Earlier this year, Myvu Corporation, the “world leader in video eyewear,” unveiled its latest models in a line of what are essentially cinematic glasses.

These personal media viewers are designed to be the latest and greatest in fashionable, high-tech video viewing.

Read on for more.

     Earlier this year, Myvu Corporation, the “world leader in video eyewear,” unveiled its latest models in a line of what are essentially cinematic glasses. These personal media viewers are designed to be worn like eyeglasses or sunglasses, only they’re accompanied with stereo ear buds and a connection to your media device, be it a portable DVD player, iPod, mobile phone, or similar device (there are specific compatibilities for each model, available at www.myvu.com) so that you can view movies through them. 

     The earliest Myvu models resemble something out of Star Trek, looking like something Jordi Leforge would wear, only they happen to have headphones built into them. As such, there’s an obvious stigma about using them, no matter how fashionable the actual media is that you’re viewing (Imagine explaining to your friends, family, or classmates that you’re just donning your massive goggles to watch the latest House M.D. or Heroes episodes). The newest models, the Crystal and Shades, designed with a partnership with INNO Design and Young Kim, claim to be more fashionable than the previous incarnations. While the Shades are something of an improvement, the Crystal seems to be the real leap here, making a jump in aesthetics that truly verges on a culmination of cutting edge fashion and technological innovation. 

      With the new product line, it’s possible that Myvu has come across a viable marriage of science fiction and reality. At the $200-$300 price point, however, is there a market for this type space age gadgetry, or is video eyewear doomed to obscurity and a niche consumer base? Time will tell, as both products were released merely a couple months ago and the technology is only just now slipping into the mainstream marketplaces. With graphics card giant nVidia working on immersive, 3D glasses of its own, who knows how far the facial video market will go? We here at DigitalReviews would love to get our hands on Myvu's new products to tell you just how well they work (and how much our friends and coworkers make fun of us for using them).

      The Shades and Crystal models are available at various online distributors as well as in-store at Brookstone. Both models are available from www.myvu.com.