Sony's AR SmartEyeglass SDK Available Now - Purchase March 2015

Sony is releasing a Google Glass competitor in March 2014. Start developing augmented reality apps for Android now with the Sony SmartEyeglass SDK (Developer Preview) with emulator that extends the Sony SmartExtension framework by defining a set of Java classes and data structures that enable Android app to interact with and control the SmartEyeglass device. Sample projects show how to create an application for the SmartEyeglass device with the SmartEyeglassAPI library. Unlike Google Glass, the Sony offering relies on Android devices connected via Bluetooth or WiFi to provide all computational capability. Sony says that SmartEyeglass can already connect to a range of smartphones (running Android 4.1 and up) to deliver hologram-like visuals through its lenses. Note that the display is monochrome green. (For more on current AR headsets see our overview article.)

Install: Learn how to install manually or through the Android SDK Manager.

Tutorials: Learn how to create your first app, or how to port your SmartWatch 2 app.

Guides: Learn the details of SmartEyeglass development.

API references: Browse the SmartEyeglass API references online.

Along with a palm-sized controller for activating the microphone and navigating menus, the eyeglasses include:

Item	Specifications
HMD type	Binocular see-through with a separate controller
Resolution	419(H) X 138(V) pixel
Image color	Monochrome green with 8bit color depth
Brightness (Max.)	1,000 cd/m²
See-through transmittance	More than 85%
Sensors	Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Electronic compass, Brightness sensor, Microphones
Camera	Still: 3M pixel, Movie: VGA (640 X 480 pixel)
Sound	Speaker in controller
Connectivity with Smartphone	Bluetooth v3.0, IEEE802.11b/g/n
Smartphone OS version	Android 4.1 or above Android 4.3 or above (in case of movie function use)
Weight	Approximately 77g (glasses excluding cable), approximately 44g (controller)