Virtual i-O i-glasses! - Revision history

RealEditor: grammar

2025-07-12T05:13:12Z

grammar

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:13, 12 July 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[File:i-glasses2.jpg\|thumb\|300px\|i-glasses]]		[[File:i-glasses2.jpg\|thumb\|300px\|i-glasses]]
	{{vintage}}		{{vintage}}
	~~The~~ '''i-glasses!''' (stylized as '''i-glasses!''') were a series of [[head-mounted displays]] (HMDs) developed and manufactured by [[Virtual i-O]] from 1995 to 1997, and later by i-O Display Systems until 2013. These devices were among the first consumer-oriented [[virtual reality]] headsets to achieve mainstream distribution, offering an affordable entry point into VR and [[augmented reality]] experiences during the mid-1990s.<ref name="vrtifacts">V-Rtifacts. 1995 Virtual IO I-Glasses. Retrieved from https://vrtifacts.com/1995-virtual-io-i-glasses/</ref>		'''i-glasses!''' (stylized as '''i-glasses!''') were a series of [[head-mounted displays]] (HMDs) developed and manufactured by [[Virtual i-O]] from 1995 to 1997, and later by i-O Display Systems until 2013. These devices were among the first consumer-oriented [[virtual reality]] headsets to achieve mainstream distribution, offering an affordable entry point into VR and [[augmented reality]] experiences during the mid-1990s.<ref name="vrtifacts">V-Rtifacts. 1995 Virtual IO I-Glasses. Retrieved from https://vrtifacts.com/1995-virtual-io-i-glasses/</ref>

	==History==		==History==

RealEditor: remove infobox that is bloated and too long

2025-07-12T05:12:34Z

remove infobox that is bloated and too long

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Device Infobox
+[[File:i-glasses2.jpg|thumb|300px|i-glasses]]
 {{vintage}}
 The '''i-glasses!''' (stylized as '''i-glasses!''') were a series of [[head-mounted displays]] (HMDs) developed and manufactured by [[Virtual i-O]] from 1995 to 1997, and later by i-O Display Systems until 2013. These devices were among the first consumer-oriented [[virtual reality]] headsets to achieve mainstream distribution, offering an affordable entry point into VR and [[augmented reality]] experiences during the mid-1990s.<ref name="vrtifacts">V-Rtifacts. 1995 Virtual IO I-Glasses. Retrieved from https://vrtifacts.com/1995-virtual-io-i-glasses/</ref>

RealEditor: /* Technical Specifications */ improve formatting

2025-07-02T18:45:01Z

Technical Specifications: improve formatting

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:45, 2 July 2025
Line 106:		Line 106:
	Sluggish sales and high manufacturing overhead forced Virtual i-O into Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 1997. Its assets were reorganized as '''i-O Display Systems''', which continued to refine the product line through the 2000s, introducing the higher-resolution i-glasses SVGA in 1997 and the stereo-capable SVGA Pro in 2003.<ref name="3do"/><ref name="jonpeddie">Robert Dow. i-O Display Shows Off PRO SVGA Compatible Headset. Jon Peddie Research. July 7, 2003.</ref>		Sluggish sales and high manufacturing overhead forced Virtual i-O into Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 1997. Its assets were reorganized as '''i-O Display Systems''', which continued to refine the product line through the 2000s, introducing the higher-resolution i-glasses SVGA in 1997 and the stereo-capable SVGA Pro in 2003.<ref name="3do"/><ref name="jonpeddie">Robert Dow. i-O Display Shows Off PRO SVGA Compatible Headset. Jon Peddie Research. July 7, 2003.</ref>

	==Technical ~~Specifications~~==		==Technical specifications==
	===Display ~~Technology~~===		===Display technology===
	The i-glasses utilized dual [[LCD]] displays to create a [[stereoscopic 3D]] effect. The 1995 models employed two 0.7 inch active-matrix LCDs with a [[color sequential display]] system, which displayed red, green, and blue colors in sequence to create full-color images.<ref name="stanford">Stanford Graphics. Virtual I/O's iglasses! head mounted display. Retrieved from https://graphics.stanford.edu/infrastructure/gamma-corrected/iglasses.html</ref> The displays were semi-transparent, allowing users to see through them in brightly lit environments, enabling [[augmented reality]] applications through a hinged, flip-up opaque visor.<ref name="google-arts"/>		The i-glasses utilized dual [[LCD]] displays to create a [[stereoscopic 3D]] effect. The 1995 models employed two 0.7 inch active-matrix LCDs with a [[color sequential display]] system, which displayed red, green, and blue colors in sequence to create full-color images.<ref name="stanford">Stanford Graphics. Virtual I/O's iglasses! head mounted display. Retrieved from https://graphics.stanford.edu/infrastructure/gamma-corrected/iglasses.html</ref> The displays were semi-transparent, allowing users to see through them in brightly lit environments, enabling [[augmented reality]] applications through a hinged, flip-up opaque visor.<ref name="google-arts"/>

