Vuzix, Verizon, Partner on BlueJeans Smart Glasses

Smart glasses firm Vuzix Corporation is working with Verizon’s video conferencing arm BlueJeans to expand the power of BlueJeans running on Vuzix’s glasses by tapping into Verizon’s 5G network and mobile edge computing.

Vuzix says deploying BlueJeans at the edge lets networks execute more compute-intensive workloads, allowing the mobile end point to provide video conferencing without being hindered by processing tasks like virtual backgrounds and immersive presentation.

See: Verizon’s BlueJeans Video Conference Unit Sets Sights On Virtual Healthcare

“5G and edge compute are important elements to ultimately deliver low latency and optimal performance of powerful smart glasses-based applications to enterprise customers,” Vuzix President and CEO Paul Travers said in a press release.

“The availability of BlueJeans on Vuzix Smart Glasses for Verizon business customers in combination with Verizon’s ultra-wideband 5G network can help deliver critical information hands-free to assist frontline workers across multiple market verticals.”

Verizon engineered BlueJeans specifically to optimize the user experience on the Vuzix M400 and M4000 Smart Glasses, per the release.

The glasses come with an 8-core processor, 4K capable phase-detect auto-focus camera, voice-activation, noise canceling microphones, an extended battery life, and a variety of wearable mounting options.

BlueJeans is free to download from Vuzix’s app store. The company offers QR-enabled meeting join codes to free users from having to manually enter IDs to enter a meeting. Opening BlueJeans’ mobile app while wearing the Vuzix glasses lets users scan the code to join or begin a meeting.

Read more: Facebook Launches Ray-Ban Stories Smart Glasses

The news comes a little more than a week after Facebook and Ray-Ban’s launch of Ray-Ban Stories, smart glasses that let users take photos and videos, take calls and listen to music.

Offered through a partnership between Facebook and EssilorLuxottica and retailing for $299, the glasses will be available for purchase online as well as in select stores in the U.S., Australia, Italy, Canada, Ireland and the U.K.

Ray-Ban Stories pairs with Facebook’s new View app, letting users to share stories and memories with friends and social media followers, on Facebook as well as Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, Twitter, TikTok, Snapchat and others.