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New Version of Moverio Smart Glasses Released by Epson
May 20, 2019
 
Epson is launching a new version of its Micro OLED based Moverio smart glasses--the Moverio BT-30C--with a $499 price point and setup targeted to businesses.
 
Figure 1: Moverio Smart Glasses in the Workplace
Source: Company
Epson's Moverio BT-30C is integrated into the line of sight.  Nodding the head brings multiple screens for work. Looking at a laptop causes the screen to go away. A remote technician can toggle between manuals, enterprise apps, productivity tools and responding to someone. 
Moverio BT-30C uses USB-C tethering to Android phones as a primary compute vehicle. Smartphones can be used more easily in the field and loaded with apps and content. Epson previously had a forked version of Android as a compute platform. Using Android devices provides a broader range of apps. Windows PCs can also be connected via USB-C, but at this point the primary use case is using the smart glasses as an additional privacy screen. 
 
Table 1: Moverio Specs BT-30C.PNG

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Source: Company
​Remote IT administration and management software allows remote control Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux machines to quickly help end users without having to leave the desk. Epson smart glasses are widely used with DJI drones for line of sight deployments with production implementations at the Theater of London, where Epson smart glasses can be rented when tickets are bought and ArtGlass, has conducted more than 1 million Moverio based tours.  Epson product manager, Mizufuka said the smartphone-as-compute approach should bolster use cases and target markets such as drone photography. Moverio smart glasses are a best seller at B&H Photo. " Mizufuka said that the BT-30 will be demonstrated at SAP Sapphire leveraging SAP applications and corporate data. Target markets include travel, tourism and entertainment, business travelers and developers. For developers, there is a Moverio software development kit that can be used for custom apps. But generally speaking, the smart glasses can utilize apps on an Android phone ranging from simple Netflix viewing to a Google Doc or using Excel on Android. With respect to 5G, better connectivity will expand the application footprint and enable multimedia experiences. The Windows ecosystem will have to develop, and the primary use case would be to use the BT-30C as a privacy screen on a plane. Overall, the BT-30C is comfortable to wear and lightweight. The device can fit over glasses and the approach resembles Microsoft's design approach. Epson's smart glasses unit fits under Seiko Epson's projection division.