Vuzix iWear
The Vuzix iWear virtual reality headset brings a 3D viewing experience at a realistic budget for both gamers and movie watchers alike.
There are 4 models in the iWear range aimed at different users, ranging in price for £99.95 up to £249.95 and all of which are 3D compatible. The 4 headsets are summarised below:
i) IP230 - this is an iPod only model for owners to watch videos and vodcasts with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, which is the equivalent of viewing a 44" screen from a distance of 9ft. The IP230 is the cheapest iWear at £99.95.
ii) AV230 - the same resolution as the IP230 (320 x 240 pixels and equivalent to 44" screens viewed from 9ft) but you are able to connect all manner of DVD players, media players, games consoles, mobile phones and camcorders including iPods. The AV230 is slightly more expensive at £149.95.
iii) AV920 - the model generating the most interest with a higher resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, which is equivalent to massive 62" screens when viewed from 9ft. This model can also connect to a wide range of DVD players, media players, games consoles, mobile phones and camcorders including iPods. The AV920 costs £199.95.
iv) VR920 - only compatible with PCs but has the added ability to track your head movement using a 3 degree of freedom tracker so as you tilt your head up and down so does the view in the game you are playing. This model also has a built in microphone for the complete in-game virtual reality experience. The VR920 is the most expensive model at £249.95.
There is
rumoured
to be a variation on the AV920 called the AV920-C, which is aimed squarely at console users and will have HDMI support we believe. We do not have details of its availability at present but will update this as soon as we receive any details.
The Vuzix iWear is getting mixed reviews in the press but I think that depends on which model you are reviewing plus what your prime use is for the iWear. Our belief is that the iWear AV920 and VR920 models will be of special interest to gamers and, from what we understand, flight simulators are ideal and capture the full 3D realism from the virtual reality headset.
Contrasting reviews come from
DriverHeaven and
About.com with Driver Heaven giving a very positive review to the iWear VR920 including short listing the iWear for an award, saying it was especially good for gamers into flight simulators.
On the other hand
About.com, who also reviewed the AV920 model, were not so impressed from the point of view of plugging an iPod into it and watching a couple of movies. They complained that the colour wasn't that great especially on films that use subdued colours.
We have put together a range of links to reviews, product information and videos for the Vuzix iWear below.
Buy Vuzix iWear now
Vuzix iWear Reviews
See photos, description of the Vuzix iWear and a video from Firebox here.
VR920
The best review I've found is from DriverHeaven, who provide 5 pages plus photos and recommended the iWear VR920 for a shortlist award.
Ars Technica have produced a fairly detailed review and believe that the head tracking included in the VR920 brings a new level of realism to Flight Simulator X.
GameZone gave the iWear VR920 a score of 8.8 in their review and also though the head tracking is 'truly terrific'.
Gizmodo have a very brief review and a video clip of the iWear in action.
Tom's Games have produced a detailed and informative review spanning across 6 pages with good photos. They gave it 8 out of 10 for flight sim gamers and 6 out of 10 for gamers not looking for the VR capabilities so much.
AV920
A mini review with photos from IntoMobile, read it here.
Another review, this time for Northwest Arkansas News but no photos.
The Edmonton Sun writes about the iWear here.
About.com did not appreciate the iWear AV920 model so much and awarded it 2.5 stars out of 5. Read the review here.
Appletell thought the AV920 was an 'amazing product' in their review.
The Gadget Blog give basic information on the AV920 although call it the AV920-C here.
iPod Observer have a very short write-up of the AV920 iWear here.
Buy Vuzix iWear now
YouTube Product Review Videos
A review of the Vuzix iWear VR920 on a Mac.
Official product review from Vuzix themselves.
Product demo for the Consumer Electronics Show.
Official Product Information
View official product information for the Vuzix iWear virtual reality eyewear glasses here.
