Gizmos & Gadgets: $99 Augmented Reality Mira Prism May Prove to be a Breakthrough Technology

July 20, 2017 – When Google Glass was first introduced it didn’t really catch on because the technology was considered to be intrusive to wear. I’m not sure that any virtual or augmented reality device today can get around the “wearing” issue. But Mira Prism is making an effort to design something a little less ungainly to deliver augmented reality. It combines a smartphone app with a headset in a different type of configuration than other vendors. And at $99 U.S., the Mira Prism makes augmented reality far more affordable.

The device comes with lots of features virtual and augmented reality nerds will find appealing including:

• rotational and optical tracking
• a remote controller with a trigger, touchpad menu, and built-in gyroscope and accelerometer
• a Spectator Mode so viewers can experience augmented reality from a phone or tablet
• headset to headset network connectivity
• a 60-degree field of view
• iPhone 6 & 7 compatible

Mira Prism comes with a software development kit to allow developers to create new augmented reality experiences.

Ben Taft, Mira’s CEO states, “Right now this is the only accessible hardware solution for AR….It’s all about creating an accessible solution that people aren’t scared of — not putting a big machine on their head that costs multiples of $1,000.”

Other than the form factor, Mira Prism’s most innovative feature is Spectator Mode which allows others to see what the headset wearer sees on a smartphone. Users can also record video or share photos of the AR experience online.

The headset to headset connectivity is demonstrated by a game that comes with the app in which two wearers can view the same virtual object at the same time.

Watch the YouTube video to learn more.

Related articles across the web

• The Inexpensive Mira Prism Wants to Become Your First AR Headset
• There’s a new version of Google Glass, and it’s been secretly used by hundreds of factory workers for the last two years (GOOGL)
• Alpha Glass claims to be the first AR glasses with style