Examine individual changes

'{{more citations needed|date=July 2016}} {{Infobox company | name = Vuzix Corporation | logo = | type = [[Public company|Public]] | traded_as = {{NASDAQ|VUZI}}<br>[[Russell 2000 Index|Russell 2000 Component]] | genre = | foundation = | founder = Paul Travers | Head Office = | location_city = [[Rochester, New York]] | location_country = [[United States]] | location = | locations = | key_people = | area_served = | industry = | products = M100 Smart Glasses, M300 Smart Glasses, iWear Video Headphones | services = | revenue = | operating_income = | net_income = | num_employees = 45 total, 22 engineering staff | parent = | divisions = | subsid = | owner = [[Intel]] (30%) | caption = | homepage = {{URL|http://www.vuzix.com}} | dissolved = | footnotes = }} '''Vuzix''' is an [[United States|American]] multinational [[technology]] firm headquartered in [[Rochester, New York]]. Founded in 1997 by Paul Travers, Vuzix is a supplier of wearable display technology, [[virtual reality]] and [[augmented reality]]. Vuzix manufactures and sells computer [[display device]]s and [[computer software|software]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vuzix.com/corporate/index.html |title=About Vuzix Corporation |access-date=2011-01-24 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Fl2DlsF3?url=http://www.vuzix.com/corporate/index.html |archive-date=2013-04-09 |dead-url=yes |df= }}</ref> Vuzix [[Head-mounted display|personal display devices]] are used for mobile and immersive [[augmented reality]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-10797_3-20006750-235.html?tag=mncol |title=Augmented Reality edges closer to the mainstream - CNET News}}</ref> applications, such as [[3d computer graphics|3D gaming]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/The-Best-New-Technology |title=The Best New Technology - Oprah.com}}</ref> [[manufacturing]] training,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Vuzix-NS-Solutions-Corporation-Partner-Deliver-Augmented-Reality-Solutions-Manufacturing-1401246.htm |title=Vuzix and NS Solutions Corporation Partner to Deliver Augmented Reality Solutions for Manufacturing}}</ref> and [[Military technology and equipment|military]] tactical equipment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/02/26/us-navy-buys-into-smart-glasses-trend-in-deal-with-vuzix/|title=U.S. Navy buys into smart glasses trend in deal with Vuzix|website=VentureBeat|access-date=2017-01-30}}</ref> On January 5, 2015, [[Intel]] acquired 30% of Vuzix's stock for $24.8 million.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/anton-shilov/intel-acquires-30-stake-in-vuzix-a-maker-of-smart-eyewear/|title=Intel acquires 30% stake in Vuzix, a maker of smart eyewear {{!}} KitGuru|website=www.kitguru.net|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-30}}</ref> ==History== Paul Travers founded Vuzix in 1997 in Rochester, NY, under the name Interactive Imaging Systems, purchasing the assets of the [[virtual reality]] company Forte Technologies. The company started with products for the military and U.S. Defense, but then developed consumer virtual reality systems and was the first company to deliver consumer [[virtual reality]]. The Company has offices in New York, Japan, and the UK and is the current market leader for video eyewear{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}. Forte was a pioneer during the mid-1990s developing immersive head mounted displays<ref>{{cite web|title=FORTE VFX-1 HEADGEAR Virtual-Reality system.|url=http://museum.bounce-gaming.net/vfx1.html|publisher=Museum of Interesting Tech}}</ref> for [[Virtual Reality]] and video gaming applications. In 1997, the Company was hired as a subcontractor to [[Raytheon]], designing display electronics for a digital [[AN/PAS-13|night vision weapon sight]]. In 2000, the [[VFX1 Headgear]] was featured in a commemorative US Postal Service stamp collection celebrating the 1990s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Celebrate the Century - 1990s - No. 10 of 10 - U.S. Postal Service - 2000|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VG9ML6}}</ref> The VFX1 was replaced by a higher resolution system dubbed the VFX3D in mid 2000.<ref>{{cite web|title=Unofficial VFX3D page|url=http://www.stereo3d.com/vfx3d.htm|work=Stereo3D.com}}</ref> In 2001, Vuzix launched its first consumer electronics product, the iCOM personal internet browser.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hendricks|first=Veronica|title=iCOM Personal Internet Browser|url=http://www.iapplianceweb.com/appreview/handheld_computers_14.htm|accessdate=2011-06-29|newspaper=iApplianceWeb.com}}</ref> In 2005, Vuzix provided a custom high resolution handheld display system that created the 3D imagery for Hitachi's pavilion at the 2005 World’s Fair in Aichi, Japan. The Hitachi Pavilion allowed users to interact with computer generated models and dioramas of endangered species in a Mixed Reality ride.