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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Remington Defense at AUSA



 Remington Defense builds and markets firearms to the military. They are featuring  a couple of guns, the 300 Blackout and surprisingly to me, hanging over the mantle as it were, prominently displayed was the Top End TrackingPoint XS2. So it was pretty clear that if the gun was being displayed to the Military it was available to the military. Schauble, the TP CEO was these guys boss before he set out on his own, they think the guy is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Ok, that's that and I feel comfortable saying the rifle has a big future in the military on the other hand I asked one of the guys at the eMagin booth if the Remington consumer model, the 2020 had an eMagin display in it as well. Whoa, Safe Harbor time, he hemmed and mumbled and that was the end of that. I don't see how it could not be as the HUD is apparently identical to the TP version but there you go. If he said yes we could safely put Remington in a customer slot which would look pretty damn impressive on paper. Regardless the Remington Rep said people were lining up to buy the Smart Trigger version and noted that their is a lot of money in Texas and a lot of Texans go hunting, not just Whitetail but on Safari in Texas on Game Preserves where the Eland and Sable Antelope play. He named a couple of early adopters, Rick Perry and Jerry Jones, those sort of Big Hat Texas types. This is why TP is buying a big place North of Austin to get these things out the door.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Oculus Rift

had a talk with a leading HMD designer guy today and of course I shared my petty little obsession with the Oculus Rift. Obsession, because, I could never believe that something so Jerry-rigged and cheap could ever represent anything like real value. First off, I have to retract that Sony stuff related to a possible patent infringement with Oculus because there is NOTHING Patentable in it's make up. It's a re-hash of a twenty year old design that was abandoned, why?, because it made everybody puke sooner or later. Increasing resolution, decreasing latency, software fixes only delay the inevitable, that to wear the Rift or similar is a guarantee to cause simulation sickness to one degree or another. So let the Austrians and the Japanese and the Yemenis for that matter, let everybody make their own Rift and throw out the Ipecac Syrups, the stomach pumps, throw it all out. If somebody swallows Strychnine or Rat Poison just slap a Rift or Rift-like device on their head and stand back.

Interview with CEO of DRS

he explains the tensions very well in Budget Constraint time, the rush to cut rather than produce considered cuts based on strategic priorities, the challenges of globalization, very interesting today talking to Reps and their frustration with the strictures that ITAR imposes on them and just our luck the most onerous strictures focus on sensors, night vision and thermal. So Javelin, took a while but it's finally going to make it in the Export Market. It took a long time too, longer than we might suspect to get iAware to Italy. Hopefully, with this precedent succeding purchases will be pro forma. With complex systems like ENVG and Future Thermal Weapons, which really are of a piece, tight budgets mean governments will buy them one platform at a time until the program is finished. That said, he makes the important point that Data Fusion, that is, making the Netcentric Battlefield seamless should be priority #1. And that of course is what ENVG, iAware and Future Weapons Sight are all about.


http://www.defensenews.com/videonetwork/2759226634001/AUSA-2013-William-J-Lynn-CEO-of-Finmeccanica-North-America-DRS-Technologies

Observations on an Abbreviated Visit to AUSA In Our Nations Capitol.




I didn't have a lot of time, I'm going to try to make it back tomorrow but I got a chance to see the Exelis line of eMagin enabled devices, that would be Spiral, iAware and a new product which is a Binocular NVG with the ability to send and receive Data Transmissions. This one had just won a design award in Italy so the attraction is strong to these devices for Soldato Futuro. Led me to ask the Exelis Rep if the rest of NATO will follow suit, an "I know nothing" moment, asked the guys at the eMagin Booth the same and got the same stoneface. I predict Denmark is next. Everybody had Laser Target Designators, the only one new to me was the Vectoronix Sterna Precision here:

http://www.vectronix.ch/sterna/

Many TWS but learned everybody is waiting for GEN III which will be smaller more powerful, more resolution and coupled with GENIII Enhanced will be state of the sate of the art, maybe Raytheon is in on this, maybe. I think we can look for SXGA in next GEN Javelin and the jury is still out on the final display for the F-35 in the Rockwell/Elbit HMDS and I would not be surprised if the LCD display is displaced by something like a WUXGA. The Avionics Market awaits with their higher margins. There is no manufacturing capability in Russia to make an OLED Microdisplay so in offering my theory of a cannibalized FELIN I was not met with any resistance. A few more notes later.


