Lenovo has introduced a new augmented reality (AR) device for CES 2021, which is promised to its most advanced and versatile headset yet for its enterprise-based clients. The glasses, known as the ThinkReality A3, can be used to provide additional virtual displays to its users for applications such as 3D visualisation and AR-based workflows.
The headset itself is more compact than VR-based ones and is also fully customisable, allowing companies to modify it through various options offered by Lenovo. According to the company, these choices include different frames that makes it more durable or safer for the user.
The ThinkReality A3 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 chipset that is specifically designed for virtual and mixed reality headsets. It allows the headset to display up to five virtual 1080 screens, an 8MP camera that offers 1080p video, and dual fish-eye cameras for room-scale tracking.
Lenovo says that the device can be connected via USB-C to either a PC, or even a Motorola smartphone that is equipped with a Snapdragon 800 series SoC or better. For the former, the ThinkReality A3 is compatible with Windows software tools and applications, while the latter relies on Motorola and Lenovo’s ThinkReality mobile app for hands-free AR operations.
The company envisions having this new AR headset to be utilised in environments such as factories, laboratories, retail locations and hospitality spaces – where space and privacy are limited. Lenovo says that the ThinkReality A3 will be available in select markets worldwide starting mid-2021, but did not reveal an expected price point. Seeing that the device is mainly designed for enterprise customers, chances of it being available for the consumer market is very thin.
(Source: Lenovo [Press room])
