Photo: MINI
Augmented reality looks like a big deal in BMW’s corner these days, even though other attempts are mastering the tech have failed so far. Sure, they failed but let them at least try, you might say. And you’d be right. In that regard, MINI is now launching a set of glasses that offer augmented reality at the tip of your... nose.
The BMW-owned brand worked with DesignworksUSA or Designworks as they call themselves these days to bring out a device that helps out wherever you go. Set to be launched at the impending Shanghai Auto Show, they are supposed to have a host of features that make life easier.
“MINI Augmented Vision gives an insight into how intelligent connectivity between a MINI car and eyewear into which relevant content is projected might work in the future,” explains Dr. Jörg Preißinger, project-manager MINI Augmented Vision, BMW Group research and technology.
The device was creating working closely with several Qualcomm companies. In case you didn’t know, most smartphones out there use their tech these days.
So what do they actually do? Well, they can help out in more ways than you think possible. For example, the MINI Augmented Vision eyewear offers destination entry for navigation and transfer to the vehicle. What that does is allow you to select a destination point on the navigation map while outside the car (let’s say in an office or back home) and then transfer that destination automatically to your car’s system when you’re onboard.
Other neat stuff includes first/last mile directions (the glasses will show you the steps you need to follow to your car or from your car to the exact place you need to be) and even head-up display function that would normally be projected on the windshield.
If you connect your smartphone to the infotainment system, you’ll even get a notification in your field of view via the glasses when you get an e-mail or message. After that, they can even be read out to you, without having you take your eyes off the road.
The best bit though is the x-ray view. With it, your glasses will offer a virtual view through parts of the vehicle, allowing you to see areas or objects that would normally be concealed from view. To top it all off, using a camera housed in the farside mirror you get help while parking, knowing exactly what the distance between your car and the nearest obstacle is.
“MINI Augmented Vision gives an insight into how intelligent connectivity between a MINI car and eyewear into which relevant content is projected might work in the future,” explains Dr. Jörg Preißinger, project-manager MINI Augmented Vision, BMW Group research and technology.
The device was creating working closely with several Qualcomm companies. In case you didn’t know, most smartphones out there use their tech these days.
So what do they actually do? Well, they can help out in more ways than you think possible. For example, the MINI Augmented Vision eyewear offers destination entry for navigation and transfer to the vehicle. What that does is allow you to select a destination point on the navigation map while outside the car (let’s say in an office or back home) and then transfer that destination automatically to your car’s system when you’re onboard.
Other neat stuff includes first/last mile directions (the glasses will show you the steps you need to follow to your car or from your car to the exact place you need to be) and even head-up display function that would normally be projected on the windshield.
If you connect your smartphone to the infotainment system, you’ll even get a notification in your field of view via the glasses when you get an e-mail or message. After that, they can even be read out to you, without having you take your eyes off the road.
The best bit though is the x-ray view. With it, your glasses will offer a virtual view through parts of the vehicle, allowing you to see areas or objects that would normally be concealed from view. To top it all off, using a camera housed in the farside mirror you get help while parking, knowing exactly what the distance between your car and the nearest obstacle is.
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