U.S. Soldiers Train Using Virtual Reality : Aussie Magazine Checks Out DSTS from Intelligent Decisions (eMagin Inside) HMD.

Sony Patent for Optical Distortion Correction Hints at PlayStation HMD

Very similar indeed to little Oculus Rift. I may be cynical, I may be very cynical but I don't think Sony is above attempting to draw a innovative start-up into a legal battle which would knock said little company on it's heels and perhaps drain it's meager resources in a Patent Court fight. An Austrian Company has already come up with a near duplicate of the same Distortion Correction System and now Sony. I don't suspect a Kickstarter campaign for Rift's Legal Fees would be particularly successful.

http://www.roadtovr.com/ps4-vr-hmd-sony-patent-optical-distortion-correction/

Sunday, October 20, 2013

InsideAR 2013: Kevin O'Sullivan - Smart Glasses in the Aviation Industry


This is where the stories as to Airport Personnel use of Data Glasses for Augmented Reality came from.Yes, quite a bit more ambitious than Notifications and Weather Reports.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

The Army has pretty much stopped listening to the P.M. Barnett's of the World and their grand overarching visions of conflict

and are listening to thinkers like this Kilcullen guy as they accelerate training for Urban Warfare as the battlefield moves to city centers, 9/11, Boston, shopping malls,  Westroad in Nebraska, Kenya, poverty zones, the Favelas in Rio, Damascus, Gang warfare in Chicago. They have learned the lessons of Fallujah, Sadr City, Mexico City, Athens on and on. What's troubling but somewhat reassuring is the blending between the military and law enforcement here and abroad. The equipment that was only available to Special Forces a few years ago is now wanted and sold to Police Departments in American cities. Look at the Exhibitors at the Association of Police Chiefs this week in Philadelphia to see the rapid pace of Law Enforcement Militarization. A lot of the same companies will be at the Association of the US Army next week in DC. Let's face it, it's a medium intensity world war with a rapidly changing Theater.

http://gizmodo.com/what-happens-when-cities-fall-apart-1440820493/@laurendavis

Introducing Remington® 2020™ – A Digital Optic System for Greater Confidence and Accuracy Over Extended Ranges


Remington Press Release announcing the Remington 2020, their collaboration with TrackingPoint. TrackingPoint is an eMagin customer so presumably the HUD in the Remington consumer version will have a lower resolution eMagin display. Instead of claimed accuracy to 1000 yards they say 500 yards for the 2020. The Outdoor Life Video below does a great job showcasing the System. That floppy eye cup would drive me crazy. Available at Cabelas, Gander Mountain, Bass Pro and other fine retailers, go buy two today.

http://www.remington.com/en/pages/news-and-resources/press-releases/2013/Corporate/IntroducingRemington2020.aspx

http://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/gun-shots/2013/10/first-look-remington-2020-digital-optics-system#ooid=5hazZwZjqZqgXlYQi5wS8o-42buoiAyk

Avegant Virtual Retinal Display: Prototype hands-on


LCD, Oculus Rift, Google Glass mentions but no OLED, this is intended as a competitor for Sony's HMD or the Zeiss Cinemizer and is aimed at the Consumer who wants a Media Viewer. A Virtual Retinal Display without lasers:

Friday, October 18, 2013

Report from InsideAR: Augmented reality getting real-world applications soon :Dusan Belic



A report from Inside AR reporter where they just wrapped up their Conference in Munich. I agree with the premise that AR will find verticals like the one he cites, airline employees processing boarding passes with the added responsibility as the last line of security for the aircraft, facial recognition, security alerts etc., targeted applications with a commensurate quality requirement beyond Google Glass type notifications and weather reports. When it happens for eMagin in AR it will be in these verticals.

http://www.intomobile.com/2013/10/11/report-insidear-augmented-reality-getting-realworld-applications-soon/

Aviation Warrior: Disembark. But Never Disconnect.


This is the Raytheon Version of Scorpion, they call Air Warrior, the System for Copter Pilots they are cooperating on. Additionally this System has a wearable computer and a Wrist Worn PDA.

