Move aside, Microsoft HoloLens - these AR smartglasses are trying to change the world starting with eye diseases.
In an effort to combat eye conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and others, Osterhout Design Group and NuEyes have finally released the smartglasses that were touted during CES earlier this year.
NuEyes' lenses and proprietary software paired with ODG's augmented reality R-7 smartglasses promise to help those with ailing eyes to read, drive, watch movies, play games or re-engage with loved ones again.
The R-7 glasses are voice-activated, battery-powered and feature 3D stereoscopic ultra-transparent HD displays, high-speed wireless connectivity and positional sensors. They come equipped with a camera on the bridge, between the wearer's eyes, that can shoot at a 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second. NuEyes has improved upon the platform by projecting the enhanced and enlarged images captured by the camera on the inside of the glasses' lenses.
Read next: Everything we know so far about Magic Leap
There are devices that allow easier readability of written materials but they lack the R7's portability, sensors and camera that lets users do much more. However, all this comes at a hefty price.
While HoloLens is already seen as an expensive AR headset at $3000, one NuEyes/ODG pair will set you back $5995 while a Pro version costs $6,195. But if NuEyes Easy are purchased before the introduction of NuEyes Pro, a free software upgrade will be added turning NuEyes Easy into the Pro version.
Mark Greget, NuEyes founder and CEO does say that if approved by certain health plans, the costs could be completely covered - which could help the elderly, veterans and those suffering from severe vision problems get a chance see again.
How we test