Video iPods have specs in their sights

The latest versions of Apple’s hugely successful iPod could revolutionise the way people use their spectacles, following the launch of Myvu, eyewear with a built-in audio-video system.

Boston-based MicroOptical has previously built in-vision video systems for medical, military and industrial applications.

But earlier this month it unveiled the Myvu personal media viewer, specifically with the Video iPod in mind, at the Macworld exhibition in San Francisco.

If all this seems a little peripheral to the world of optics, it is worth bearing in mind the company with which the manufacturer has a global alliance – Essilor.

Together, the two companies plan to develop future products.

By connecting the binocular viewer to an iPod or video mobile the wearer can watch their favourite music videos, video podcasts and TV shows immediately in front of their eyes.

Myvu was launched first in France last summer, where Orange promoted it as an accessory to the Samsung D600 mobile phone.

‘As the iPod changes the way people experience video, the Myvu viewer will accelerate its adoption by providing hands-free, “heads-up” access to a large virtual image,’ said MicroOptical chief executive Mark Spitzer.

‘The Myvu viewer makes watching portable video more practical.’

Visit www.myvu.com for more details.