Microsoft Gets Patent for Agumented Reality Eyewear

"The artificial-intelligence race could be heading back to the eyeglass shop," reports the Wall Street Journal's Digits. "Google Glass may be stumbling, but Microsoft MSFT -0.30% appears to be taking a fresh look at the idea of smart glasses. Microsoft cinched a U.S. patent for Internet-connected, see-through glasses. But here’s the twist: They would be able to detect and interpret the emotions of people within their field of vision. The patent for 'a wearable emotion detection feedback system,' was filed in October 2012, and awarded earlier this week, according to a public filing by the U.S. patent office. It’s unclear whether Microsoft is serious about any near-term commercial applications, or is just tinkering. A spokeswoman said, 'Microsoft regularly applies for and receives patents as part of its business practice; not all patents applied for or received will be incorporated into a Microsoft product.'" Read more.

More Gossip about Microsoft's AR Eyewear

"Rumors have been afloat about Microsoft working on a device similar to Google Glass. We've yet to see or hear anything new on the matter but we did stumble upon this interesting patent filing from the company. Microsoft filed this patent back in 2012 and it was just now published, showcasing the company's attempt at integrating multi-touch interactions on eyeware." That's the word from Win Beta. "In the patent application publication, Microsoft introduces us to the dilemma with head-worn augmented reality glasses. Interactivity with these glasses are constrained by the inability to have an input device continuously available in the user's hand. In other words, you need cameras or microphones to operate - which can be a problem when in a library or a movie theater. It may be distracting and it may be inappropriate for the setting." Read more.

Microsoft Testing Its Own Augmented Reality Eyewear

“Microsoft is testing prototypes of Web-connected wearable devices similar to Google Glass, but the technology is far from ready,” notes the San Diego Times. “A source told the Wall Street Journal that Microsoft is asking Asian component manufacturers to supply cameras and other technology for the eyewear, but the device may never reach mass production. Microsoft is "determined to take the lead in hardware manufacturing to make sure the company won't miss out on the opportunities in the wearable gadget market," the source told the WSJ. This latest device is yet another in Microsoft’s efforts to expand its product base from software and PCs to mobile devices such as the Windows smartphone and Surface RT tablet. Wearable technology, be it watches, bracelets, eyewear or something else entirely, represents the next wave of hardware innovation. It isn’t the first rumor of Microsoft developing eyewear either; rumblings of augmented reality gaming glasses have been kicked around since the leak of Project Fortaleza last year.” Read more.

The Wall Street Journal reported: “Microsoft may have missed the first boat on smartphones but it refuses to be left behind in the race to launch wearable devices. The company is testing prototypes for Internet-connected eyewear similar to Google's Glass, people familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal, underscoring the company’s ambitions to go head-to-head with Google, Samsung and Apple on devices. Last month, Microsoft struck a $7 billion deal to acquire Nokia’s cellphone business in a bid to catch up in a market dominated by Samsung and Apple. Microsoft also has launched the Surface tablet computer and continues to test its own touch-enabled watch, people familiar with the matter have said. Research firm Gartner expects the market for wearable smart electronics to be a $10 billion industry by 2016. Last month, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Gear, a digital watch that can run apps and interact with its own family of smartphones.” Read more.

The Future of AR Eyewear

"Forrester Research recently reported that over 20 million U.S. consumers are willing to wear augmented reality devices," goes the post on Wired. "Earlier this year, IHS forecasted that the adoption of AR in smart-glass devices will drive volumes of 10 million units through to 2016. Apps will be critical to driving the success of glass, in fact IHS stipulated “Google is betting the house that developers will produce some compelling applications for Glass.” Topping the list of apps that will define the glass experience are AR related apps, which are designed to add an extra layer of information or experience to that which is being seen. Without AR apps, the forecast sinks to just 1 million units which — an indication of the lengths to which AR will impact the wearable market." Read more.

Get the Lowdown about AR Eyewear

Most people are aware of Google Glass, but they might not realize that many companies, such as Microsoft and Apple to name just two, are also developing AR Eyewear. Digital Trends has a great rundown of what those companies are proposing. Read more.

Microsoft Said to Be Jumping in the AR Eyewear Market

“Google Glass may be hogging the spotlight when it comes to augmented reality tech, but Microsoft could be brainstorming a smart headset of its own. The Redmond, Wash.-based company is rumored to launch a pair of Internet-enabled goggles as early as next year, according to Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White,” according to Laptop. “White said he believes that Google Glass could ignite a “major push” in wearable technology following its end-of-2013 debut, Apple Insider reports. Little is known about how Microsoft would implement this AR functionality, but this isn’t the first time we’ve heard murmurs of a head-mounted device. Previously discovered patents and alleged leaks indicate that the next-generation Xbox will integrate augmented reality into game play.” Read more.

Augmented Reality Eyewear/CL Roundup

“The rush is on to market eyeglasses that augment your vision with a dose of media -- from the much-celebrated Google Glass project to a pair of specs made by Visux that my colleague Scott Stein sported the other night here at CES 2013.” That's the beginning of the augmented reality eyewear/contact lens market from CNET. Read more.

Another Look at the AR Eyewear Marketplace

"They are not on the market yet, but Google Glasses already have competitors. The latest patent is from a big name: Microsoft. The company has registered projects for eyewear that will give the wearer real time information about the surrounding environment. With augmented reality in all senses, the lenses from Redmond can provide information about what the wearer is seeing at a precise moment, whether it's an object, place or event," according to  Mido 365 News. "The Microsoft glasses will be a 'wiki-lens' for finding out more about what's in front of us: with the Microsoft designs we will be able to watch a football game and we imagine that the glasses will give information about the players, the match, and so on. According to the patent, the device will understand in which direction the wearer is looking and adjust the visualization and optics accordingly." Read more.

Virtual Display System for Eyewear One Step Closer to Reality

"Microsoft has filed a patent application for a 'laser-scanning virtual image display,' which is described as a compact display system that can be built into glasses, helmets or goggles. Head-mounted displays are not new, however the patent application describes a method for projector-based presentation rather than placing a small LCD panel directly in front of each eye," reports Electronista. "In one potential embodiment of such technology, Microsoft describes a helmet that integrates a laser projector for each eye. By using projectors, rather than traditional panel displays, the system is claimed to be capable of creating dual 16:9 images that the user will perceive as being 21 inches from corner to corner and an arm's length away." Read more.

Microsoft and UofW Working on New CL

Microsoft and the University of Washington are developing a CL for diabetics, according to the blog TechnaBob. (While not news, there was some neat video released recently.) It adds: "While none of the current lens components have a built-in display, the team envisions a day where the lens itself would provide its wearer with heads-up information, without need for any additional components. Sure, it sounds a bit like science fiction, but with a real-world medical problem driving research, it’s possible the development of such wondrous things will receive investment and make it to market sooner than we think." Read more.