More than mere gadgets, technology innovations transform daily life—including the visual aspect.

And, the consumers of the world are embracing high-tech in droves. This year, the number of connected wearable devices worldwide is forecast to exceed 600 million, according to the Statista database.

Big thinkers are reimagining new ways to enrich visual experiences and help people navigate their worlds more safely, with confidence and joy. Why all this wizardry in consumer devices?

“It is an incredibly exciting time for the industry in terms of the development of inspiring new technology that enables more people to see better than ever before,” says Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “There are more vision solutions than ever, and the solutions continue to be finessed and made more accessible.”

Inspired by 2020 Consumer Electronics Show award winners—and beyond—EB curated this batch of 10 wildly innovative visual effects brainchildren that are new to the market or available to consumers for the first time this month.

We hope you enjoy the ride.

So Touching:
HAP2PHONE

Phone vibrations once stirred anticipation: Who could it be? That was the extent of tactility until a device enabling users to feel what they see on a phone—scales of a fish and other high-density textures. A thin film of pressurized air between the finger and screen on the Hap2Phone renders tactile sensation.

hap2u.net

Pins With Purpose:
TACTILE PRO

Equipped with braille pins set 3 millimeters apart, this unique tablet from Power Contents Technology Co., Ltd., enables blind users to surf the web, edit documents, play games, and exchange text messages in several languages. Digital information is translated into voice, braille text, and braille images, and user-entered braille content is rendered in alphanumeric characters for communicating with sighted users.

powerct.kr

Look, Ma! No Glasses:
3D DASHBOARD DISPLAY

New from Bosch, this automotive instrument panel displayed in 3D enables information to be processed faster, improving response time and safety. Using “passive, multi-view” technology means neither 3D glasses nor a specified viewing angle are needed to view 3D images—essential as focus should be on the road. Crucial alerts pop in an attention-getting manner, and exterior cameras render more precise 3D views of space when parking.

bit.ly/boschdisplay

Smart Move:
HUJECT SMART CANE

This GPS-enabled walking cane’s infrared sensors detect obstacles and send alerts via vibration and sound for safe navigation. Designed by Hanyang University’s SEED Lab, the cane’s LED lights and beacon technology signal other pedestrians that a visually impaired person is nearby. So, look up from your phone, please.

youtu.be/Qw_XosJLA00

Dyslexia, Done?
LEXILENS

Theorizing that dyslexia stems from lack of asymmetry between a person’s eyes, inventors from Abeye outfitted these smart glasses with electrochromic lenses that modulate light to override “mirror errors” dyslexic people experience, making reading and writing easier in any language. The Lexilens is funded in part by French optical retailer Atol les Opticiens.

abeye.tech/lexilens/

Vibe on Vitals:
BVUE APP

This smartphone video camera app captures light reflected off the cheeks (all skin types and beards OK) to read heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiration, and mental stress levels—for self-monitoring or to share with doctors, including optometrists. Work is underway to add blood pressure and hemoglobin readings.

bvue.app

Tactile Teaching Aid:
CODE JUMPER

Using bright plastic pods, oversize dials, and thick cords—all designed for small hands—this educational tool from Microsoft and American Printing House for the Blind helps visually impaired and blind children learn to write computer code. Children as young as 7 learn not only basic programming concepts but also creative ways to problem-solve at an early age while they are building self-confidence.

codejumper.com

Discreet Feat:
NORM GLASSES

From Human Capable, these sleek and lightweight augmented reality sunglasses belie their computing muscle. Popular phone functions—calls, text, navigation, camera, play music/video—are projected onto a field of view straight ahead. No more “text neck” strain; they are also Rx-able. The “Norm” moniker pays homage to how “normal” they appear versus previous versions of wearables with similar features.

normglasses.com

Blind Spot Be Gone:
THE VIRTUAL VISOR

This innovative automotive visor from Bosch flips down to block sun and glare striking the eyes. Putting opacity of standard auto visors in park, this visor uses translucent material and a liquid crystal display to expand motorists’ field of view for safer driving.

youtu.be/BJgwEt12mEU