Chinese augmented reality (AR) startup RealMax has showcased their first prototype AR goggles at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada. While the prototype is far from being a polished product, it impressed tech fans at the CES because of its very wide field of view (FOV).
In AR and virtual reality (VR), field of view is a measure of how wide the projected images appear in front of one's eyes. This is obviously important for both technologies and a bigger number is almost always better. RealMax's prototype AR headset boasts an FOV of 100.8 degrees. In comparison, industry leader Microsoft's HoloLens has a 35-degree FOV.
According to a report by The Verge, the HoloLens' small FOV is its main problem. Small images may not be as immersive as intended for VR and AR.
RealMax's prototype, however rudimentary at this time, projects images that reach almost up to the edge of a human's peripheral vision.
The Chinese startup explained that their device can achieve such a wide FOV because of proprietary optics. The way the image is beamed and reflected back to the user's eyes is controlled by a combination of waveguide and freeform technology.
While the RealMax is the obvious winner when it comes to FOV, the Microsoft HoloLens still has a more robust softare platform. RealMax's AR headset is still a prototype and what it showcased at the CES were demos of undersea images and scenes from outer space.
The RealMax prototype does not have advanced motion and tracking sensors as the HoloLens. The Chinese startup has partnered with motion and gesture control provider LeapMotion to help them integrate movement detections in the device.
RealMax's AR headset is expected to be available sometime in the third quarter of this year. Its starting price is said to cost $1,500.