Line 121:		Line 121:
	* Later models: Created the impression of viewing a 52-inch screen from 6 feet away<ref name="tomshardware"/>		* Later models: Created the impression of viewing a 52-inch screen from 6 feet away<ref name="tomshardware"/>

	===Models and ~~Versions~~===		===Models and versions===
	Virtual i-O and later i-O Display Systems released several versions of the i-glasses to target different markets:		Virtual i-O and later i-O Display Systems released several versions of the i-glasses to target different markets:

Xinreality: Xinreality moved page I-glasses to Virtual i-O i-glasses!

2025-06-26T09:55:15Z

Xinreality moved page I-glasses to Virtual i-O i-glasses!

← Older revision	Revision as of 09:55, 26 June 2025
(No difference)

Xinreality at 09:39, 26 June 2025

2025-06-26T09:39:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:39, 26 June 2025
Line 206:		Line 206:
	The i-glasses were positioned as an affordable alternative to high-end VR systems of the era. At $395-$799 depending on the model, they were significantly less expensive than professional VR equipment while offering consumer-friendly features like lightweight design and broad compatibility.<ref name="google-arts"/>		The i-glasses were positioned as an affordable alternative to high-end VR systems of the era. At $395-$799 depending on the model, they were significantly less expensive than professional VR equipment while offering consumer-friendly features like lightweight design and broad compatibility.<ref name="google-arts"/>

	Early reviews praised the unit's 227-gram ~~mass—half~~ that of rival [[Forte VFX-1]]~~—and~~ competitive entry price, yet criticized its narrow 30-degree field of view and visible pixels.<ref name="stereo3d">Stereo3D.com. SVGA i-Glasses Experience forum thread. March 16, 2003.</ref>		Early reviews praised the unit's 227-gram mass, half that of rival [[Forte VFX-1]], and competitive entry price, yet criticized its narrow 30-degree field of view and visible pixels.<ref name="stereo3d">Stereo3D.com. SVGA i-Glasses Experience forum thread. March 16, 2003.</ref>

	===Commercial Performance===		===Commercial Performance===

Xinreality at 20:05, 25 June 2025

2025-06-25T20:05:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:05, 25 June 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Device Infobox		{{Device Infobox
	\|image = [[File:i-~~glasses_VR_headset~~.jpg\|300px]]		\|image = [[File:i-glasses2.jpg\|300px]]
	\|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]		\|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
	\|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]		\|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]

Xinreality: /* Connection Methods */

2025-06-25T20:04:27Z

Connection Methods

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:04, 25 June 2025
Line 173:		Line 173:
	All versions routed video through an external breakout box that looped a VGA feed to a standard monitor while diverting RGB to the headset. The system included:<ref name="manual"/>		All versions routed video through an external breakout box that looped a VGA feed to a standard monitor while diverting RGB to the headset. The system included:<ref name="manual"/>
	* '''PC Models''': VGA connection with a control box that included:		* '''PC Models''': VGA connection with a control box that included:
	* VGA IN port for PC video output		** VGA IN port for PC video output
	* VGA OUT port for monitor passthrough		** VGA OUT port for monitor passthrough
	* SERIAL/HEAD TRACKER port for optional tracking (9-pin serial)		** SERIAL/HEAD TRACKER port for optional tracking (9-pin serial)
	* 9-volt DC transformer for power (4W)<ref name="stanford"/>		** 9-volt DC transformer for power (4W)<ref name="stanford"/>
	* '''Video Models''': Composite A/V connections (RCA jacks) for universal compatibility		* '''Video Models''': Composite A/V connections (RCA jacks) for universal compatibility
	* Stereo RCA inputs for audio		* Stereo RCA inputs for audio

