We are updating our recap on electronic glasses, because things are changing, most notably price. In the case of all the wearable devices we first discussed at a live event in October 2018, the prices have come down, some significantly. That is a good thing, and we’ll keep an eye out for further developments.
Before you read about and evaluate whether these products might be useful for you, here are some points to consider.
It’s important to manage expectations. There are no magic glasses. How well these products can potentially help you is totally dependent on each individual and on remaining vision.
Think about what specifically you want to do. Can the product help you continue to work or use your computer? Watch TV? Read books, magazines, newspapers? And is the cost of the device a worthwhile investment for this activity?
Acesight augmented reality headset for vision and mobility
Acesight by Zoomax
$4,295.00 — all features
$2,995.00 — simplified version
web: acesight.com
email: [email protected]
- design does not obstruct peripheral vision
- 2 screens with 45-degree fields of view
- high speed refreshes video images fast with no delay
- magnifies to 15X
- adjustable contrast or color mode
- outlining feature highlights objects like doors frames, steps, etc.
OrCam My Eye reading and recognition device
OrCam My Eye 2
$3,500.
web: orcam.com
email: [email protected]
- mini camera sits on eyeglass frame
- text-to-speech reads printed or digital text
- program to recognize people and products
- bar code scanner reads product details
- currency identifier
- color ID
- date & time
- a reading device, does not provide visual magnification
IrisVision VR headset zooms to 12x
IrisVision Live
$2,950.
web: irisvision.com
email: [email protected]
- virtual reality headset
- zooms to 12x
- read in color, black on white, white on black
- 70-degreed field of view
- use voice commands
- streams online video
- text to speech reads documents, menus, books
- mode for TV, mobile device
- visual device, not recommended for mobility
- setting for limited peripheral field
Jordy wearable magnification device
Jordy by Enhanced Vision
$2,575.
web: enhancedvision.com
email: [email protected]
- fast refresh, no blurring video image
- battery charge lasts 8 hours
- simplified tactile controls
- converts to CCTV with docking station
- connects to cable box for TV watching
- device for seeing, not mobility
Man reading with a friend using eSight headwear
eSight 3
$3,950
web: esighteyewear.com
Now at a very competitive price. Read the review, eSight Up Close.
Home screen of Aira app.
Aira
web: aira.io
*Please Note: Just days after this update published, we learned Aira is discontinuing service with smart glasses as of April 1, 2020. Service with smartphones continues.
Monthly subscriptions with glasses start at $124 for 120 minutes. Without glasses monthly plans begin at $29 for 30 minutes.
- connect to trained agent
- 120-degree view of where you are
- connect with smart glasses or smartphone app
- applicable at home, shopping, travel, etc.
- fee-free guest locations available including: AT&T, Wegmans, and a network of airports, with more supermarkets, retailers and transportation terminals, on the way
- quick calls (under 5 minutes) are now free
To learn more about Aira, read Aira Adds A Free Tier and Aira at the Airport.
Original Event Recap: Electronic Glasses article published on October 25, 2018 and updated on January 28, 2019.