Virtual Reality Training for Military and Law Enforcement Immersive Training with Raytheon VIRTSIM


A little ballet, a little Band of Brothers Musicale, a lot of eMagin Z800s, this is really cool, blending the trainees outward appearance and what they are experiencing in the training scenario. Someday this will filter down to the kids to get them up out of their chairs, natural extension of First Person Gaming. Need a big basement or just confine movement to a controller on the rifle.                

Tests of new Russian Thermal Sight



Ratnik is Russia's Future Soldier Program. SAGEM has supplied the Russian military with FELIN Suites since 2012 for testing and it looks like things are moving along. FELIN uses eMagin displays in their Monocular displays, some skullduggery here, I like it. On second thought the sight looks like an Aselsan Boa, so maybe the sight is from Turkey and the HMD from France. In which case both would contain eMagin Displays. Rampant speculation on my part but there is some smoke here therefore there must be fire. This would be a clever dodge around ITAR restrictions which seems to be an urgent necessity these days.    

Thales Expands and Changes the Name of its US Business

 Visonix is of interest here. They make the Scorpion HMD which uses an eMagin Full Color SVGA. The Scorpion is the HMD of choice for the F-22 Raptor and Visonix is working with Raytheon to develop the Scorpion for Helicopters.

http://www.satellitetoday.com/publications/2013/10/17/thales-expands-and-changes-the-name-of-its-us-business/

http://www.thalesvisionix.com/

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

The Job Listing for a New Director of Manufacturing at eMagin Corp in E Fishkill NY



is no longer listed at Simplyhired where it first appeared but remains at the Society of Information Display. So as usual EMAGIN is an...
             

Daniel Iwata on OLED Market

Daniel Iwata, BA, Dip. Fin. Mgmt.
Equity Research Associate
OLED technology quickly growing in display market 
 
 A more speculative investment that give exposure to OLED displays is eMagin (NYSE MKT:EMAN), a company that produces micro displays for personal use. They have displays with applications for military, industrial, medical and consumer products. They research, design and produce their current line of displays, and were profitable in 2012.
 


Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Zeiss Cinemizer Review-PC Magazine

best they've tested but still find some drawbacks. I'd like to ask if Paul Campbell still has one of these in his office and if so, why?


http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2425054,00.asp



Display Central: Display Industry is Still under Distress




Someday we'll find out how big that "IF" is.

From The Article:

"The remaining question is where is the display industry going?  When we look at the latest trends in our industry, we see that most discussions are centered around wearable devices such as augmented reality headsets and Smartwatches.  Both could bring significant numbers of unit sales, but given their size, only marginal display area.  If the headset takes off, the winner here will be the microdisplay makers and not the LCD makers that produce TVs today. Other than wrapping large objects in displays, there seems to be no application in sight that would use all of this LCD capacity we built up over the years.  Does anyone have a great idea what to do with all this LCD capacity?"

 http://www.display-central.com/free-news/display-daily/display-industry-still-distress/

The Woz (Steve Wozniak) bullish on virtual, augmented reality

and the reporter couldn't wait to ask about...of course he's a big fan that has yet to try it (see Roller Coaster Vid below).

And on VR and AR in general:

“I’m bullish and predict a huge future for it,” he said. “Not only that, but it’s a great opportunity for entrepreneurs.”
He said he can see a lot of uses for it. ”Especially for games, but also education and training people, and preparations for missions.”

http://www.hypergridbusiness.com/2013/10/the-woz-bullish-on-virtual-augmented-reality/



Entering Virtual Reality with the Oculus Rift (Rift Coaster)



I think his pals had a lot more fun than him.  You'll still get the flavor, ugh, back of the throat type flavor, if you skip to the last minute.

Where are the Abstraction Layers?


 I guess it's too simple to say it'll happen when demand becomes large enough for head mounted displays which will, in turn,   create an economic incentive to write them. Yuval, license SmartGoggles IP to Microsoft and it will happen overnight. Same Chicken vs. Egg thing you were writing about last week. We have to reduce the uncertainty in this space or we'll all lose it. Before an HMD Driver we need an economic driver.

http://vrguy.blogspot.com/2013/10/where-are-vr-abstraction-layers.html

Monday, October 14, 2013

Potenziato Notte Concetto Da Exelis (eMagin Dentro)


"Celebrating the first delivery of our i-Aware Tactical, TM-NVG to Selex Galileo to support Italian Army requirements."

Bravo!