Xinreality at 20:02, 25 June 2025

2025-06-25T20:02:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:02, 25 June 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Device Infobox		{{Device Infobox
	\|image = [[File:i-glasses_VR_headset.jpg\|300px]]		\|image = [[File:i-glasses_VR_headset.jpg\|300px]]
	\|VR/AR = Virtual Reality ~~/ Augmented Reality~~		\|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
	\|Type = Head-mounted display		\|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
	\|Subtype = PC-Powered VR		\|Subtype = [[PC-Powered VR]], [[Vintage VR]]
	\|Platform = PC, Video Game Consoles, Video Sources		\|Platform = PC, Video Game Consoles, Video Sources
	\|Creator = Greg Amadon, Linden Rhoads		\|Creator = Greg Amadon, Linden Rhoads
Line 11:		Line 11:
	\|Release Date = May 1995		\|Release Date = May 1995
	\|Price = $395-$499 (Video), $799 (PC 3D), varies by model		\|Price = $395-$499 (Video), $799 (PC 3D), varies by model
	\|Website = ~~N/A (company defunct)~~		\|Website =
	\|Versions = i-glasses! (original), i-glasses! Video, i-glasses! PC/2D, i-glasses! PC 3D, i-glasses! SVGA, i-glasses! SVGA Pro		\|Versions = i-glasses! (original), i-glasses! Video, i-glasses! PC/2D, i-glasses! PC 3D, i-glasses! SVGA, i-glasses! SVGA Pro
	\|Requires = PC with VGA output or video source with composite output		\|Requires = PC with VGA output or video source with composite output
Line 17:		Line 17:
	\|Successor = i-glasses SVGA Pro (2003)		\|Successor = i-glasses SVGA Pro (2003)
	\|Operating System = Windows 95, Windows 98, DOS		\|Operating System = Windows 95, Windows 98, DOS
	\|Chipset = ~~N/A~~		\|Chipset =
	\|CPU = ~~N/A (external processing)~~		\|CPU =
	\|GPU = ~~N/A (external processing)~~		\|GPU =
	\|HPU = ~~N/A~~		\|HPU =
	\|Storage = ~~N/A~~		\|Storage =
	\|Memory = ~~N/A~~		\|Memory =
	\|SD Card Slot = No		\|SD Card Slot = No
	\|Display = Dual 0.7" active-matrix LCD		\|Display = Dual 0.7" active-matrix LCD
Line 29:		Line 29:
	\|Resolution = 300×200 (Video), 640×480 (PC versions), 800×600 (SVGA), 1.44M pixels (SVGA Pro)		\|Resolution = 300×200 (Video), 640×480 (PC versions), 800×600 (SVGA), 1.44M pixels (SVGA Pro)
	\|Refresh Rate = 60 Hz (up to 120 Hz for SVGA)		\|Refresh Rate = 60 Hz (up to 120 Hz for SVGA)
	\|Pixel Density = ~~N/A~~		\|Pixel Density =
	\|Persistence = Full persistence LCD		\|Persistence = Full persistence LCD
	\|Precision = ~~N/A~~		\|Precision =
	\|Field of View = 26-30 degrees diagonal		\|Field of View = 26-30 degrees diagonal
	\|Horizontal FoV = 30 degrees		\|Horizontal FoV = 30 degrees
	\|Vertical FoV = ~~N/A~~		\|Vertical FoV =
	\|Visible FoV = 26-30 degrees		\|Visible FoV = 26-30 degrees
	\|Rendered FoV = ~~N/A~~		\|Rendered FoV =
	\|Binocular Overlap = 100%		\|Binocular Overlap = 100%
	\|Average Pixel Density = ~~N/A~~		\|Average Pixel Density =
	\|Peak Pixel Density = ~~N/A~~		\|Peak Pixel Density =
	\|Foveated Rendering = No		\|Foveated Rendering = No
	\|Optics = Fixed-focus lenses		\|Optics = Fixed-focus lenses
Line 48:		Line 48:
	\|Tracking = Optional 3DOF magnetic head tracker		\|Tracking = Optional 3DOF magnetic head tracker
	\|Tracking Frequency = 30-60 Hz		\|Tracking Frequency = 30-60 Hz
	\|Base Stations = No		\|Base Stations =
	\|Eye Tracking = No		\|Eye Tracking =
	\|Face Tracking = No		\|Face Tracking =
	\|Hand Tracking = No		\|Hand Tracking =
	\|Body Tracking = No		\|Body Tracking =
	\|Rotational Tracking = Yes (yaw, pitch, roll with optional tracker)		\|Rotational Tracking = Yes (yaw, pitch, roll with optional tracker)
	\|Positional Tracking = No		\|Positional Tracking =
	\|Update Rate = ~~N/A~~		\|Update Rate =
	\|Tracking Volume = ~~N/A~~		\|Tracking Volume =
	\|Play Space = Seated		\|Play Space = Seated
	\|Latency = 30-60 ms (governed by COM port polling)		\|Latency = 30-60 ms (governed by COM port polling)
Line 66:		Line 66:
	\|Ports = VGA input, Video input, Power, Serial		\|Ports = VGA input, Video input, Power, Serial
	\|Wired Video = Yes		\|Wired Video = Yes
	\|Wireless Video = No		\|Wireless Video =
	\|WiFi = No		\|WiFi =
	\|Bluetooth = No		\|Bluetooth =
	\|Power = 9V DC external AC adapter (4W)		\|Power = 9V DC external AC adapter (4W)
	\|Battery Capacity = ~~N/A~~		\|Battery Capacity =
	\|Battery Life = ~~N/A~~		\|Battery Life =
	\|Charge Time = ~~N/A~~		\|Charge Time =
	\|Dimensions = ~~N/A~~		\|Dimensions =
	\|Weight = 227g (8 ounces) - headset only		\|Weight = 227g (8 ounces) - headset only
	\|Material = Plastic		\|Material = Plastic
Line 88:		Line 88:
	\|Contrast Ratio = 25:1		\|Contrast Ratio = 25:1
	}}		}}
			{{vintage}}
	The '''i-glasses!''' (stylized as '''i-glasses!''') were a series of [[head-mounted displays]] (HMDs) developed and manufactured by [[Virtual i-O]] from 1995 to 1997, and later by i-O Display Systems until 2013. These devices were among the first consumer-oriented [[virtual reality]] headsets to achieve mainstream distribution, offering an affordable entry point into VR and [[augmented reality]] experiences during the mid-1990s.<ref name="vrtifacts">V-Rtifacts. 1995 Virtual IO I-Glasses. Retrieved from https://vrtifacts.com/1995-virtual-io-i-glasses/</ref>		The '''i-glasses!''' (stylized as '''i-glasses!''') were a series of [[head-mounted displays]] (HMDs) developed and manufactured by [[Virtual i-O]] from 1995 to 1997, and later by i-O Display Systems until 2013. These devices were among the first consumer-oriented [[virtual reality]] headsets to achieve mainstream distribution, offering an affordable entry point into VR and [[augmented reality]] experiences during the mid-1990s.<ref name="vrtifacts">V-Rtifacts. 1995 Virtual IO I-Glasses. Retrieved from https://vrtifacts.com/1995-virtual-io-i-glasses/</ref>

