Norwegian-based technology start-up Ludenso (formerly MovieMask) has unveiled MagiMask, an augmented reality headset for use with smartphones.
The device has been quietly in development for two years — it is now available to pre-order for $99 and will ship during the first quarter of 2019. It supports all AR-capable smartphones, from as large as Samsung Galaxy S9+ and Apple’s iPhone XS Max.
Eirik Wahlstrøm, CEO and co-founder of Ludenso, commented:
“We
believe people have been led into the AR market with false hopes and outrageously expensive hardware.
We have created a hardware platform for mobile AR using our unique head-mounted display and tracker kit. Our HMD works with 99% of the existing apps without customisation and gives 100% augmented FOV and improved resolution.
Our low-cost and innovative technology will enable developers around the world to have the hardware tools they need to reach millions of customers and give tech enthusiasts the opportunity to own an AR headset without having to spend thousands of dollars”.
The flexible fabric design of the MagiMask HMD is in part based on the company’s previous product MovieMask, which won a Red Dot Award for outstanding design.
One of MagiMask’s core technologies is its single-lens approach, which allows the user to view the full size of the smartphone screen, compensating for both accommodation and convergence. The device also features an optimised tracking system which provides AR-optimised surface tracking that makes navigation possible (turning, action-triggers, etc).
