Mixed Reality to XBox

Expanding market for AR display

Thanks Mike.


Engadget: Mixed reality to Xbox

Last year, Microsoft revealed that it would be opening up its Windows Holographic Platform to other hardware manufacturers, and at CES, we got to take a look at a few different Windows VR headsets. At GDC 2017, Microsoft revealed yet more plans for its mixed reality platform. While its headsets are strictly for the PC for now, they would soon be coming to the Xbox -- as well as Project Scorpio -- in 2018.

It's unclear yet on what this will actually look like -- will there be an Xbox VR headset? -- but it's certainly implied. "We're also excited to share that Windows Mixed Reality experiences will light up on other devices over time, beyond desktop and Microsoft HoloLens," said the company in a statement. "Our plan is to bring mixed reality content to the Xbox One family of devices, including Project Scorpio, in 2018."

Kopin, MicroVision and Vuzx

Comparing these two Vuzix suppliers... 

So, Kopin's chip on the top, MicroVision's entire display engine below. Both featuring $0.25 US. 

So, from Today's Report (The Street/Morgan Stanley)

"DLP generally has the disadvantage of bigger form factor vs. LCoS, yet our read from Vuzix’s press release suggests that this has been overcome. In addition, MicroVision, the solutions provider for laser MEMS micro display technology, became one of Vuzix's key suppliers starting from 2015."

Below is a picture of Kopin's LCOS chip....(the equivalent of the 1mm mems in the MVIS engine) and another picture of Microvision's entire projector engine. (And in some applications it's my understanding that the EPM can be moved or handled with software of the computing platform.) **

Kopin: Capabilities

Kopin has just issued a press release that states their intention to enter the OLED microdisplay market, offering panels that will serve augmented and virtual reality applications. At CES 2017, they will announce more detail on the first panel and demonstrate it in novel optical solutions as well. I will get a sneak peak at these devices before CES, but you will have to wait until January 2017 before I can say more.

Now, Kopin has added OLED to it repertoire of microdisplay technologies. According to Fan, “Kopin is pioneering a new business model for OLED fabrication which we think is the future for expanding availability of OLED microdisplay devices.”

After two years of development, Kopin is now ready to start showing their new OLED-on-Silicon microdisplays. Such a device consists of two key elements: the silicon backplane that contains circuitry to drive the OLED pixels, and the OLED emissive frontplane layer. What is unique about Kopin’s business model is that both of these operations are outsourced to dedicated foundries. All of the design expertise resides within Kopin, but all of the capital investments and infrastructure are external, with manufacturing expertise on both sides. It is the first fully fabless OLED microdisplay business model.

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The PSE-0403-101/2 display engine is an all-in-one unit combining an integrated photonics module (IPM) containing MEMS and lasers and an electronics platform module (EPM) containing MicroVision’s proprietary ASICS and system control software. Some customers prefer a flexible solution of the IPM and standalone MicroVision ASICS that they can combine with the electronics of the device into which the engine is embedded. The form factor of the IPM, which measures only 4.66 cubic centimeters, is a critical attribute for OEMS considering incorporating pico projectors inside their consumer products. We plan to be ready for mass production in early Q2 2017.   MICROVISION DISPLAYGROUND

MS Downgrades HIMX, The Street Acknowledges Microvision - Updated

It's been my experience (whether right or not I'm not sure) that The Street's articles can be difficult to re-locate or disappear. So, I've pulled the whole article out for posting here.

Himax was the key display provider for Google Glass, and an apparent supplier to Hololens -- although word was that Hololens was going elsewhere as well. (That was referenced here, I will update when I find the link.)

Thanks Joe

Morgan Stanley Downgrades Himax Technologies (HIMX) to Underweight Amid Growing Competition

(Updated - February 6, 2017 1:23 PM EST)

Morgan Stanley downgraded Himax Technologies (NASDAQ: HIMX) from Equalweight to Underweight with a $4 price target (down from $6), implying 24% downside.

Analyst Charlie Chan said New AR smart glasses are adopting micro display technology other than Himax's LCoS. This could jeopardize the company's leadership in this market in the long term.

Chan said while the stock is down 49% since September 1, 2016, it could de-rate further if its leading position in micro displays gets challenged.