Line 264:		Line 264:
	</references>		</references>

			[[Category:Vintage Devices]]
			[[Category:Vintage VR]]
			[[Category:Devices]]
			[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
			[[Category:VR Headsets]]
	[[Category:Virtual reality headsets]]		[[Category:Virtual reality headsets]]
	[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]		[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]

Xinreality at 20:00, 25 June 2025

2025-06-25T20:00:20Z

Show changes

Xinreality: Created page with "{{Device Infobox |image = 300px |VR/AR = Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality |Type = Head-mounted display |Subtype = PC-Powered VR |Platform = PC, Video Game Consoles, Video Sources |Creator = Greg Amadon, Linden Rhoads |Developer = Virtual i-O |Manufacturer = Virtual i-O (1995-1997), i-O Display Systems (after 1997) |Announcement Date = 1994 |Release Date = 1995 |Price = $395 (original), $799 (PC 3D), varies by model |Website = N/A (com..."

2025-06-25T19:55:17Z

Created page with "{{Device Infobox |image = 300px |VR/AR = Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality |Type = Head-mounted display |Subtype = PC-Powered VR |Platform = PC, Video Game Consoles, Video Sources |Creator = Greg Amadon, Linden Rhoads |Developer = Virtual i-O |Manufacturer = Virtual i-O (1995-1997), i-O Display Systems (after 1997) |Announcement Date = 1994 |Release Date = 1995 |Price = $395 (original), $799 (PC 3D), varies by model |Website = N/A (com..."

