Japanese manufacturer Toshiba has previewed a prototype of its first wearable device at CEATEC in Japan. It appears to resemble a bulkier, glasses version of Google’s own Glass project. No details are being discussed about its technical specifications or price, but Toshiba has apparently mentioned that it will be marketing the device to businesses instead of the consumer market.
The smartglasses lack many of the features that people associate with this sort of thing. For instance, Toshiba has decided against installing a camera, envisioning the device to serve mainly as a notification centre. Some of the apps demonstrated were mainly around security and warehouse management. It is interesting to note that that the Japanese company really does believe that it will do better by marketing to businesses, which would actually reduce the amount of competition that it receives when it finally does launch the product.
Also missing from the prototype is any sort of onboard processor. Meaning that it requires the use of a physical cable to connect to a device to do all the work. This turns the smartglass into a sort of glorified projector, although it does solve issues like battery life since that is also offloaded.
Toshiba is also promising a “goggle edition” of their smartglass. Possibly for those in the manufacturing line who are required to wear eye protection while working.
[Source: Engadget]
