Unistellar is a brand best known for its smart telescopes, which aim to make astronomy more accessible. Their app allows you to automatically focus on visible objects in the sky based on your location.

They now plan to try and revolutionise the field of optical devices with the upcoming launch of its Envision smart binoculars. This new product, set to be introduced through a Kickstarter campaign, promises to enhance both daytime and nighttime viewing experiences through the integration of augmented reality (AR) technology.

Major Advancement in Binocular Technology

The Envision smart binoculars represent a significant leap in binocular technology, incorporating high-quality optics with AR features to overlay contextual information onto the natural field of view. This innovative approach offers users a personalized, intuitive, and detailed experience, enriching both stargazing and terrestrial observation.

Through AR integration, users can explore the night sky with the expertise of professional astronomers and navigate daytime landscapes with the insight of experienced guides. The binoculars connect to a smartphone via a companion app, providing instant access to a vast database of maps and contextual information.

Key Features of Envision Smart Binoculars

The Envision smart binoculars boast several key features designed to enhance user experience across various scenarios. These features include:

• Smart Scouting Mode: This mode creates a 3D map overlay on the user’s field of view, indicating landmarks, water sources, trails, and points of interest during the day. At night, it provides contextual information about celestial objects in the user’s field of view.
• Guided Navigation Mode: At night, the app suggests celestial points of interest such as stars, comets, and starfields, guiding users through a tour of the night sky. During the day, similar visual cues appear in the field of view, assisting with navigation in unfamiliar terrain.
• Shareable Target-Lock Mode: This feature allows users to lock onto a target, such as a camouflaged animal during a safari or a celestial object at night. The binoculars can then be passed to others, who will be guided precisely to the same target, enabling a shared viewing experience.
• Classic Optical Mode: For those moments when users wish to disconnect from technology, the AR overlay can be turned off, allowing the binoculars to function as a high-quality pair of classic optical binoculars.

User-Friendly and Versatile Design

Designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, the Envision smart binoculars feature intuitive controls and seamless smartphone integration. The companion app is an indispensable tool for both amateur stargazers and outdoor enthusiasts, providing a comprehensive database of maps and contextual information.

Crowdfunding Launch and Vision for the Future

Laurent Marfisi, co-founder and CEO of Unistellar, expressed excitement about the upcoming launch. “We aim to expand exploration capabilities with a versatile and portable tool that will delight explorers both day and night,” he said. “This is an exciting time for Unistellar, and with this second groundbreaking invention, we will reach out to innovators and pioneers around the world through a crowdfunding campaign, just as we did with the eVscope.”

Unistellar’s previous crowdfunding campaign for the eVscope in 2017 was a resounding success, raising over $2.2 million and revolutionizing the backyard telescope market. The eVscope’s success helped establish smart telescopes as a new product category and attracted strategic support from Nikon, which invested in the company in 2023.

Anticipated Impact on the Market

The introduction of Envision smart binoculars is expected to make a substantial impact on the market, providing both amateur and professional users with advanced tools for exploration. The integration of AR technology into binoculars is a pioneering step that sets Unistellar apart in the field of optical devices.

By offering a product that combines high-quality optics with state-of-the-art technology, Unistellar continues to push the boundaries of exploration tools. The Envision smart binoculars cater to a wide range of activities, from stargazing and wildlife observation to navigating complex terrains, making them a versatile addition to any explorer’s toolkit.

Follow the Campaign

Visit www.unistellar.com/envision for more information and to stay updated on the campaign.