New page

{{Device Infobox
|image = [[File:i-glasses_VR_headset.jpg|300px]]
|VR/AR = Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality
|Type = Head-mounted display
|Subtype = PC-Powered VR
|Platform = PC, Video Game Consoles, Video Sources
|Creator = Greg Amadon, Linden Rhoads
|Developer = Virtual i-O
|Manufacturer = Virtual i-O (1995-1997), i-O Display Systems (after 1997)
|Announcement Date = 1994
|Release Date = 1995
|Price = $395 (original), $799 (PC 3D), varies by model
|Website = N/A (company defunct)
|Versions = i-glasses! (original), i-glasses PC/2D, i-glasses PC 3D, i-glasses Video, i-glasses SVGA
|Requires = PC with VGA output or video source with composite output
|Predecessor = None
|Successor = i-glasses SVGA
|Operating System = Windows 95, Windows 98, DOS
|Chipset = N/A
|CPU = N/A (external processing)
|GPU = N/A (external processing)
|HPU = N/A
|Storage = N/A
|Memory = N/A
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Dual LCD
|Subpixel Layout = Standard RGB
|Peak Brightness = N/A
|Resolution = 300×200 (original), 640×480 (PC versions), 800×600 (SVGA)
|Refresh Rate = 60 Hz (up to 120 Hz for SVGA)
|Pixel Density = N/A
|Persistence = Full persistence LCD
|Precision = N/A
|Field of View = 30 degrees
|Horizontal FoV = 30 degrees
|Vertical FoV = N/A
|Visible FoV = 30 degrees
|Rendered FoV = N/A
|Binocular Overlap = Full
|Average Pixel Density = N/A
|Peak Pixel Density = N/A
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Optics = Fixed focus
|Ocularity = Binocular
|IPD Range = Fixed
|Adjustable Diopter = No
|Passthrough = Yes (semi-transparent displays)
|Tracking = Optional 3DOF head tracking
|Tracking Frequency = N/A
|Base Stations = No
|Eye Tracking = No
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Body Tracking = No
|Rotational Tracking = Yes (with optional tracker)
|Positional Tracking = No
|Update Rate = N/A
|Tracking Volume = N/A
|Play Space = Seated
|Latency = N/A
|Audio = Built-in stereo headphones
|Microphone = No
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = No
|Connectivity = VGA, Composite video, Serial port (for tracker)
|Ports = VGA input, Video input, Power, Serial
|Wired Video = Yes
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = No
|Bluetooth = No
|Power = External AC adapter
|Battery Capacity = N/A
|Battery Life = N/A
|Charge Time = N/A
|Dimensions = N/A
|Weight = 227g (8 ounces)
|Material = Plastic
|Headstrap = Adjustable head mount
|Haptics = No
|Color = Black
|Sensors = Optional head tracker
|Input = Optional CyberPuck controller
|Compliance = FCC
|Size = Lightweight design
|Cable Length = Varies
}}

The '''i-glasses''' were a series of [[head-mounted displays]] (HMDs) developed and manufactured by [[Virtual i-O]] from 1995 to 1997, and later by i-O Display Systems. These devices were among the first consumer-oriented [[virtual reality]] headsets to achieve mainstream distribution, offering an affordable entry point into VR and [[augmented reality]] experiences during the mid-1990s.<ref name="vrtifacts">V-Rtifacts. 1995 Virtual IO I-Glasses. Retrieved from https://vrtifacts.com/1995-virtual-io-i-glasses/</ref>

==History==
===Company Formation===
Virtual i-O was founded by [[Greg Amadon]] and [[Linden Rhoads]] in [[Seattle]], Washington. The company spent three years developing their virtual reality eyeglasses technology before finding investment from [[John Malone]], CEO of [[Tele-Communications Inc.]], after demonstrating an early prototype using 900 pounds of computer and video equipment in his garage in [[Boothbay Harbor]], Maine.<ref name="fortune">Fortune Magazine. Virtual I-O Virtual-Reality Headgear. July 8, 1996. Retrieved from https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/1996/07/08/214358/index.htm</ref>

===Development and Launch===
The i-glasses were first released in 1995 as one of the first affordable home VR headsets, alongside competitors like the [[VictorMaxx CyberMaxx]] and [[Forte VFX1]].<ref name="vrtifacts"/> The headset was designed to be lightweight and comfortable, weighing only 227 grams (8 ounces), making it significantly lighter than many competing VR systems of the era.<ref name="google-arts">Google Arts & Culture. Virtual i-O i-glasses! Personal 3D Viewer head-mounted display. Retrieved from https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/virtual-i-o-i-glasses-personal-3d-viewer-head-mounted-display/4wHrXHZrWs9ZBA</ref>

