accessory pack; It comes with custom clips for the controller dongle remote, DJI Go App and the dark lens shade that you can flip up and down like you’re a Major League Baseball Outfielder.
An Si-OLED (Silicon-Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays at 1280×720 HD resolution with a refresh rate of 30 Hz and about 6 hours battery life. The AR headset measures 7.52″ W x 7.01″ D x 0.98″ H and weighs about 2.5 oz. The BT-300 does require a controller dongle to operate that measure 2.20″ W x 4.57″ D x 0.91″ H.
The BT-300FPV’s has a limited 23 degree field of view but still provides undeniably useful functionality and Epson has expressed that they are working on increasing it.
The limitation of the FOV however does provide a couple benefits. First there is no fishbowl effect and no headaches or disorientation that you might typically find inside an AR or VR headset because there is no need to be fully immersed and have the UI pressed against your eyeballs. The Moviero keeps the HUD UI and information at a distance so it’s natural to see, read and interact with. Secondly since the headset is like a pair of reading glasses, you are aware of your physical surroundings without sacrificing usability of the AR HUD.
Moverio BT-300FPV Smart Glasses (FPV/Drone Edition) $699.00
epson.com