"We now see further threats to the dominance in micro display technology of LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon)," Chan commented. "Vuzix, one of the leading vendors of AR smart glasses, won the CES Innovation Awards for its Blade 3000 and M3000, which incorporates DLP technology from Texas Instruments. DLP generally has the disadvantage of bigger form factor vs. LCoS, yet our read from Vuzix’s press release suggests that this has been overcome. In addition, MicroVision, the solutions provider for laser MEMS micro display technology, became one of Vuzix's key suppliers starting from 2015."

For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on Himax Technologies click here. For more ratings news on Himax Technologies click here.

Shares of Himax Technologies closed at $5.24 yesterday.


Barrons Blog

Morgan Stanley analyst Charlie Chan says Himax’s display technology is no longer cutting edge, current customer Microsoft (MSFT) is going to cut orders, and its December quarter earnings may disappoint. Chan wrote:

We now see further threats to the dominance in micro display technology of LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon). Vuzix, one of the leading vendors of AR smart glasses, won the CES Innovation Awards for its Blade 3000 and M3000, which incorporates DLP technology from Texas Instruments (see Exhibit 1). DLP generally has the disadvantage of bigger form factor vs. LCoS, yet our read from Vuzix’s press release suggests that this has been overcome. In addition, MicroVision, the solutions provider for laser MEMS micro display technology, became one of Vuzix’s key suppliers starting from 2015.

The Future with Hololens

Thanks Mike.

Haven't had a focused look at this yet, but Mike sends good stuff.

When you invest in something, think "how is this going to make people's lives better?" Then, be a part of that.

"When I finally get to the point of building it, I build it once."


Joe Sent me a link to the Hololens Commercial Suite site that had these videos.

Microsoft will support OTHER Augmented Reality Devices

So, we have been watching Microvision for Hololens, but they're going to support augmented reality with their software to support other companies devices as well.

These -- according to TheStreet will arrive in the first Quarter of 2017

Augmented Reality is already being used -- and there is demand already from Industry -- which is HUGE. The price will come down to $300 from $3000-- (Lenovo and Dell). 

When Windows Holographic OS arrives... this year.

And -- working on software to combine projection along with near eye displays.  (yes, the video uses a fixed projector, but in the wild it would need to be attached to the wearable devices.

I'm counting three times Microvision could be included in the same device.

Future is looking good to me.


WinBuzzer -- More at the source.





Holodeck closer to reality

Why Microsoft is betting on AR -- The Street

In Q1, Microsoft partners Asus, Acer, HP (HPQ) , Lenovo and Dell plan to launch a line of $300 Windows 10 headsets that will enable both virtual reality and mixed reality experiences and run on PCs costing as little as $500. At the other end of the spectrum are devices such as Microsoft's $3,000 HoloLens Development Edition goggles, which are for companies and software developers to test and build apps for.


The key to Microsoft's approach is its launch sometime in 2017 (the company has not said exactly when) of Windows Holographic, a version of Windows 10 built for mixed reality applications, via a free online update (it's available right now, though, on the HoloLens Development Edition). Companies such as Volvo and Thyssenkrupp Elevators, and institutions such as Case Western Reserve University and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory are actively using HoloLens.

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Cincotta said developers can target mixed reality experiences destined for a range of VR, AR and mixed reality devices, and not just for the HoloLens.

According to Alexis Macklin, VR analyst at research firm Greenlight Insights, Microsoft's approach is different from what top VR and AR companies are doing. Microsoft is starting to position its VR and AR product suites as business tools that help deliver digital transformation for enterprises.

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Microsoft will be in a unique position when Windows 10 headsets begin shipping because those devices will support the full spectrum of mixed reality. Cincotta said it's up to each company how it designs its headset to take advantage of these emerging technologies. The headsets are expected to debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next week, when consumer launch dates will also be revealed.

Magic Leap -- Dots connecting well

Thanks Mike for your correction to my mix up.

We've been suspicious that Magic Leap was using a fiber scanning display, instead of Microvision's LBS. 

Magic leap is apparently abandoning the Fiber scanning display -- and their other option is -- 

Magic leap has been (apparently) overhyping their progress.

So, looks like we have what could be a very nice new customer. And given that we apparently have a ridiculously tiny new display engine.

Magic Leap is currently valued at about $4.5 Billion dollars. 

