I remember way back in the early 90's, the Sci-Fi catch phrase "virtual reality" was bandied about. Thanks to unforgettable TV shows and movies like Seaquest DSV and The Lawnmower Man, I thought for sure that by 2006 VR devices would be all over the place. Much to my consternation this hasn't exactly occurred. Hell, I don't even have a cool time-share deep under the Atlantic. Tuna and whales floating through the backyard is all I'm asking for, people!
So, you can imagine my excitement when I heard about two new products: the myvu personal media viewer and the ezVision iWear. Looking suspiciously like VR goggles, both of these devices are video iPod accessories that allow you to watch movies without relying on the iPod's tiny screen. Better yet, the myvu and iWear promise to provide a large TV-like viewing experience.
Costing $269 (direct), the myvu connects to iPods via a headphone/video port and comes with its own handy carrying case and battery pack (powered by 3 AAA batteries). The eyephone unit, using a term coined by the legendary writer William Gibson, is a thin goggle-style boasting two tiny LCDs that let you tuck away your cell phone or video iPod to enjoy hands-free TV viewing. The goggles also feature decent ear-buds with some passive noise-canceling. While the myvu looks sort of slick with its black futuristic design, I won't be using it on the subway anytime soon. I'd sooner strap two cats to my back, start playing the sax, then claim I'm from outer space--believe me, it happens. Also, it was difficult to use the myvu while wearing my incredibly attractive pair of glasses.
At $400, the iWear is a bit more expensive, doesn't look as nice as the myvu, lacks a carrying case, but has a bigger "virtual" screen size, also with two LCDs. The resolution is 320 x 240, and the unit weighs about 2.5 ounces. Power is supplied by a rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery. Unfortunately the ear-buds don't have the same rubberized passively noise-canceling attributes as the myvu. I'm happy to say that if you wear glasses, they are much more compatible with the iWear.
With both devices, display quality was all right, but not quite the 50-inch plasma experience I was expecting. Still, it beats squinting at the iPod's miniscule screen.
Thanks to PC Mag Consumer Electronics Reviews Editor Brian Bennett for the review!
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August 10, 2006 1:27 PM
that is a reviews?? not quite the 50-inch plasma experience I was expecting. Still, it beats squinting at the iPod's miniscule screen. 5 paragraphs of garbage can be boiled down to the last two lines that dont offer me any insight into the product. that was more like an infomercial. battery life, ergonomics, eye strain, stability on the bridge of the nose. what are the specs for the myvu unit? did you even hold these things or did you read two similar press releases and decide it would make a quiant comparative review.
August 11, 2006 9:57 AM
I got a myvu a couple of months ago, and I can tell you the biggest difference between the two has to be that the myvu is light and unobtrusive. There are windows at the sides of the picture, so when I'm traveling I always know what's going on around me instead of being totally blocked off from the world. It has the same resolution as the video iPod, so no picture quality is lost. (If you're all right with the iPod picture, then you'll be fine with the myvu picture- they're the same). As far as looks go, any time new fashions hit the market the masses get scared and run. Once they see the trend-setters sporting the new look, they immediately change their minds! I personally don't care what people think of me- if I find a product that makes traveling and commuting easier then I'll use it!
September 20, 2006 5:53 PM
A friend of mine got the myvu and I got the ezVision. Here is what I notice between the two. The screen on the ezVision is noticably bigger and brighter. They actually feel lighter than the myvu. You can see what is going on around you with both units. I did find the window on the myvu very distractive when trying to watch a movie. The 8 hour battery on the ezVision really lasts a long time, and I was able to use my powerStick to keep the iPod running just as long. I can also use my ezVision with my DVD player or the SVideo port from my Laptop. The myvu only worked with an iPod. The myvu earphones were more comfortable. The ezVision now has a break out cable so I can use my regular earphones. It may not be worth $400 for some, but for me it is invaluable.
June 19, 2007 11:08 AM
400$ for the ezVision, wow. I live in UK and can by it here for 150£ which is approximately 270$....
August 19, 2008 9:05 PM
where can I buy this unit hopefully in toronto cdn
doing a t.v. series and feel this id the perfect item
please get back , with thankd in advance
Bert's tel number 416.809.7856.