Following the likes of Google and Sony; obviously Toshiba is also eyeing the smartglass market. The Japanese multinational company showcased the Toshiba Glass prototype in Japan this week at the Ceatec trade show event.
The Toshiba Glass works the same way the Google Glass does with a built-in projector; but unlike the Google Glass which reflects the image into the eye, the Toshiba glass doesn’t have a prism over the lens. The device rocks a tiny, lightweight projector clipped onto one of the arms near the lens. The said projector displays an image that reflects off the inside of the lens to provide an augmented reality-type display.
Toshiba Glass
Sources confirm that the Toshiba Glass weighs 42 grams approximately similar weight of the Google Glass. The Toshiba glass however has shortcomings compared to the Google Glass. The Toshiba Glass connects to user’s smartphone to work unlike the Google glass works standalone.
Toshiba cited too heavy weight by excluding a battery on the device, which Google managed to squeeze a juicing unit (battery) on the Google glass without any issues. The Toshiba Glass isn’t a full blown computer like the Google glass; but rather a display system which connects to your smartphone.
The Toshiba Glass is set to come in different frame options – Standard, Sporty and Industrial. Pricing details speculate that the Toshiba Glass would be cheaper than Google’s smartglass’ $1500 retail price tag. The device is set be available next year (2015) with Japan and North America marked as available markets.
