For our latest XR hardware deep dive, we get to grips with the Vuzix Blade Upgraded smart glasses. This impressive augmented reality (AR) device launched in October 2020, as the follow up to 2018's original Blade smart glasses.

Read on to learn its key features, specs and use cases. Want to unlock the power of AR in your business? You can buy the Vuzix Blade here.

What is the Vuzix Blade?

Editor's note: we'll refer to the Vuzix Blade Upgraded as simply the "Vuzix Blade" from here on. Unless we specifically state otherwise, you can assume we're referring to the latest version.

The Vuzix Blade is a wearable computer, designed as a pair of lightweight, comfortable glasses.

It's similar to assisted reality (aR) headsets such as the Realwear HMT-1 and Vuzix's own M4000. Like these devices, the Blade features a built-in camera and heads-up display, so users can stream "see-what-I-see" video and access productivity apps on the go.

However, Vuzix categorises the Blade as an augmented reality solution, meaning it combines virtual elements with real-world environments. This is because the Blade features a waveguide screen that overlays information directly onto the wearer's field of view.

Plus, using optical recognition technology, the Blade can do clever things like facial recognition and icon scanning.

How does the Vuzix Blade work?

The Blade is a highly advanced piece of technology, so we can't possibly cover everything here. Instead, we'll focus on two key elements – its display and its user interface.

The Vuzix Blade's display is incorporated into the lens of the glasses. It looks to the wearer like a full-colour tablet or phone screen. But because it's see-through, it doesn't obstruct the wearer's view of the world around them.

This is possible thanks to advanced waveguide technology. Waveguides work much like the fibre-optic cables that transmit high-speed internet signals. In other words, they're like tiny tunnels that bounce light down a set path. In this case, though, the light is reflected onto micro-ridges in front of the wearer's eye, which forms a visible, semi-transparent image.

It's easy to interact with the unit. The glasses have a built-in touchpad on their right temple, which supports a variety of gesture commands. For instance, you can swipe forward or backwards to navigate menus, and tap gently to perform an action.

The Blade also supports multilingual voice commands, thanks to its built-in microphone. This allows for hands-free, distraction-free operation.

What can the Vuzix Blade do?

OK, OK. Technical details are important, but we're sure you're dying to find out what the Vuzix Blade AR glasses can do for your business.

We realise AR technology is new to many people. So let's do a little thought experiment to help you conceptualise some useful industry applications.

Imagine you could give all your frontline workers smartphones. However, these are magic smartphones – they have all the functionality of a cutting-edge smart device, but can be operated hands free and without distraction.

This would mean employees could review important documentation, access helpful applications and conduct video meetings, without sacrificing safety or efficiency.

Can you guess where we're going with this? This is exactly what the Vuzix Blade – with its see-through screen and built-in, front-facing camera – can do.

Armed with this technology, your on-site staff can enjoy productivity and collaboration tools that have previously only been available to office workers.

Let's focus on video calls for a moment. Say some important machinery has broken down and you need specialist help to fix it. With the Vuzix Blade smart glasses, an engineer can call a remote expert and receive instant guidance. The expert can dial in from any web-enabled device and provide detailed instructions, aided by the wearer's high-quality, first-person video feed.

Just like that, the problem's fixed – with no costly travel expenses incurred.

And it's not just commercial brands that can benefit. Paramedics, for example, can dial into calls with medical specialists. With outside help, they'll be better equipped to deliver life-saving care in time-critical situations.

Remember, too, that the Blade can access the same kinds of applications as traditional smart devices – including web browsers.

Why's this useful? Well, let's say you have important operational documents stored on a central server. Wearing a pair of Blade glasses, a worker can download these documents and view them, distraction free, on their see-through waveguide screen.

You could even attach QR codes to key pieces of machinery. A worker could scan these codes using their AR glasses and enjoy instant access to relevant schematics and repair documentation. The see-through display makes it easy to follow step-by-step instructions while keeping both hands free to work on the equipment in question.

This all sounds pretty practical, doesn't it? Well, consider the fact that the Blade is uniquely lightweight and comfortable, and you have a recipe for workplace success.

In fact, the unit weighs just 90 grams, making it one of the lightest wearables on the market today.

Let's compare: Vuzix Blade Upgraded vs the original Blade

The Vuzix Blade Upgraded is exactly what it sounds like: an upgraded version of the original Vuzix Blade smart glasses, which were launched a year prior.

The improvements have focused on improving the Blade's performance in industry settings. Notably, the Blade now features built-in audio, so you can now engage in video meetings and access remote assistance without the need for an additional headset. The new speakers boast noise-cancelling functionality, making the device suitable for loud industrial environments.

Vuzix has improved its strength and stability too. The glasses now sport stronger temples and include ANSI Z87.1-certified safety lenses as standard.

Those are the headline upgrades, but they're far from the only improvements. For instance, the camera now features autofocus for improved picture quality, and the waveguide screen has been tweaked to present a sharper, less distracting image.

Next steps

Thanks for reading our latest XR technology deep dive. We're planning to put more of our devices under the microscope in future, so check back soon for updates.

Want to put the Vuzix Blade through its paces? Buy yours here – or browse our XR store to discover more transformative augmented reality technology.