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nature Contact - Hitachi Group Pavilion's Ubiquitous Entertainment Ride|url=http://www.expo2005.or.jp/en/venue/pavilion_private_f.html|work=Expor2005.or.jp}}</ref> In 2005, the company changed its name to Icuiti. Later that year, Icuiti launched its first product designed specifically for consumers, the V920 Video Eyewear.<ref>{{cite web|title=VR Interfaces: Icuiti V920|url=http://www.virtualworldlets.net/Shop/ProductsDisplay/VRInterface.php?ID=2|work=virtualworldlets.net}}</ref> Also in 2005, Icuiti was awarded its first military R&D contract to develop a high resolution monocular display device for viewing tactical maps and video. This development would lead to the Tac-Eye product line, which began rate production in 2009 and is currently used in many major military programs including the Battlefield Air Operations kit.<ref>{{cite news|title=NDIA Brief|url=http://www.ndiagulfcoast.com/events/archive/34th_Symposium/34_Day1/12_AFSOC_NDIA_Brief.pdf|accessdate=2011-06-29}}</ref> A re-branding in 2007 changed the Company's name from Icuiti to Vuzix.<ref>http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/icuiti-changes-name-to-vuzix-corporation-57757517.html</ref> In 2010, Vuzix introduced the first production model see-through [[augmented reality]] glasses the STAR 1200.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vuzix Star 1200 headset augments your reality, not your bank account|url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/11/vuzix-star-1200-headset-augments-your-reality-not-your-bank-acc/|work=Engadget.com|publisher=AOL Tech.}}</ref> It was released in August 2011 for $4999.<ref>{{cite web|title=0Vuzix Star 1200: Price and Release Date for Augmented-Reality Glasses|url=http://pinoytutorial.com/techtorial/vuzix-star-1200-price-and-release-date-for-augmented-reality-glasses/}}</ref> Vuzix is currently{{When|date=April 2012}} under contract with [[DARPA]] to design and build a next generation heads up display for military ground personnel.<ref>{{cite news|title=Darpa's Holograms Rain Hell|url=https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/04/holograms-bring-hell/|accessdate=29 June 2011|newspaper=Wired.com - Danger Room|first=Noah|last=Shachtman|date=2011-04-11}}</ref> The DARPA PCAS program is large R&D program with the goal of allowing the joint tactical air controller the ability to rapidly engage multiple, moving and simultaneous targets within his area of responsibility.<ref>{{cite web|title=Persistent Close Air Support|url=http://www.darpa.mil/Our_Work/TTO/Programs/PCAS/Persistent_Close_Air_Support.aspx|publisher=Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency|accessdate=29 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110821023328/http://www.darpa.mil/Our_Work/TTO/Programs/PCAS/Persistent_Close_Air_Support.aspx|archive-date=21 August 2011|dead-url=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In January 2013, at CES, Vuzix Corporation demonstrated working models of its new M100 Smart Glasses, the official press event of CES. Rated as one of the five top gadgets expected at CES by CNBC<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/id/100348986/Five_Hot_Gadgets_Expected_at_CES_2013|date=January 2013|title=Five Hot Gadgets Expected at CES 2013}}</ref> and given the CES Innovations award,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cesweb.org/Awards/CES-Innovations-Awards/2013.aspx|date=January 2013|title=CES Innovation Awards|access-date=2013-01-20|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Fl2EW5pW?url=http://www.cesweb.org/Awards/CES-Innovations-Awards/2013.aspx|archive-date=2013-04-09|dead-url=yes|df=}}</ref> the Vuzix Smart Glasses M100, expected to ship in second half of 2013, will enable wearers to access data and content from an iOS or Android smart phone from the cloud and ‘hands free’. The m100 was officially released in December 2013 for $1000: double the original announced price.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vuzix's Android-powered M100 Smart Glasses now available to pre-order for $1,000|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/12/03/vuzix-m100-smart-glasses-now-available-to-pre-order/}}</ref> In January 2015, [[Intel]] invested $25 million in the company, gaining 30% ownership of the company.<ref>{{citeweb|url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/01/03/intel-vuzix-investment/|title=Intel Vuzix Investment}}</ref> In August 2017, Vuzix and BlackBerry became partners to deliver smart glasses for the enterprise.