Call it a virtual disappointment. Or virtually unsurprising. I'll just say I was virtually underwhelmed. Whatever pun you choose, the virtual reality industry has some explaining to do after this year's Consumer Electronics Show, during which the biggest product announcements can largely be categorized as "more of the same." Consider computer maker Lenovo, which showed off a VR headset whose primary selling point is that it's cheaper than competitors like the $599 Oculus Rift from Facebook or the $799 HTC Vive-- though Lenovo isn't discussing prices yet and the prototype on display doesn't actually work. There's also Osterhout Design Group, which showed a new pair of smart glasses, powered by Google's Android phone software and using the newest chips from Qualcomm. The glasses were supposed to be the latest entrant in the world of AR, or augmented reality, layering computer images on the real world you're looking at. (Think Pokemon Go.) But you'd be forgiven if you confused them with last year's model, though they promise better performance and visuals. It'll launch by midyear, costing as much as $1,500. Even Intel, the world's largest chipmaker, which is developing its own VR headset, gave a presentation using nearly year-old devices from Facebook's Oculus.
Virtually boring: VR really disappoints at CES this year - CNET
Lenovo is entering the augmented reality market, but unlike the original intent of Google Glass, the New Glass C200 isn’t meant for the average consumer. The New Glass C200 looks like a Google Glass prototype, with straps that rest on the top and back of the head. It features a monocular “Glass Unit,” like Google’s model, but the camera that sits next to it is a lot bigger. What makes Lenovo’s device truly unique is that it comes with its own wired Pocket Unit.
Lenovo's Smart Glasses Pair AR, AI and Targets Technicians | Digital Trends
Just a few days after Lenovo unveiled its Windows 10 VR headset, Microsoft showed off what HP, Dell and Acer are working on at a CES media event.
Check out the first Windows VR headsets from Dell, HP and Acer