===European Distribution===
In July 1995, Virtual Products GmbH, a subsidiary of [[Escom AG]], became the exclusive distributor of i-glasses in Europe. Escom developed a special [[PAL]] video standard version specifically for the European market.<ref name="cucug">CUCUG. Virtual i - O Glasses. Retrieved from https://www.cucug.org/amiga/aminews/1995/at950801.html</ref>

===Company Decline===
By late 1996, Virtual i-O faced significant financial difficulties. Internal company morale deteriorated, with widespread layoffs occurring in December 1996. A group of disgruntled former employees, known as "Deep Bile," actively circulated information about the company's troubles.<ref name="seattle-weekly">Seattle Weekly. Books Quarterly: All in a Day's Work at Virtual i/O. October 9, 2006. Retrieved from https://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/books-quarterly-all-in-a-days-work-at-virtual-i-o/</ref> The company's struggles were later chronicled in [[Fred Moody]]'s book "The Visionary Position," which documented five high-tech start-ups including Virtual i-O.<ref name="seattle-weekly"/>

==Technical Specifications==
===Display Technology===
The i-glasses utilized dual [[LCD]] displays to create a [[stereoscopic 3D]] effect. The displays were semi-transparent, allowing users to see through them in brightly lit environments, enabling [[augmented reality]] applications.<ref name="google-arts"/> The virtual display created the effect of viewing a large screen from a distance:
* Original i-glasses: Appeared as an 80-inch screen from 5 feet away<ref name="tomshardware">Tom's Hardware. The History Of Virtual Reality: Page 2. March 24, 2016. Retrieved from https://www.tomshardware.com/picturestory/704-history-of-virtual-reality-2.html</ref>
* Later models: Created the impression of viewing a 52-inch screen from 6 feet away<ref name="tomshardware"/>

===Models and Versions===
Virtual i-O released several versions of the i-glasses to target different markets:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Model !! Resolution !! Target Market !! Key Features
|-
| i-glasses! (Original) || 300×200 || General consumers || Basic VR/video viewing, $395
|-
| i-glasses PC/2D || 640×480 || PC users || 2D display mode for Windows
|-
| i-glasses PC 3D || 640×480 || PC gamers || [[Stereoscopic 3D]] support
|-
| i-glasses Video || 300×200 || Video/console gaming || Composite video input
|-
| i-glasses SVGA || 800×600 || Professional/PC users || Higher resolution, [[Plug and Play]]
|}

===Head Tracking===
The i-glasses supported optional [[3 degrees of freedom]] (3DOF) head tracking through a separate device. The tracking system used:
* Serial port connection to PC (typically COM1)
* 70 degrees pitch and roll capability<ref name="picclick">PicClick UK. VFX1 HeadGear VIRTUAL REALITY with CyberPuck. Retrieved from https://picclick.co.uk/VFX1-HeadGear-VIRTUAL-REALITY-with-CyberPuck-LinkBOX-and-182752960111.html</ref>
* Integration with compatible software for head-controlled navigation

===SVGA Model Features===
The later i-glasses SVGA model, released by i-O Display Systems, included advanced features:<ref name="manual">I-O Display Systems. I-glasses SVGA User Manual. Retrieved from https://www.manualslib.com/manual/631835/I-O-Display-Systems-I-Glasses.html</ref>
* Resolution: 800×600 pixels
* Refresh rate: Up to 120 Hz (double the input rate up to 60 Hz)
* [[On-screen display]] (OSD) for adjusting:
** Brightness and contrast
** Audio balance
** Horizontal centering
** Color settings
** 3D mode selection
* Support for [[frame sequential stereo]] with [[nVidia]] game drivers
* Line interlace 3D support with compatible hardware

==Connectivity and Compatibility==
===System Requirements===
The i-glasses were designed to be compatible with a wide range of systems:<ref name="cucug"/>
* Personal computers (PC)
* [[Amiga]] computers
* Gaming consoles ([[Sega]], [[Nintendo]], [[Sony]])
* Television and [[VCR]] systems
* Any device with composite video output

