INMO Technology has recently announced the official launch of its second-generation product, INMO Air2, bringing consumer-grade AR glasses closer to the future.
Unlike its competitors, INMO Technology has taken a unique approach in the split AR market dominated by Birbath. INMO has chosen the integrated AR glasses route, employing arrayed optical waveguides. On June 27, 2023, INMO Technology unveiled its highly anticipated second-generation product, INMO Air2, on the Kickstarter platform. The AR glasses + Ring set is available for crowdfunding at an early bird price of $599.
Developing AR hardware itself is not a complex task, as supply chain information is readily available. However, the challenge lies in creating a lightweight, high-quality display with rich and outstanding features, considering the limited technical resources.
Design and Features of INMO Air2
INMO Air2 comes in two design forms: sunglasses and plain mirrors. The sunglasses version features a gray-black outer surface, while both designs incorporate two cameras on the edge of the front frame. These cameras include a high-frame black-and-white camera for SLAM interaction and an 8-megapixel color camera.
For users who require corrective lenses, INMO Air2 provides a reserved position for "magnetic myopia lens" on the inner frame. By attaching prescription lenses to INMO Air2 using a magnetic connection, users can enjoy powerful smart features with visual precision.
The left temple of INMO Air2 showcases a bright black "INMO" logo, adding a touch of fashion and boldness to the sleek matte black glasses design. The temple has been upgraded with a magnetic suction pogo pin charging interface. On the right temple, an RGB Logo indicator is subtly placed, allowing users to customize its color and display mode when the glasses are activated.
Additionally, each temple on the right side features a button (on/off, universal key), along with a pair of ear-mounted speakers. The product's optical-mechanical parts have been designed with a slight arc, allowing the temples to fold inward to a great extent. The flexible hinge design enables slight extension, accommodating various head shapes.
Weighing 99g, INMO Air2 offers a balanced weight distribution. Although users may perceive some weight during prolonged usage, the product is designed ergonomically to minimize discomfort. Nose pad adjustments may be necessary to ensure a comfortable fit.
Binocular Display Technology and SLAM Algorithm
INMO Air2 adopts the optical solution of 2 × Micro-OLED + vertical array waveguide, employing binocular imaging technology. Compared to monocular display, binocular display more realistically simulates the observation scene as perceived by human eyes. It presents different pictures through the perspectives of the left and right eyes, thereby enhancing the realism and interactive experience of AR content.
Binocular co-image technology allows both eyes to simultaneously view the virtual image superimposed on the real world, eliminating the need for eye switching between the superimposed virtual image and the real image. This eliminates the need for constant adjustments to focal lengths and angles of the eyeballs, resulting in a more comfortable viewing experience.
The upgrade to binocular display technology also improves the Eye-box, eliminating the need for users to adjust the glasses' wearing angle for optimal image display. INMO Air2 offers a comprehensive display of the entire screen without requiring over-adjustments to the nose pads or other positions.
INMO Air2's Micro-OLED micro-displays, commonly used by AR glasses manufacturers. The displays exhibit excellent performance under indoor incandescent lamps, offering high light transmittance and seamless virtual image superimposition without hindering interactions in the physical world.
Moreover, the combination of binocular display and SLAM camera algorithm greatly enhances depth perception and stereoscopic effects in AR applications. This advancement proves crucial for AR content such as AR games, 3D modeling, and LBS.
To enhance user interaction, INMO Air2 includes a ring controller. The ring is made of freely adjustable soft silicone, worn on the finger, and features directional keys (up, down, left, and right), along with confirmation and return keys.
Integration of AI and Application Scenarios
The advent of AIGC has led INMO Technology to develop an AI language model product called INMO GPT. Users can interact with this AI model via mobile phone keyboards and voice commands on the glasses. This integration positions INMO Air2 not only as an AR display product but also as an AI hardware product that aligns with current hot trends. AIGC is rapidly integrating into various industries, and INMO Film Technology aims to seize the opportunities presented by this AIGC boom.
INMO Air2 focuses on four primary categories: mobile assistants, outdoor tools, portable entertainment, and AR experiences. Office software functionalities include translation, document management, and conference features, catering to scenarios such as teleprompters, foreign language translation, and reading novels.
As a portable entertainment device, INMO Air2 supports screen projection. The screen mirroring method operates smoothly on iOS products, providing a seamless experience similar to Apple's ecosystem. During screen projection tests conducted under the 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency band, no freezing or delays were observed, ensuring a high-quality experience. However, users may experience slight warmth on the outer surface of the left-side optical machine during usage.
Embracing the Future of AR
INMO Air2 encompasses several product elements that embody the 2023 trends in AR glasses: all-in-one integration, glasses-shaped design, binocular display, SLAM algorithm, ring interaction, AI dialogue, and an extensive content ecosystem. As the first consumer-grade all-in-one AR glasses to be officially launched in the first half of 2023, INMO Air2 represents an exploratory product, pushing the boundaries of AR technology and its applications.
The mass production and launch of INMO Air2 are expected to foster competition and technological innovation in the C-end market. Many AR startups that entered the market last year are anticipated to release related C-end hardware products this year. As AR continues to evolve in 2023, it will pave the way through careful experimentation, exploration, and innovation.
