In Augmented Reality News
July 11 2024 — Unistellar, a provider of smart telescopes for stargazing and partner of SETI Institute and NASA for citizen science programs, has this week announced that its latest innovation, the ENVISION smart binoculars, have already raised over USD $1.5 million through the company’s Kickstarter campaign.
ENVISION combines high-quality, multicoated optics, designed in collaboration with Nikon, with augmented reality (AR) features, that help to enrich the viewing experience for users by overlaying contextual information directly onto their natural field of view.
With instant access to a comprehensive database of maps and contextual information, users will be able to stargaze and explore landscapes through the AR smart binoculars, according to Unistellar. ENVISION also comes with a dedicated smartphone app that integrates with the binoculars to enhance the user experience.
What are the key features of ENVISION?
- Smart Scouting Mode: A 3D map overlay that provides detailed contextual information about landmarks, water sources, trails, and points of interest, plus celestial objects above the user.
- Guided Navigation Mode: At night, the App suggests stars, comets, and other celestial objects to explore. During the day, visual cues guide users to sought-after points of interest.
- Shareable Target-Lock Mode: Allows users to lock onto any target. The binoculars can then guide other users to the same target for a shared experience.
- Classic Optical Mode: Users can also switch off the AR overlay to enjoy ENVISION as a pair of classic binoculars.
“Just as we reshaped the backyard telescope market, we eagerly anticipate being able to bring this extraordinary product to life to redefine the binocular experience,” said Laurent Marfisi, co-founder and CEO of Unistellar.
Should the Kickstarter campaign reach the necessary milestones and order quantities, then mass production of ENVISION will be able to begin, according to the company’s CEO. Estimated delivery of the first round of AR binoculars is currently set to be in November 2025.
Interested customers can back the campaign and order a pair of ENVISION augmented reality binoculars, with pledge packages starting at USD $649, which includes a carrying bag, neck strap, and a free lifetime subscription to the company’s terrestrial and celestial databases. If launched, the retail price for the binoculars will be USD $1,199.
For more information on Unistellar and its ENVISION augmented reality binoculars, visit the company’s Kickstarter campaign.
Image credit: Unistellar
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About the author
Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.