The eMagin OLED Advantage for Microdisplay Applications

This presentation will be given at OLEDs LIVE! USA 2013 on Nov 20, 2013.
 

Presentation Summary

• The OLED advantage
• From augmented reality to simulation, training and gaming
• Broad based applications with large market potential

http://www.idtechex.com/events/presentations/the-emagin-oled-advantage-for-microdisplay-applications-004230.asp

eMagin Will Be Exhibiting At The AUSA Annual Meeting Next Week Flogging Their Displays, Hey Soldier, Step Right Up!


 http://assets.cdnma.com/6556/assets/Annual_Meeting_2013/Exhibitor-List-as-of-10-10-13.pdf

HMD Du Jour- LCOS Omnivision


http://www.realareal.com/omnivision-releases-omniglass-reference-design-fast-growing-wearable-electronics-market

Canon MREAL Promo Video



looks like Canon is stepping up the Marketing of their Mixed Reality HMD, we believe the System uses eMagin AMOLED Microdisplays. The MREAL System Retails for around $125,000, the expectation is that more moderately priced HMDs are in development.

http://downloads.canon.com/cpr/video/Canon_MixedReality.mov

Disruptions: Bit by Bit, Virtual Reality Heads for the Holodeck


"Yes, I know Los Angeles hotels and snowy castles are an unusual combination, so here’s the other half of the story: I was wearing Oculus virtual-reality goggles — they look a bit like blacked-out ski goggles with a screen inside. Despite the blandness of my physical surroundings, my eyes told me I was immersed in an icy scene straight out of “Game of Thrones.” And my stomach told me I had been right to pack Dramamine for this virtual trip."

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/13/bit-by-bit-virtual-reality-heads-for-the-holodeck/?_r=0

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Saturday, October 12, 2013

12 Year Old Girl Hits 1000 Yards with TrackingPoint Smart Rifle


Are we ready for American Girl Snipers? Emphatic, yes. This is the Smart Trigger version, the $25K one. The Remington version is MSRP $5249.00. From all indications they are selling very well. The Remington 2020 Site now requires a potential buyer to "Apply" to buy one so the ramp up in production capacity seems more than warranted. There is no reason to believe, beyond my eMagin induced paranoia (see chart upper right) that the Big Green version uses anything other than an eMagin OLED display. Cost to build the scope is said to be around $3k so $700-$900 for the display in the HUD fits into that range with a total cost of the system, Remington 700, ammunition etc should be around $4k. Profit margins in gun sales are around 15%-20% so that sort of works out. A top of the line scope from Schmidt & Bender or similar run around $3500 so Remington is very competitive in terms of price and superior in terms of performance BUT! the purists are put off (there's always been rifle Butts) but the times they are a changin'. BANG! ZING! HIT! This video is as much fun as Granny playing with the Oculus Rift but the only repercussions with the rifle was a new dent in a target, we did not get to see Granny rushed to the ER with Dizziness, nausea and a skull splitting headache. Just kidding Team OR. Sorta.

Friday, October 11, 2013

No! Don't Give Them To Park Rangers! I might like to visit the Jefferson Memorial some night! TiCAM 750 Thermal Imaging Binoculars (eMagin Inside) from Thermoteknix


http://www.thermoteknix.com/products/thermal-night-vision/ticam-750-thermal-imaging-binoculars/

Dual eMagin SVGA

Another OLED Wearable Makes It's Entrance, (Any other OLED Microdisplay Makers, maybe an American one, have an answer to this? Bueller? Bueller?)

from Chinese OLED Microdisplay Company Olightek. Eyetop is it's name and Augmented Reality is it's game.

http://www.radiofacts.com/first-one-wearable-computer-coming/

Alone in the rift : Because In Inner Space Nobody Can Hear You Barf


              
Pretty entertaining Review by a Canadian Wise Guy, around 4:30 mark he starts to turn green.

ATN TICO Thermal Imaging Weapon Sights - OpticsPlanet.com Product in Focus



Good, ATN and Optics Planet are pitching the TICO (eMagin Inside) to hunters. Smaller form factor, lighter weight, battery life, all the top selling points for an OLED Display.

Captain Phillips


"Sights on Target" that's your cue eMagin, the little display makes it's much anticipated Film Debut in "Captain Phillips", left on the Cutting Room Floor in "Zero Dark Thirty" eMagin is ready for it's closeup. Look at the scope of that acting ability.

