Dubai-based start-up Xpanceo has recently revealed groundbreaking prototypes of its smart contact lens, drawing inspiration from the futuristic technology depicted in the Iron Man film series. The company, having secured a significant $40 million in seed funding in October, aims to bring this innovative device to the market by 2027.
Human Trials on the Horizon
Xpanceo’s founder and managing partner, Roman Axelrod, shared insights into the timeline for the smart contact lens’s release. Human trials, a crucial step in the development process, are scheduled within the next two years. Axelrod anticipates that following these trials, the smart contact lenses will hit optical store shelves by 2027 or 2028.
Infinite Extended Reality: A Glimpse into the Future
The unveiled prototypes promise an “infinite” extended reality view, where users can seamlessly integrate tasks ranging from document handling and meetings to social media and gaming directly into their field of vision. This ambitious lens, driven by artificial intelligence and machine learning, is designed to offer night vision functionality and can be controlled through voice commands, gestures, glances, and potentially even mind control in the future, Axelrod stated.
Charging Case and Device Integration
Xpanceo is not only focusing on the smart contact lens itself but also developing a charging case reminiscent of those used for wireless earbuds. The ultimate goal, according to Axelrod, is to create a hyper-miniaturized gadget capable of replacing various consumer devices, envisioning a future where laptops, smartphones, and smartwatches converge into a unified and efficient system.
Affordability and Accessibility
While Xpanceo has yet to finalize the pricing for its smart contact lens, Axelrod emphasizes that it should be no more expensive than a premium smartphone. This commitment aligns with the broader trend of miniaturizing technology to make it more accessible and convenient for consumers, eliminating the need for multiple devices.
Navigating the Augmented Reality Landscape
The unveiling of Xpanceo’s smart contact lens adds to the growing landscape of augmented reality (AR) technologies. Despite notable efforts from companies like Meta Platforms, not all endeavors in this space have succeeded. Xpanceo aims to learn from past experiences and position itself as a frontrunner in smart contact lens technology.
Subscription Plans and Future Outlook
Xpanceo plans to introduce subscription plans for its smart contact lens, offering users the convenience of regular replacements based on their lifespan—be it weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. This strategic move aligns with the company’s commitment to user health, ensuring that replacement cycles are adhered to and providing cleaning solutions for their revolutionary product.
In terms of funding, Xpanceo currently asserts having sufficient resources but remains open to revisiting the option in the future, reflecting the company’s confidence in its transparent plans and the enthusiasm of potential investors.
In summary, Xpanceo’s unveiling of its smart contact lens marks a significant step toward merging science fiction with reality, promising a transformative experience in visual technology for consumers in the near future.
