In the year of our smartphones 2020, most people have at least a vague desire to reduce their screen time, but for those who think, “Actually I would rather my phone screen be inside my literal eyeballs,” the world’s first smart contact lenses may be just the thing.
While the Black Mirror-esque technology isn’t available yet, it’s officially in the works. California-based company Mojo Vision, which had previously remained tight-lipped about the project, has finally revealed its plan for the world’s “first true smart contact lens,” Wired reported. Still in the research and development phase, the project is reportedly a few years away from its public debut as a real product, but the technology is well underway.
The premise is what Mojo Vision calls “invisible computing.” Instead of relying on your smart phone screen, the device would allow wearers to access a digital interface with just the flick of the eyes.
“We want to create a technology that lets you be you, lets you look like you; doesn’t change your appearance; it doesn’t make you act weird walking down the street,” said Mike Wiemer, cofounder and chief technology officer at Mojo Vision. “It’s very discreet and frankly, substantially, most of the time it doesn’t show you anything.”
That’s good news for people who want to slyly be on their phone in class or at work without attracting side eye, although Wired did note that device use would be apparent to anyone looking the user directly in the eye.
The lens will reportedly sit right on the cornea and features a tiny embedded display, “about the size of a dot from an ink pen.” According to Mojo Vision, the screen is the “smallest, densest display ever made.” Wired compared the experience to existing augmented reality eyewear like Google Glass and Focals, while noting that the smart contact’s display is integrated directly into the lens, while Focals projects its interface to the glasses.
We’re a few years out, but the future of interface may soon bring you and your screen closer than ever before.
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