Kopin Wireless Remote Control



It looks like Kopin has smoothed out the operation of the Golden-I since I demoed it last year, the system seems to move quickly through tasks and the voice recognition seems greatly improved. The position of the screen is still difficult to work around, when he said "You don't have to let go of the reins" i.e. mounted Policeman, well, you hope your horse can make like a statue because you could see the need by the presenter to constantly adjust the monocle. The 15 inch screen looks smaller than that. A very professional look at the Golden-I.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

From an Interview with Oculus Rift Nate Mitchell VP Product Development





" Is there any involvement or interest from the government or the military?

" Definitely the military. The government…I guess yes because of the military, but I can’t pick a project in my head and say, “The government bought that kit!”
The military uses VR for all sorts of things, specifically training, because it’s much, much cheaper to put someone in a training simulator than to actually run an op or something—whether it’s a medical operation or a combat mission or flight training or driving training. Simulators constantly cost down these programs. "

A natural follow-up might be , "Do have an idea of any specific military program or programs which are suited to the capabilities of the Oculus Rift?"  

 I'll be waiting for that answer. I find it interesting that the OR and Virtusphere are tagged in the same story. The Flying Karamazov Brothers & Their Hamster Ball of Death.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2053682/oculus-rift-team-talks-steam-support-hamster-balls-and-90s-vr-at-indiecade.html


A night on the mountaintop in Afghanistan





aided by Exelis (eMagin Displays) ENVGs, pictured in silhouette.

http://www.army.mil/article/112945/A_night_on_the_mountaintop_in_Afghanistan/

American Technologies Network Corp. (ATN) Introduces the Next Evolution in Thermal Imaging Technology with the TICO-Series

 http://gunupthemagazine.com/2013/10/08/american-technologies-network-corp-atn-introduces-the-next-evolution-in-thermal-imaging-technology-with-the-tico-series/

Clip-on is migrating to Law Enforcement, Borders, Homeland Security, let's just hope they don't fall into the hands of the National Park Service. Bears stealing Picinick Baskets, Day or Night would be shot on sight.

"The display is a color OLED matrix and has video output capabilities. The objective lens is a 50mm with full MIL-SPEC and DLC coating to prevent scratches and dust."

Conon MREAL, Oculus Rift Type Device (eMagin Inside) Goes For A Marketing Spin

Is Apple wasting its time with the iWatch?




Maybe, the Galaxy Watch, clever adverts aside, was lambasted by the NY Times and consumer demand for a Watch-like device is down near Congress Approval Rating. Maybe this creates a wider opening for HMD. There HAS to be a "Next Big Thing.

"http://money.msn.com/technology-investment/post--is-apple-wasting-its-time-with-the-iwatch

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

TrackingPoint PGF (eMagin Inside)

 had their biggest month to date in September, they are moving next month to a facility twice as large to ramp production. They'll be in Philly next week at Chiefs of Police Convention to market the rifle, be good out there people or a Police Academy bottom of the Class Rookie on Probation will drop ya without breaking a sweat.

Sony Personal 3D Viewer "No Longer Available"




How many did they have to sell in Pre-Order, 1000?

http://www.psxextreme.com/ps3-news/13668.html?

EG5 Ralph Osterhout :Oldie but Goodie

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Ron Mertens, we offer all the Simulated Weaponry we can after this cowardly and unprovoked attack on OLED-Info.con


by this Aresenio character. The guy must be bonkers.  Actually WE could use a little drama to stir up our Animal Spirits, eManistan, sadly, is like Luxembourg, an unknown place where nothing ever happens. Hey, I'll attack you if you want! No such thing as bad publicity.

Raydon IGTs

http://www.raydon.com/igt.php

Raydon IGT with various Oculus Rift style/eMagin made devices training with, as Yuval would say, "simulated weapons"




Can Oculus Rift Turn Virtual Wonder into Commercial Reality?

