
Product Name:
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Meta 1 Augmented Reality Glasses
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Product Type:
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Glasses
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Meta 1 augmented reality headset — a rather unique pair of glasses that lets you play around with virtual 3D objects in the real world. Being right on schedule, the project has officially hit Kickstarter, with the goal of raising 100 grand in just 30 short days.
Right off the bat you can tell that Meta 1 is a bit different than Google Glass, but that’s also because Meta 1 serves a particularly different function than what Google Glass offers. While Glass merely consists of a small display that shows you alerts and other information, Meta 1 shows you virtual 3D objects that are mixed in with the real world in front of you.
The device itself is still in the development stages, hence the fact that the Kickstarter campaign is for a dev kit of the Meta 1. And as such, the pair of glasses aren’t quite as compact as Google Glass. The Meta 1 features rather squared-off frames that look uncomfortable, with a 3D webcam mounted on the top. Granted, it’s only meant for developers, so the final version should be much more catered towards consumers.
Essentially, the goal for the Meta 1 is to create HUDs similar to those seen in Iron Man and Minority Report, but once more developers join in and begin to make apps for the headset, the possibilities will most likely be endless. The video above gives some decent examples of what’s possible the Meta 1.
The hardware specs of the Meta 1 are quite impressive at this point. You get a 960×540 resolution with each eye that comes with a 23-degree field of view for each eye as well. The webcam that sits on top includes two cameras (one for each eye), and the glasses have HDMI and USB input. And despite looking a bit cumbersome to wear, they only weigh a little over 10 ounces.
The company plans to have these development kits shipped out starting in September of this year. As for price, the full development kit will cost $750, which is a bit steep compared to other headsets, like the Oculus Rift, but the Meta 1 does seem a bit more complex. Granted, it’s still half the price you’d pay for Google Glass Explorer Edition, so if you’re bank account is only allowing so much cash to be spent, the Meta 1 is the cheaper grab.
Google’s Project Glass may be getting most of the attention, but companies like Meta are joining the fray. Meta has partnered with Epson to create Meta 1 augmented reality headset that allow virtual objects to be controlled in 3D space by using hand gestures.
Meta launched the Meta 1 Developer Kit, the first hardware/software package for full augmented reality on Kickstarter. Here's what you should know about the company and the device.
5 Fast Facts You Need to Know about Meta 1-
1. Meta Was Founded by Meron Gribetz-

Back in December of 2012, Meta was founded by Meron Gribetz and has received help from Columbia University professor Steve Feiner, an experienced developer in the field of of augmented reality technology. Gribetz says Meta was inspired by the interfaces in films like Iron Man, Avatar and Minority Report.
2. Meta Partnered With Epson-
Meta has a software partnership with 3D game-engine maker Unity-Technology, and a hardware partnership with Epson. Meta partnered with Epson to break into the nascent wearable device market. In addition to the backing of Epson, Meta has 15 graduate and undergraduate students from Columbia University developing the product.The Meta began as a project based on Epson’s Moverio BT-100 3D headset. Epson was impressed with Meta and signed a deal. Meron Gribetz said the plan is to work with Epson to further develop the product with the addition of OLED displays and finding other ways to optimize battery life.
3. The 3D Camera Tracks Hand Movements-
Meta’s 3D camera is used to track hand movements. Resolution that goes down to an individual’s fingertips is supported. “Thumbs up” movement and a “Like” post on Facebook can be recognized. It also has integrated WiFi and runs Android.
4. Meta Supports Unity 3D Software-
Developers can create apps via Unity 3D and includes SDK on Windows computers. According to the team, other platforms will arrive later, developers will be able to publish apps in the Meta Store.
5. Meta Launched a Kickstarter Campaign-
Meta launched on Kickstarter today and will also be participating in the next Y Combinator batch in Mountain View, California. Backers who commit $750 will receive an early version, which will be shipped in September. The Meta 1 is half the price of Google Glass Explorer, which makes it a more realistic investment for developers on a budget. Gribetz launched the Kickstarter campaign to build awareness of the Meta 1 device and is looking to reach his goal of $100,000 so the company can sell a "few hundred or a thousand of them." The success of Meta's Kickstarter campaign will fund completion of the SDK and distribution of the completed device. Apps developed in the first phase will contribute to the consumer edition meta2 device, which will be sporty glasses with all-day functionality.
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