Sony takes on the smartglasses category with a Google Glass clone of sorts-- the SmartEyeglass, essentially a pair of chunky frames with transparent lenses able to overlay information on one's field of vision.
According to the company the lenses are 85% transparent, 3mm thick and act as a monochrome display, allowing for higher brightness and lower energy consumption. Meanwhile the frames pack an array of sensors, including a 3MP camera, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, brightness sensor and a microphone.
Power comes from an admittedly hefty battery pack users need to carry around in their pockets.
Like Google Glass the SmartEyeglass requires connectivity with a smartphone in order to provide any actual functionality-- and Sony already offers a dedicated SDK for developers wanting to work on apps for the device.
The SmartEyeglass should be available in prototype form by March 2015, before an eventual commercial release.