When the Oculus Rift does become available to the consumer I think it's a safe bet that it will not be sold for the same price as the DRK. There's some tension there as OR Execs have been touting the OR as VR "for the masses." The "masses are asses" a wise man once said and if they feel that on some level you've sold them out if the cost escalates to a realistic market driven selling point well... What price will a "mass" market bear for such a device that will keep production going and growing with the attendant needs of ongoing research and ahem... a profit for his Kickstarters? And then there is the problem of motion sickness. Add the cost of a quality head tracker to the cost of the Developer's Kit and you are more than inching closer to retail on for e.g. the new Sony debuted yesterday. Euphoria will not get the cattle to Abilene.

http://www.technologyreview.com/news/519801/can-oculus-rift-turn-virtual-wonder-into-commercial-reality/

HMD Du Demain Au Jour'dui



http://www.aerocross.net/news.htm


http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_10_07_2013_p47-620675.xml



Monday, October 7, 2013

Sony Introduces Portable, Wireless Head Mounted Display

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-introduces-portable-wireless-head-mounted-display-226767371.html

Anybody else want to mix it up? Anybody?

Eldar Murtazin (never heard of him either) reports that Samsung is working on a Google Glass Rival


http://www.whatmobile.net/2013/10/07/samsung-gear-glass/

Near-Eye Light Field Displays (HMD/VR) w/ Sony OLED Microdisplays

                     

http://silicon-valley.siggraph.org/index.php?action=event/index
                                                         
Mr. Lanman presents his HMD in the Belly of the LCOS Beast. Jerry and Company are minutes away with Murican OLED Microdisplays. Drive over there Mr. Carollo and give the Security Guard your Business Card. For some reason the last line of the recent HMD Report won't go back to where it belongs. Floating, no Gravity in Cyberspace.


A One Trick Pony Customer but a Customer Nevertheless

EMX International earns 1 Monkey

             


http://www.emxinternational.com/products/mk2a/

Saturday, October 5, 2013

DoD contracts to combat degraded visual environments for SOCOM helo pilots


This is a Demonstration Project until 2017 but the last paragraph is interesting, I did not know this.  USAF SPEC OPS has already adopted the Elbit Brownout System for the Osprey. That HMD uses an eMagin Display.

"Companies known to have developed such DVE sensor systems include BAE Systems with its Brownout Landing Aid System Technology, Elbit Systems of America with its colour HMD system (already adopted by US Air Force Special Operations Command to equip crews of its Bell-Boeing CV-22 Osprey special mission tiltrotor), Goodrich with its TERPROM ground proximity warning system, and Lockheed Martin with its Pathfinder (based on its Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor)."

http://www.janes.com/article/27777/dod-contracts-to-combat-degraded-visual-environments-for-socom-helo-pilots

Report: Global Microdisplay Market To Hit 995.0 Million by 2016

http://news.wooeb.com/1443596/a70079/report-global-microdisplay-market-to-hit-usd-995-point-0-million-by-2016

The global microdisplays market is expected to reach $995.0 million by 2016 from just about $250 million in 2011 at a CAGR of 31.82% from 2011 to 2016. The use of these displays in the head mounted displays will indirectly help the microdisplays market to increase. These head mounted displays are used extensively in the military and the medical field. - See more at: http://news.wooeb.com/1443596/a70079/report-global-microdisplay-market-to-hit-usd-995-point-0-million-by-2016#sthash.0IxfWHYy.dpuf
The global microdisplays market is expected to reach $995.0 million by 2016 from just about $250 million in 2011 at a CAGR of 31.82% from 2011 to 2016. The use of these displays in the head mounted displays will indirectly help the microdisplays market to increase. These head mounted displays are used extensively in the military and the medical field. - See more at: http://news.wooeb.com/1443596/a70079/report-global-microdisplay-market-to-hit-usd-995-point-0-million-by-2016#sthash.0IxfWHYy.dpuf
The global microdisplays market is expected to reach $995.0 million by 2016 from just about $250 million in 2011 at a CAGR of 31.82% from 2011 to 2016. The use of these displays in the head mounted displays will indirectly help the microdisplays market to increase. These head mounted displays are used extensively in the military and the medical field. - See more at: http://news.wooeb.com/1443596/a70079/report-global-microdisplay-market-to-hit-usd-995-point-0-million-by-2016#sthash.0IxfWHYy.dpuf

Friday, October 4, 2013

India Pursues Indigenous ATGM Amid Javelin Talks

6,000 in the first year, I read that as stand-alone systems which means, 6,000 CLUs but it's India and it's Defense Reporting so who really knows. But the CLU houses an eMagin display.

