Vuzix, which has been enriching our reality with headsets and glasses for years, has now launched the Extreme version of its widely used M400 wearable, designed for use in “the most challenging workplace environments.”
The basic idea here is to put useful information or visuals in front of the user's eyes without obstructing the overall view and without the need to carry heavy projection equipment. Think Google Glass rather than Lenovo Glasses T1.
We first got our first look at Vuzix’s augmented reality glasses at CES 2013 with a brief demo of its M100 Smart Glasses. The technology has naturally progressed since then, and nearly a decade later, the M400 models are now available to select EMT teams — not only allowing healthcare workers to perform a virtual exam of an injured patient, but also providing vital information to first responders.
The latest addition to the family is the M400 Extreme Kit, which is billed as “the ideal solution for remote field service missions.” This model comes with a 3,200mAh battery pack that has a longer lifespan than the rest of the family to support long shifts. The battery pack is IP67 rated and designed to withstand temperatures from -4°F (-20°C) to plus 113°F (45°C).
Positioned in front of the user’s right eye, the M400’s OLED microdisplay promises 24-bit color, 2,000 nits of brightness, and about the same virtual viewing area as a 5-inch smartphone held 17 inches from the eyes. It sits at the end of an arm attached to a padded headband. A cylindrical 13MP autofocus camera module is mounted on the left side of the headband, enabling 1080p video streaming and barcode scanning; an LED is available for poorly lit environments.
The system features head-tracking capabilities, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and USB-C connectivity, and there’s also an integrated speaker and noise-canceling microphones. The setup runs Android 11, has octa-core processor brains backed by 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, and comes with on-device controls.
The M400 Extreme Kit also comes with certifications for use in medical environments and cleanroom operations. It’s currently on sale for $1,799.99 and comes with a limited-time communications bundle that includes tools like Vuzix Video Conferencing for Zoom and the Webex Connector App for Smart Glasses.
“We’ve been making continuous improvements to the M400 since we first introduced it,” said Paul Travers, company president and CEO. “Over time, we’ve made the display brighter and increased display life and durability, significantly reduced non-user audio interference, upgraded the operating system, added speech recognition and 30-language app support, further strengthened the adjustable hinge mechanism, and enhanced other key design features. The improvements implemented are largely in direct response to operational demands and general product feedback we receive from thousands of customers who actively use our smart glasses.
“For example, upgrading to Android 13 support is another key requirement in our strategy roadmap for the year based on customer feedback. We are confident that our new Collaboration Suite and the launch of the M400 Xtreme will address the need to stay connected with peer teams regardless of location or environmental factors.”
Product page: Vuzix M400 Extreme Kit