MINI Working on High-Tech Eyewear

We've seen Google glass change the way people look at eye wear. The technology in this field has gained immense traction with companies like BMW using them for quality control purposes. We know where this technology is heading and that may be one reason why Mini decided to add some style and introduce their Augmented Vision system at the Shanghai Motor Show.

The company has developed the product jointly with several Qualcomm companies. It essentially looks like something you would put on if you were heading out for a bike ride. But, the Augmented Vision system is essentially a pair of high-tech glasses which can project driving information on the lens of the glasses.

There are no specifications out yet but according to Mini, the glasses would help in providing the driver with a heads-up display, while also projecting data when it comes to navigation. So, basically showing him/her the information needed without taking their eyes off the road. In fact, it even provides message notifications and Mini has also provided an X-Ray mode which allows users to see through the A-pillars and doors. Though we've seen this technology developed earlier by Jaguar Land Rover, having it in the Mini just makes things cooler.

Other features include an augmented parking function which projects images from the passenger side mirror onto the glasses so that the calculation of the distance from the curb can be easily judged.

According to Qualcomm Connected Experiences Vice President, Jay Wright, "We are proud to have helped develop a breakthrough augmented reality interface between eyewear and the automobile. Mini Augmented Vision offers a compelling example of what's possible today, and what we can expect in the future."