The biggest advantage of Microvision's 0.65 cubic centimeter projector is that it requires no lenses, but is in focus and appears normal on any surface, even those that are rough or radically curved.  EE-Times linked from this blog 


The Verge

The crux of the problem appears to be Magic Leap’s gamble on a so-called fiber scanning display, which shines a laser through a fiber optic cable that moves rapidly back and forth to draw images out of light. The company thought the fiber scanning display could be Magic Leap’s breakthrough tech, allowing it to shrink down the extremely expensive hardware used on a previous prototype — a refrigerator-sized device known internally as the “Beast.” 

According to The Information, Magic Leap still has not been able to get the fiber scanning display to work. It has since demoted it to a long-term research project. “You ultimately in engineering have to make tradeoffs,” Abovitz said in the interview. Still, the company’s latest prototype appears to be the size of a standard pair of glasses. It’s known internally as the PEQ, for product equivalent, and yet Magic Leap declined to demonstrate it for The Information. Abovitz claims it is only slightly less capable than the earlier, tethered prototypes, but denied that it now uses technology similar to the HoloLens.

The Hololens units that are out, were using the Himax display, but is changing.

"In the near-term, estimates lower component orders from a major buyer (Microsoft HoloLens). Analyst Tom Sepenzis: "AR – We believe that the primary customer is rapidly reducing orders for LCOS and WLO components. This could result in approximately $60 million in LCOS/WLO revenue in CY16, down from an expected $90+ million, and have a significant impact in CY17. Originally pegged at $270 million in potential revenue in CY17, we now expect this customer to drop off almost completely in the first half of CY17 as it looks to refine its AR products." -- Seeking Alpha HIMAX - Source (multiple sources for this.)

IB Times -- Magic Leap Videos Faked?

Vuzix - Microvision for Near-eye displays

No obvious mention of the Vuzix M300 Glasses on Vuzix Website. 

This may require more digging to be sure, but the initial impression is pretty interesting.

M300 are the glasses that are to go into significant production. 

Kopek's Website -- more to explore for sure.

EXPERTISE IN PRACTICE

Snow2 for Ski Goggles

Recon Instrument’s MOD Live Ski Goggles include Kopin’s WQVGA (428 x 240 resolution) screen and provide skiers and snowboarders with useful information such as speed, jump analytics, distance, pre-loaded trail maps, height and GPS location, while keeping MOD Live users connected to calls and texts via Bluetooth.

Vuzix Corporation’s M100 Smart Glasses

Vuzix Corporation’s M100 Smart Glasses are equipped with Kopin’s White Pearl display module (consisting of CyberDisplay WQVGA, backlight, and optics) and ultra-low-power drive IC. The M100 Smart Glasses provide most of the features and capabilities of a modern smartphone in a hands-free wearable device, including a full color video display that floats in or near your line of sight and helps minimize visual blockage of the real-world view.

Raytheon’s Light Thermal Weapon Sight (LTWS)

Raytheon's light thermal weapon sight (LTWS) combines Raytheon's advanced thermal imaging technology and Kopin's CyberDisplay 640M LV to give soldiers the ability to shoot equally well during the day or night, through battlefield obscurants, in adverse weather and in zero-illumination situations. Weighing less than three pounds, the LTWS is powered by commercially available AA batteries and utilizes an eyecup-activated stand-by mode for power conservation.

Vuforia with Hololens

Microvision produces displays.

A lot has to happen with other hardware and with software before those displays can be used. Object recognition, visual overlay and gesture control all have to work together to make it work.

The particular kind of use is moving (I believe) much faster that most people expected. 

Considering the kind of productivity improvements that can come with this kind of tech, it doesn't surprise me how much work is accelerating with it.

Companies are using Vuforia said:

• “We see huge potential in the combination of object recognition and graphical overlay, especially when such information is fed to the HoloLens in real-time, for instance, in connection with maintenance or manufacturing lines.”
  • Mads Troelsgaard, CEO, Unity Studios

• “We have leveraged Vuforia for HoloLens proof of concept projects and were able to achieve great precision. We were pleased how easy it is to setup and get up to speed. We had great success and expect to use it in future projects.”
  • René Schulte, Director of Immersive Experiences, Valorem Consulting

The company has also published a video, showing off one of the apps built with their SDK running on the HoloLens:

Keystone of the Quadfecta

There are four particularly noteworthy tech arrivals of the last few years that are gaining ground fast, and are expected to experience extremely rapid growth in the next few years.

