Augmented reality (AR) startup Magic Leap is being extremely mysterious about its tech product, but that's not stopping the company's CEO from comparing it with Microsoft's HoloLens.
On Tuesday, Feb. 24, Magic Leap's CEO Rony Abovitz shed light on the company's secretive product at Reddit's Ask Me Anything (AMA) thread.
"We are in product development -- we have the capital, a great team in place, and we have a launch date target. At some point in the near future, we will discuss commercial availability publicly," revealed Abovitz, responding to a query on when the public would be able to see what Magic Leap was.
However, Abovitz did not stop at that and went on to say that when compared to Microsoft's HoloLens, the company's futuristic holographic headset, Magic Leap's product will not pose any health risks to users.
According to Abovitz, HoloLens deploys an input system, which does not completely imitate the connection between the brain and our eyes. This may possibly have a permanent effect on a user's brain.
"There are a class of devices (see-through and non-see-through) called stereoscopic 3D. We at Magic Leap believe these inputs into the eye-brain system are incorrect -- and can cause a spectrum of temporary and/or permanent neurologic deficits," said Abovitz.
Abovitz also dissuades individuals from using this product and others of a similar nature.
"I personally experienced a number of these stereoscopic 3D issues -- and would not wear these devices -- especially knowing that digital light-field systems are on the way and safe," Abovitz said.
However, Magic Leap's AR product deploys "digital light-field signal technology" and will steer clear of these issues. According to Abovitz, it will not pose any health hazards as it "respects the biology of the human eye-brain system in a profound and safe way."
While little is known about the impending products from the AR startup, based on a report, the startup is on track to release an "itty-bitty projector that shines light into your eyes -- light that blends in extremely well with the light you're receiving from the real world."
The AMA may not have given any clues on the product's release date, but Abovitz cleared speculation that Magic Leap's product will only be deployed for viewing movies and for gaming purposes. Abovitz let on that the firm was in conversation with several developers.
Meanwhile, Microsoft's spokesperson has responded to the safety hazard insinuation by Abovitz.
"Microsoft products are designed and manufactured to meet or exceed all applicable regulatory and industry safety standards," the company said.
