Exploring the new 'realities' of today's businesses and the role played by Vuzix Smart Glasses

Most tech insiders agree that the future is hands-free. One day, smartphones, tablets, desktops and laptops will be replaced by more intuitive devices.

There is less agreement, however, on the terms of that hands-free future. Whether devices of the future will overlay digital info on physical environments – or replace physical environments altogether – is up for debate.

READ: Vuzix’s Patent Portfolio Growth is Astonishing

The answer depends on the situation, as wearable displays have immense potential. 

While some use cases call for augmented reality, others benefit from its cousin, assisted reality. Then there’s virtual reality, pop culture’s favorite member of the trio.

What’s the difference between assisted, augmented and virtual reality? Vuzix leads the charge in two of these three fields.

 
Vuzix is currently a global leader in assisted and augmented reality, creating devices that improve how we interact with the physical world. 

The differences between augmented, assisted and virtual reality

Augmented reality

Surgeons are loving this feature on Vuzix Smart Glasses. Perhaps the best example is a knee surgery app called Knee+. It lays a digital assist of the movements a doctor should make atop the actual patient. Doctors can calibrate with the system, getting input and feedback throughout complex operations to ensure better outcomes. 

AR is set to revolutionize how professionals train in a variety of fields. Just as doctors use it to improve operation techniques, technicians use it to avoid getting their wires crossed.

While Pokemon Go and Instagram filters are the most famous examples of AR, Smart Glasses are positioned to fully harness the technology’s exciting potential. 

Assisted reality

Field service workers use assisted reality when performing repairs, as helpful data can be displayed in the corner of a viewer’s eye. Warehouse workers also embrace this software, as they can keep track of order info – no hands required. 

Meanwhile, hospitals are embracing it with open arms. Healthcare workers can keep vital patient stats within view at all times, meaning surgeons never again have to turn their heads to get a heart rate or blood pressure reading. 

In an industry where every second counts, that’s a game changer.

Just as pilot’s use their HUD to keep flight info in view, Vuzix Smart Glasses allow wearers to optimize certain aspects of their jobs. 

Consider a world where you don’t have to hold a phone before your face or fixate yourself in front of a computer monitor. Wearable displays use assisted reality to bring us closer to the info we need. Businesses in various industries are already seeing the benefits. 

Additionally, assisted reality lets conversation partners stream first-person views to one another. A technician can broadcast their point-of-view to an off-site observer, offering a revolutionary way to relay information.  

Such an innovation assists the “reality” of both participants, paving the way for increased productivity and efficiency. 

 Virtual reality

The gaming industry has dived head-first into this immersive technology. Vuzix Smart Glasses do not currently offer any VR features, as the wearable devices aren’t intended to provide this kind of experiences. Instead of replacing the real world, they complement it to improve and enhance workplace procedures. 

Wearable displays and the reality of tomorrow

In a matter of years, most people will know the difference between these three different ways to interpret reality.

For now, remember that “assisted” and “augmented” reality is transforming the business world. 

Just don’t be surprised if construction sites, hospitals, warehouses and other businesses make Smart Glasses mandatory. 

“Vuzix” is a registered trademark of Vuzix Corporation