I believe Microvision is a key-stone technology for all of them. Large (but tiny) Displays and 3D scanning.

• Smart Phones
• Augmented Reality
• Internet of things
• 3D Scanning (3D Printing, Self Driving cars, Interface with AR, etc... )

Smartphones: 1.4 Billion were sold during the 2014 calendar year. The companies that make them are desperate for innovation. Microvision's tech can put a six foot screen in a cell phone. 

Augmented Reality: Really got a boost in public knowledge from Pokemon Go, but many companies have been working hard on this for a long time. Some companies are putting the developer edition of the Hololens to work already, this field should get faster growth than most expect. Microvision has the best (as of 2015 CES) near eye display of all. (Field of view far better than anything else I could find there.) Heads up displays? A kind of augmented reality, and Microvision is there.

Internet of things: Yes, your refrigerator, and all kinds of other things around you will have chips that check data, things you wear, things you use, things you don't even think about. To interact with these things.... displays are needed... what's easier than a tiny device that creates a relatively large display with touch-interactivity?

3D Scanning: 3D Printing has lost some of its buzz, but it's still being used a great deal. It's speeding up manufacturing and testing. It's used for art and prototyping. Being able to 3D scan things for 3D printing is essential. Compact laser scanning, Highly accurate, and relatively low cost. Driverless cars? They will be a huge growth area, and Microvision is there.

This company doesn't need to dominate all of these markets to make its stockholders rich. 

In my humble opinion, serving 10% of smartphones will make crazy wealth for the stockholders. The rest.... just adding to it.

Do your own thinking


Smartphone Innovation Hits a Wall
Augmented Reality Market
Internet of things bigger than anyone Realizes
Self Driving Car Growth: Business Insider
Audacity - Self Driving Car Nano Degree

Apple No Longer Trendsetter -- Qualper Is.

So if Apple's next big thing is what we heard yesterday (Augmented Reality Glasses) Then they're just following Google... they may do it better.

But real innovation is already out -- in the form of Qualper's PicoP enabled laser projector phone.



Bloomberg



Apple Inc.'s next hot product category may be...Google's failed Glass project from 2013.

The company is considering glasses that could combine digital information with what a person sees, my Bloomberg News colleagues reported late Monday. If the idea sounds familiar, it's because of the similarity to technology behind Pokemon Go, the hit smartphone game of 2016. It was also the aim of Google Glass, before the company now called Alphabet Inc. put that project on hold for reprogramming.

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More ominously for Apple, it's no longer the technology trendsetter. Yes, Apple has brought us better smartphone cameras and fingerprint sensors, but there are more areas where it has whiffed. Cook has been saying for five years that the TV industry is broken and needs an overhaul. He was right. Now the way people watch television is being upended by Netflix Inc., by "cord cutting" and by video on smartphones. Apple is barely a participant in that transformation.

Apple may never make digital glasses, and if it does, it won't happen before 2018. But the technology will progress anyway. Augmented reality is what Microsoft is doing with its HoloLens headset, and that product exists. So does Pokemon Go. The parent company of Snapchat created a specialized camera built into glasses that lets people record snippets of video from what they see.

AR Will be bigger than you have imagined.

What will exist with Augmented Reality is a way to increase productivity immensely, and increase learning about things immensely. 

When you can label reality, people can learn faster. Imagine being able to label things as they need to be identified and tools as they are about to be used. Being able to see through things that are being studied... that's possible with AR. 

MSPowerUser -- More at the source.

Pearson, the world’s largest textbook company, has announced a collaboration with Microsoft at the EDUCAUSE 2016 to explore the power of mixed reality to solve real challenges in areas of learning, ranging from online tutoring and coaching, nursing education, and engineering to construction and surveyor training.

With Mixed Reality learning content can be developed for HoloLens that provides students with real world experiences, allowing them to build proficiency, develop confidence, explore and learn.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock and San Diego State University are both part of a Pearson mixed reality pilot aimed at leveraging mixed reality to solve challenges in nursing education. Today many nursing programs hire and train actors to simulate scenarios nurses will face in the real world — a process that is hard to standardize and even harder to replicate. As part of the mixed reality pilot, faculty at the two universities’ schools of nursing are collaborating with Pearson to improve the value and efficacy of the types of simulations in which students participate.