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://grouvytoday.com/news/consumer-electronics-show/vuzix-teams-up-with-blackberry-to-deliver-m300-smart-glasses-to-enterprise-customers/129495/|title=Vuzix teams up with BlackBerry to deliver M300 Smart Glasses to Enterprise customers - Grouvy Today|date=2017-08-10|work=Grouvy Today|access-date=2017-11-23|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.techsourceint.com/emerging-tech/blackberry-teams-up-with-vuzix-to-deliver-smart-glasses-for-the-enterprise|title=Blackberry teams up with Vuzix to deliver smart glasses for the enterprise|work=TechSource International - Leaders in Technology News|access-date=2017-11-23|language=en-us}}</ref> ==Innovations== ===Video Eyeware=== *Vuzix created the first video eyewear to support stereoscopic 3D for the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://video.forbes.com/fvn/tech/km_techtake022508 |title=Take Control in New Ways - Forbes.com | first=Kym | last=McNicholas}}</ref> ===Augmented Reality Eyeware=== [[File:Vuzix AR3000 AugmentedReality SmartGlasses.png|thumb|Vuzix AR3000 Augmented Reality SmartGlasses]] *Vuzix created the first commercially produced pass-through augmented reality headset, the Wrap 920AR. The Wrap 920AR has two VGA video displays and two cameras that work together to provide the user a view of the world which blends real world inputs and computer generated data.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/big-idea/14/augmented-reality-pg2 |title=The Big Idea - Augmented Reality - National Geographic Magazine}}</ref> *During the [[Consumer Electronic Show]] in 2011, Vuzix announced the Raptyr. The Raptyr is a see-through augmented reality display prototype that will be the first consumer product of its kind when it reaches the market in 2011{{update after|2011|12|31}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/editors/26227/ |title=CES:Clear Glasses to Augment Your Reality - MIT Technology Review}}</ref> *The STAR 1200 is the first see-through [[augmented reality]] display to be mass-produced and was scheduled to be released in August 2011.{{update after|2011|08|31}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/11/vuzix-star-1200-headset-augments-your-reality-not-your-bank-acc/ |title=Vuzix Star 1200 headset augments your reality, not your bank account |work=Engadget.com |date=2011-06-11}}</ref> *The Vuzix Smart Glasses M100 are scheduled for commercial release in late 2013.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://reviews.cnet.com/specialized-electronics-accessories/vuzix-smart-glasses-m100/4505-7847_7-35536668.html |title=Future goggles: Eyes-on with Vuzix M100 Smart Glasses }}</ref> Vuzix describes the M100 as the world’s first, commercially available, hands free display and cloud connected communications system. The Vuzix M100 contains a virtual display with integrated camera and powerful processing engine, running the Android OS . Users will be able to connect wirelessly to their smartphone (Android-based) or other compatible devices. The M100 is also powerful enough to connect directly to the Internet, run applications and games itself. When connected to a smartphone, users will be able to engage with existing and future applications such as texts, video, email, mapping, and audio. As a hands free accessory with integrated camera/display functionality, Vuzi smart glasses will let users answer the phone with a visual address book and enable applications from text messaging and email to visual navigation (via an integrated GPS and head tracker) along with more advanced features like video recording. The interactive head tracking and integrated HD camera, combined with applications on the M100 and a smartphone linked to the Cloud, empower smartphone based augmented reality applications.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vuzix.com/site/_news/2013/vuzix-unveils-M100-smart-glasses-at-CES.pdf|date=January 2013|title=Vuzix Unveils its M100 Smart Glasses at International Consumer Electronics Show|access-date=2013-01-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124004711/http://www.vuzix.com/site/_news/2013/vuzix-unveils-M100-smart-glasses-at-CES.pdf|archive-date=2013-01-24|dead-url=yes|df=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.humavox.com/blog/wearable-week-vuzix-m100/|date=July 2015|title=Our Wearable of the Week: Vuzix M100}}</ref> ==See also== *[[MyVu]] ==References== {{Reflist|2}} ==External links== *{{Official website|http://www.vuzix.com/}} {{Display technology}} {{Mixed reality}} {{Stereoscopy}} [[Category:Companies listed on the TSX Venture Exchange]] [[Category:Display technology]] [[Category:Mixed reality]] [[Category:Multimodal interaction]] [[Category:Virtual reality companies]] [[Category:Display devices]] [[Category:Video hardware]] [[Category:User interfaces]] [[Category:Companies listed on NASDAQ]] [[Category:Companies based in New York (state)]] [[Category:Eyewear companies of the United States]]'