Google Glass rival has a new name. It's called Atheer One and the 3D augmented reality glasses that promises to make jaws drop has hit crowdfunding site Indiegogo. If everything goes as planned, it will start shipping before the end of 2014.
The "air-touch" technology behind the device was first demonstrated at the AllThingsD conference in May. The Atheer One will only weigh 70 grams and have a 1024 by 768 3D stereo see-through display that will have a 65-degree field of view. It appears that the gadget will be tethered to a smartphone via a micro-USB and will depend on its processor and memory for its vital functions.
According to Atheer Labs, supporters can chip in $850 to get a full developer kit that will allow them to create immersive 3D apps and experiences, while consumers may opt to grab the Atheer One for $500 that will give them the opportunity to be the first to enjoy the apps created by the developer community.
The Atheer Developer Kit that will make use of a Snapdragon 800 processor but comes heavier at 135 grams. The two versions will share vital components such as the gyroscope, magnetometer, accelerometer, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, and capacitive touch.
"We have been living and dreaming in this 3D immersive world for a while now, and have many great ideas of how our glasses could change the way we live, work and play. Let's look at what a day in the life could look like in a couple years when 3D glasses and natural gesture interaction are commonplace, running a full suite of applications and experiences...," states the promo page of Atheer One.
"... to convey the difference in the Smart Glasses out there, we can't just talk about specs and numbers, as the visual experience is what will make or break the products and apps," it said. The Atheer One appears to be the leader of the pack in terms of field of view with the Google Glass having 12 degrees, Meta One having 23 degrees, and the Atheer Developer Kit with 36 degrees. Other wearable technology with non-see-through displays such as the m100 and Recon Jet have a field of view of 14 degrees.
As of writing, backers of Atheer One have pledged $69,522 of the total goal of $100,000 with 41 days remaining.