===Connection Methods===
The headset used different connection methods depending on the model:
* '''PC Models''': VGA connection with a control box that included:
* VGA IN port for PC video output
* VGA OUT port for monitor passthrough
* SERIAL/HEAD TRACKER port for optional tracking
* 9-volt transformer for power<ref name="stanford">Stanford Graphics. Virtual I/O's iglasses! head mounted display. Retrieved from https://graphics.stanford.edu/infrastructure/gamma-corrected/iglasses.html</ref>
* '''Video Models''': Composite A/V connections for universal compatibility

==Software Support==
===Operating System Compatibility===
Virtual i-O secured support from major software companies:
* [[Microsoft]] [[Windows 95]] compatibility
* [[IBM]] [[OS/2]] support
* [[DOS]] game compatibility
* Native support from the [[Amiga]] development community<ref name="cucug"/>

===Applications and Games===
The i-glasses were marketed for various applications:
* PC gaming with stereoscopic 3D support
* Virtual reality environments
* Television and video viewing
* Professional visualization
* Educational software

==Reception and Impact==
===Market Position===
The i-glasses were positioned as an affordable alternative to high-end VR systems of the era. At $395 for the base model, they were significantly less expensive than professional VR equipment while offering consumer-friendly features like lightweight design and broad compatibility.<ref name="google-arts"/>

===Technical Limitations===
Despite their innovative approach, the i-glasses faced several limitations:
* Limited field of view (30 degrees)<ref name="google-arts"/>
* Low resolution compared to modern standards
* Maximum input resolution of 640×480 for early models<ref name="vrtifacts"/>
* Complex cable setup requiring multiple connections

===Legacy===
The i-glasses represented an important step in the commercialization of VR technology. While Virtual i-O ultimately failed as a company, their products demonstrated that consumer VR was technically feasible and could be produced at accessible price points. The semi-transparent display design also pioneered early [[augmented reality]] applications, allowing users to overlay digital content on their real-world view.<ref name="google-arts"/>

==Preservation==
Examples of i-glasses headsets are preserved in several technology museums and private collections. The devices remain functional with appropriate video sources, though finding compatible software and replacement parts has become increasingly difficult. The VR enthusiast community continues to document and preserve information about these early consumer VR systems.<ref name="vrtifacts"/>

==See Also==
* [[List of virtual reality headsets]]
* [[History of virtual reality]]
* [[Forte VFX1]]
* [[VictorMaxx CyberMaxx]]
* [[1990s in video gaming]]

==References==
<references>
<ref name="vrtifacts">V-Rtifacts. 1995 Virtual IO I-Glasses. Retrieved from https://vrtifacts.com/1995-virtual-io-i-glasses/</ref>
<ref name="fortune">Fortune Magazine. Virtual I-O Virtual-Reality Headgear. July 8, 1996. Retrieved from https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/1996/07/08/214358/index.htm</ref>
<ref name="google-arts">Google Arts & Culture. Virtual i-O i-glasses! Personal 3D Viewer head-mounted display. Retrieved from https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/virtual-i-o-i-glasses-personal-3d-viewer-head-mounted-display/4wHrXHZrWs9ZBA</ref>
<ref name="cucug">CUCUG. Virtual i - O Glasses. Retrieved from https://www.cucug.org/amiga/aminews/1995/at950801.html</ref>
<ref name="seattle-weekly">Seattle Weekly. Books Quarterly: All in a Day's Work at Virtual i/O. October 9, 2006. Retrieved from https://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/books-quarterly-all-in-a-days-work-at-virtual-i-o/</ref>
<ref name="tomshardware">Tom's Hardware. The History Of Virtual Reality: Page 2. March 24, 2016. Retrieved from https://www.tomshardware.com/picturestory/704-history-of-virtual-reality-2.html</ref>
<ref name="stanford">Stanford Graphics. Virtual I/O's iglasses! head mounted display. Retrieved from https://graphics.stanford.edu/infrastructure/gamma-corrected/iglasses.html</ref>
<ref name="manual">I-O Display Systems. I-glasses SVGA User Manual. Retrieved from https://www.manualslib.com/manual/631835/I-O-Display-Systems-I-Glasses.html</ref>
<ref name="picclick">PicClick UK. VFX1 HeadGear VIRTUAL REALITY with CyberPuck. Retrieved from https://picclick.co.uk/VFX1-HeadGear-VIRTUAL-REALITY-with-CyberPuck-LinkBOX-and-182752960111.html</ref>
</references>

[[Category:Virtual reality headsets]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 1995]]
[[Category:Defunct computer hardware companies]]
[[Category:1990s in video gaming]]
[[Category:Augmented reality]]