Google-backed start-up Magic Leap has unveiled its much-awaited flagship augmented reality (AR) goggles.
Called Magic Leap One, the headset is a "creator edition" AR system that includes a pair of oversized cyberpunk-looking goggles, an external computer called a Lightpack, and a handheld controller.
The upcoming AR system features digital lightfield, which, according to the website, generates digital light at different depths and blends it seamlessly with natural light. The product is lifelike digital objects that appear to coexist in the real world.
Its sensor suite is capable of visual perception as it detects the user's surfaces, planes and objects, allowing it to efficiently reconstruct the environment. It is also able to create a virtual replica of the surroundings, which should stay there for future use.
A soundfield audio mimics real-world sounds -- from the distance to the intensity -- allowing users to hear sounds from where they are coming from.
Magic Leap One also sports a high-powered chipset, which features impressive gaming graphics, like that of a laptop or computer. Its state-of-the-art interface allows multiple input modes -- voice, gesture, head pose, and eye tracking -- all meant to reinvent how people interact with computers.
Rony Abovitz, from the Rolling Stone, was among the first people to try out the yet-to-be-released gadget. He applauded how detailed the scenes are, calling them "impressive."
Part of his experience was an encounter with a woman who looked so real, but was actually just part of the AR. Among the things he noted was how the woman was able to make eye contact and track his eyes, even when he has moved around.
Abovitz said that this woman could be the future version of Apple's Siri or Amazon's Alexa. But instead of being just a voice from a device, it will be an AI-powered vision that could actually walk with the user as it gives assistance.
No price yet for the upcoming Magic Leap One, which is slated for release sometime in 2018.
