Mixed reality headset Magic Leap One launches, but at US$2,295 it is out of reach of most, and still needs fine-tuning
After US$2.3 billion in funding from the likes of Google, JPMorgan, and Alibaba, start-up reveals its futuristic first product. Designed to replace your smartphone, TV set and computer, its potential is amazing once flaws are fixed
After US$2.3 billion in funding from the likes of Google, JPMorgan, and Alibaba, and years of outlandish hype, startup Magic Leap is finally revealing its mysterious, futuristic mixed reality (MR) device – Magic Leap One.
The headset/computer/controller is the first step in Magic Leap's plan to replace your smartphone, your TV, and your computer. The idea is simple: instead of having a bunch of disparate computing devices across various screens, you'll wear your computer on your eyes.
Forget about looking down at your phone to check email – the promise of mixed reality headsets like Magic Leap One and Microsoft's HoloLens is overlaying your digital life onto your real life. You could pull up your email in a floating window, while another floating window plays an NBA game, all while still interacting with human beings either via video conference or in the real world.
Announced last week, Magic Leap’s first product is now available for purchase. But the average computer user isn’t about to rush out and buy it. The Magic Leap One Creator Edition is being marketed to “developers and creators” at a retail price of US$2,295. It’s currently available online only in six US cities.
The package comes with software and a headset that lets users add layers of computer-generated images and applications to the world around them. It also includes a web browser and a social platform to connect with other Magic Leap users.