"The full details of Washington’s latest Javelin proposal have not been released, but MoD sources said the US wants to sell around 6,000 units within one year of the signing of the contract. In the future, the US would explore co-production of the Javelin and, at a later stage, work on the co-development of an ATGM tailor-made for India."

" A Lockheed Martin executive said Javelin is better than any other man-portable ATGM because it is ejected non-explosively, which is useful to the Indian Army in higher terrain. The executive, however, declined to discuss details of Carter’s proposal."

 http://www.defensenews.com/article/20131003/DEFREG03/310030019/India-Pursues-Indigenous-ATGM-Amid-Javelin-Talks

HMD Du Jour: Oakley Airwave 1.5


Partners

 Kopin has Motorola, Himax has Google, Oculus Rift has Kickstarter, Microoled has Photonis, Intel invested in Recon, I am perplexed as to why at this point eMagin doesn't have a big brother. I find it nettlesome.

"Don't have a cow, man"


        

Sensics CEO scans the Current Landscape in Microdisplay, his thoughts and mine...

We wonder too as eMagin Investors, His characterization that eMagin loses money is sporadically true. Not mentioning difficulties in manufacturing  and attempts, we're waiting to find out, at rectifying problems with the new tool leaves his analysis incomplete. Like many he is blind to the military market. Yuval, what exactly is a "simulated weapon?" I hate to quote Keyshawn Johnson, but "C'mon Man" The next milestone for me is the size and nature of the pending large Military Contract, if it's what I think it is it will change that chicken and egg dynamic he points out and yes we are all too familiar with our stay on the Devil's Treadmill, running like a mad man and getting nowhere. Yuval has floated it in the past that eMagin should sell out to a company with deep pockets to speed integration of AMOLED displays in larger markets, I am fairly sympathetic to that. I am also aware of the critical applications they supply.  I tried to make the point the other day that Oculus or Google Glass are unlikely ever to be a factor in a life or death situation, eMagin's displays are on a daily basis. There should be a market for those qualities, rugged, impervious to the elements, higher resolution, superior contrast then they should find their way to a widening market, that's just where we are now, waiting and watching. Waiting for the Camera, waiting for a HMD available to the consumer, waiting for a Media Viewer et al.
 If course he's right about the "Most Favored Nation" relationship with DOD. They will always get first dibs. The first Direct Patterning Displays will go to NAVAIR because they footed the bill for development, SOCOM's a partner, they get first dibs on all the "Future" Projects, PIXNET, FWS, ENVG, Army Telemedicine helped finance the WUXGA and so forth.
I think YB makes some good points here and points outs some hard truths, we hope but do not expect eMagin management to counter in print but expect them as longtime backers to counter in performance. PICO, maybe, someday, but Golden-I? Keyshawn?

 http://vrguy.blogspot.com/2013/10/thoughts-on-future-of-microdisplay.html
 





Thursday, October 3, 2013

TrackingPoint - Future of War Trailer

IR Sensor Makers Fear Export Rules Will Strangle Their Business

I don't know if this situation is as dire as this writer describes as we are seeing cracks in the armor of ITAR and it's strictures. There is definitely a balance that can be achieved between guarding sensitive technology and getting it into the right hands.  In regards Thermal Weapons Sights there are already in place those who develop and manufacture these devices off shore. In the News Qioptig for example, Thales, Elbit among many others so the horse is out of the barn on these and renders his point largely moot in relation to TWS. iAware is now a stable export, to Italy and another through a recent sale. Javelin to India, Javelin to Britain, Javelin to Qatar etc. Prescription Chill Pill for Mr. Thompson

"Which brings me to the subject of focal plane arrays — uncooled ones, to be precise.  FPA’s are sensor/processor components as small as a nickel that detect the infrared energy emitted by objects and convert it into electrical charges suitable for forming an image.  Their best-known military uses are in thermal weapons sights and systems for enhancing driver vision, particularly at night.  Infrared energy is a form of light, but its frequency is lower than that of visible light, so humans can’t see it without the aid of FPA’s.  A few animals, such as vampire bats, apparently can."

http://www.forbes.com/sites/lorenthompson/2013/09/27/ir-sensor-makers-fear-export-rules-will-strangle-their-business/

It sure looks like the TrackingPoint System




 is destined for the new SOCOM MSR. Schauble was VP at Remington Arms and a stint at SOCOM so this had to be the plan from the get-go. eMagin Display in Scope.

