Laster SeeThru

Laster SeeThru
Category	smartglasses
Developer	LASTER Technologies
Announced	15 January 2014
Released	Developers: Consumers: June 2014 (pre-order)
Price	400 USD
Operating system	(unknown)
Display	LCOS
Resolution	800x600 pixels
Field of view	25 25 ° (diagonal)
Weight	55 g
Controls	inertial, touchpad, smartphone
Data available	limited
Risk factor	low
Not standalone
http://laster.fr/products/seethru/

Laster SeeThru is an augmented reality eyewear produced by the French technology company Laster Technologies. The display is coloured and features diagonal FOV of 25 degrees. The goal with this device was to provide inconspicuous, smartphone-paired wearable device that would offer the user context-sensitive information and natural interface. The company started a Kickstarter campaign on 15 January 2014 but failed to secure the needed funding and the campaign ended on 16 March 2014. As of January 2016, no new information are available about the device.

Main characteristics

SeeThru is a smartglasses device equipped with one projector-based augmented reality transparent display. The device aims to offer a broad selection of augmented reality applications, such as phone calling, Internet browsing, text reading, street navigation, real-time text translation, pilot and sailing HUD. The device has no camera. SeeThru has to be paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth for processing and Internet connectivity capabilities.

Purpose

The company wants to offer, lightweight and inconspicuous wearable device that augments the user with context-sensitive information and allow him to access the Internet and his data hands-free.

Company & People

Laster Technologies is a French company established in 2005. It specializes in eyewear for industrial, medical, defence, and civil power applications.

• Zile Liu, M.D. - co-founder, optronics and optical design
• Stephane Denoual, M.D. - computer vision
• Benoit Froissard, Ph.D. - optics and machine vision
• Gerald Nacache, M.D. - VP Marketing

Important Dates

• 11 March 2013 - Laster announces the development of Laster SeeThru
• 15 January 2014 - Kickstarter campaign started
• 18 March 2014 - Kickstarter campaign ended unsuccessfully

Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment

Enhancement - Laster SeeThru offer contextual information and hands-free control and access to information technologies and services. This enhances the user with better awareness and access to information.

Treatment - Laster also specializes in helping people with visual impairment. Properly equipped, Laster SeeThru can utilize this know-how to better the lives of visually impaired users.

Ethical & Health Issues

There are no ethical or health issues connected to this particular device.

For more general issues connected with smartglasses, please see the Smartglasses synopsis.

Public & Media Impact and Presentation

http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/at-work/innovation/finally-an-augmented-reality-i-can-stomach

http://www.gizmag.com/laster-seethru-smart-glasses/30489/

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2105865/hands-on-with-laster-seethru-a-direct-augmented-reality-challenge-to-google-glass.html

http://venturebeat.com/2014/01/15/laster-seethru-a-350-camera-free-google-glass-alternative-for-the-privacy-conscious/

Public Policy

There is no public policy that considers this device specifically.

For more information about policies related to smartglasses, please see the Smartglasses synopsis.