Mini Gets Freaky With Augmented Vision Glasses

Mini Augmented Reality Glasses (Credit: Mini)

Mini used the Auto Shanghai show to reveal its new Augmented Vision glasses. The wearable tech looks appropriately vintage, like old aviator goggles with a twist or maybe even some steampunk influence, matching nicely with the quirky attitude of the Mini brand.

Boiling down all of the technical speak BMW brass has released about the glasses, they developed the technology with the help of a few Qualcomm companies. Drivers can wear them both when they’re inside and outside the vehicle, with the idea that their overall experience will be improved.

Mini Augmented Reality Glasses (Credit: Mini)

That might sound like a lot of hoopla, but the possible applications of the Mini Augmented Vision glasses are actually pretty cool. Say goodbye to your field of view being blocked by pillars or doors, because the wearable tech would make them appear to be transparent. Using cameras mounted to the car, drivers would also be able to more accurately gauge how close they are to the curb or other vehicles while parking.

Drivers also can see important information with a heads-up display on the lenses just above the steering wheel. Navigation would be more like in video games, with arrows projected onto the road and points of interest labeled. Owners can even use the glasses when they’re outside of the car to look up a destination, then send them to the Mini.

Mini Augmented Reality Glasses (Credit: Mini)

Even though right now this wearable tech is just a concept, it’s possible that one day in the near future consumers will be able to purchase something similar through their local Mini dealer.

An increasing number of automakers are developing similar technology, including Jaguar Land Rover creating windshields that project video game-like information on roads, other vehicles and buildings, plus turning the hood of an SUV “invisible to increase the driver’s view of obstacles on a trail.