http://www.shotmade.com/futureofwar/

http://www.remingtonmilitary.com/Firearms/Sniper%20Rifles/MSR.aspx


Qioptiq was bought out by Excelitas

a US Based deliverer of Advanced Technological Solutions. No word if they will retain Qioptiq's Military Products. eMagin sold displays to Qioptiq for Dragon and Vipir TWS among other devices. Most of their Military Products went to Non-US NATO. They don't seem to make anything that requires a display so we'll see.

http://optics.org/news/4/10/1

This one promises to be lively; Sidoti in January

http://www.nbc4i.com/story/23589798/sidoti-to-host-another-lively-micro-cap-conference

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Research and Markets: Global Head Mounted Display (Helmet Mounted Display & Wearable Glass) Market Report 2013-2019

about to explode... (just adding a little drama)

 In addition, the study includes competitive profiling of major players engaged in head mounted display manufacturing, their business strategies and recent developments. Some of the major players profiled in the report include eMagin Corporation (yes,someday), Sony Corporation (meh), Kopin Corporation (dream on), BAE Systems Plc (Yes eMagin OEM), Elbit Systems Ltd. (Yes, eMagin OEM), Vuzix Corporation, Sensics, Inc.(eMagin OEM), and Seiko Epson Corporation among others.


http://www.4-traders.com/news/Research-and-Markets-Global-Head-Mounted-Display-Helmet-Mounted-Display--Wearable-Glass-Market-R--17317478/

For a Small, Unknown Company

situated in a upscale Industrial Park in Columbia Maryland.
Sensics has some pretty impressive clients.
Gotta love a customer who tiles eMagin  in their  Industrial quality HMDs.


http://sensics.com/customers-partners/customers-2/





Is this the one?

eMagin Investors have an expectation that the Company someday will reveal (although with eMagin this is always an open question), the particulars of the large military contract discussed at the last Conference Call. If you put an M4 to my head and I had to identify the Program in Waiting, I would choose this one.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Speaking of VIRTSIM, Oculus Rift Inspired Training and Simulation Program Developed by Raytheon,

http://www.motionreality.com/law-enforcement

which seems to be a Hommage' to the Oculus Rift even though developed some years ago, is profiled in November SWAT Magazine in a Feature called "Super Simulator." The VIRTSIM Program trains Law Enforcement in small unit tactics, mission rehearsal and such just like the Military. The Silver things on those guys heads are aspirational type Oculus Rift devices but they are different, they are, in fact, eMagin Z800s. Oculus Rift wannabes sans Motion Sickness.


Remarks, Ashton Carter, United States Deputy Secretary of Defense

The Next Gen Javelin deal looks like a sure thing as Undersecretary Carter has positioned it as the centerpiece of new era US-India cooperation on Defense matters, strategy and hardware. Apparently they have a green light as resellers too when the new Javelin System is launched (pun intended). The Command Launch Unit's sight uses an eMagin Display. Next GEN will have to have WUXGA.
_____________________________

"And so, in the United States, with U.S. industry, and with my Under Secretary for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, Frank Kendall, as the job I used to have and really superb at it, we identified and put forward to the Indians truly groundbreaking, entirely new collaborative proposal to co-develop with India a next-generation Javelin antitank capability. This is a new twist on a very old dog in U.S.-Indian relations. This proposal would address a key military requirement for both our armies and is an unprecedented offer that we've made unique to India, so we're pretty enthusiastic about it."

Some Furriners are on an Exelis Shopping Spree

First the big SINCGARS Sale to the unidentified nation and now an iAware sale to what I would assume is the same country as the mystery country unifies their Spearnet Network. It's not Italy, they were first to buy iAware, that only leaves about 10 or 11 possibilities. In time every NATO country will field these except France who perhaps jumped too quick on FELIN when that capability could have been spread throughout French Special Operations Command instead of the one Regiment. Tout Alors. The iAware System Monocle houses an eMagin microdisplay.



"Exelis offers the i-Aware Tactical or F6044 Series Tactical Mobility Night Vision Goggle (TM-NVG) with integrated color display import and camera capture export capabilities. The TM-NVG configuration delivers the same night vision capability as the F6015 in a lighter weight monocular with advanced technical features to improve soldier mobility."

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