Patent Application Shows Microsoft Considering Augmented Reality Specs

By Rob Scott
November 27, 2012

Microsoft may take on Google with its own augmented reality specs, according to recently released details of a 2011 patent application.
While the company may have been late to the tablet party, it could become an early player in augmented reality eyewear.
“The Redmond-based computer company states in the patent that the specs would incorporate technology enabling a user to view supplemental information while watching a live event,” notes Digital Trends.
“So at a sports event, for example, stats and replays could be shown on the glasses, allowing you to keep your eye on the action instead of looking up at the big screen for the same information. Also, at something like a music event, the lyrics of a song could appear in front of the wearer’s eyes.”
The patent application details how the device might be operated, including a wrist-worn computer, voice commands or gestures.
“It’s not known if the computer giant has invested any time or money on building a prototype of the high-tech specs, or whether it’s simply a case of laying claim to various features early on to avoid threats of patent-related litigation from rivals should they wish to develop the idea further down the road,” explains the post.
Google is hoping to commercially launch its AR specs by 2014. Juniper Research forecasts the market for AR specs and other wearable technology could be worth as much as $1.5 billion by then.

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