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Rokid Air AR, Smart Glasses Tethered to a Smartphone
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Rokid Air AR intended to be tethered to a smartphone and their function is to replicate the imagery presented on the device. Rokid Inc. was established in 2014 and has offices in San Carlos, CA, Hangzhou, China and Shenzhen, China.
​The glasses are compatible with a wide variety of devices including Android and iOS smartphones, desktop computers and laptops, PS4, Xbox and Switch. In conjunction with all of these devices, the glasses are 'plug and play' for apps, videos and games.
The optics system within the glasses is based on BirdBath optical engine that is explained here.
​Specifications include:
  • OLED Micro Display
  • 4K resolution: 1920 x 1080 x 2
  • 75 Hz refresh rate
  • Brightness up to 1800 nits
  • Contrast ratio 100,000:1
  • 120 inch display
  • Weight: 85 grams
  • Enhanced nine axis inertial sensor module, magnetometer and proximity sensor
  • 43 degree field of view
  • Hybrid digital/analog directional speaker x 2
  • Noise canceling microphone x 2
  • Available in two colors: ruby red and starry gray.
By turning the focus adjustment knobs, nearsighted users (those with myopia of -5.00 D or less) can achieve perfect vision . It should not be necessary for users to wear prescription lenses or contacts. The Rokid Air glasses do not need to be charged as the tethered device supplies the power . There are two modes to interact with the glasses:
  • Voice control: With noise canceling microphone and voice recognition technology, users can simply speak voice commands to manage apps and control playback of media. Commands and responses are rapid, without the need to wait for a wake word. Offline voice commands such as play video, open app, brightness up/down and volume up/down help the user stay hands free.
  • Touchpad: After connecting with the Rokid Air, the user’s smartphone can take on the function of a touchpad. Several of the possible inputs to the touchpad include swipe, scroll, swipe up and slide. Given this means of control, it is unnecessary for the user to purchase extra controllers.
Rokid Air supports two usage modes:
  • Screen projection: The user can see on their Rokid Air glasses the same imagery that is presented on the display in their device.
  • Launcher mode: After instillation of the Rokid Air app on the user’s smartphone, it becomes possible to see all the default contents from 3rd parties.
 
The Rokid Air is planned to sell for $499 but, at the moment, Super Early Bird pricing of $319 is available on the Kickstarter webpage. Also on the Kickstarter page is an offer of $339 Early Bird pricing which has a much larger allocation of inventory . The estimated delivery date for the Rokid Air AR glasses is currently in November. 
 
Source: Arthur Berman
 

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