Bose Develops AR Sunglasses which use Sound

Bose, the American audio systems company, used 3D printing to create a prototype of AR sunglasses which use sound rather than a camera and screen. 

At 2018 South by Southwest (SXSW), which took place over the weekend, speaker and headphone company, Bose, announced an interesting pair of sunglasses.

The company is using 3D printing to create a prototype of the sunnies which use sound, rather than a screen, to augment reality. The idea is that while wearing the sunglasses and walking around, you’ll hear sounds and audio comment which provide context.

This is very different to the Google Glass. They don’t give you a visual, but audio feedback on the surrounding. Another difference is that these sunglasses blend in and look like a regular pair of sunnies with fashionable shapes and a regular size. However, tucked behind your ear in the stems of the glasses sit the electronics.

“Unlike other augmented reality products and platforms, Bose AR doesn’t change what you see but knows what you’re looking at — without an integrated lens or phone camera. And rather than superimposing visual objects on the real world, Bose AR adds an audible layer of information and experiences, making every day better, easier, more meaningful, and more productive,” the company explains in a press release.

Learn While on the Move with the Bose AR Sunglasses

Instead of having to wear sunglasses and headphones, you could soon simply wear just the Bose glasses and listen to music without anyone realizing. This is thanks to directional speakers which play music into your ears without the need for headphones.

To choose a song, use the head-based gestures feature. This can also be used when receiving a phone call – simply nod your head to answer or shake to decline.

With a double tap of the stems, you can also get audio information about whatever you’re looking at. For example, in future, it should be possible to translate signs or learn about a painting you’re looking at.

Bose also hope that users will be able to look at an establishment and get useful information. For example, ratings and reviews. The company explains that this works with your smartphone, GPS coordinates, and onboard motion sensors. This picks up which direction you’re facing.

However, Bose requires companies to work with them to provide such content. But, the solution for this is a $50 million venture fund. Already companies such as TripAdvisor, Yelp, TuneIn, and Strava are signed up to work with the company.

“Bose AR represents a new kind of augmented reality, one that’s made for anyone and every day. It places audio in your surroundings, not digital images, so you can focus on the amazing world around you — rather than a tiny display,” John Gordon, vice president of the Consumer Electronics Division at Bose, explains.

This summer the company is releasing a limited number of the tweaked glasses. If you’re a developer and are interested in building Bose AR into your wearable, you can learn more on the company’s website.

Source: Mashable

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