On December 8, 2021 RealWear announced its latest device: The RealWear Navigator 500. In terms of appearance, the device is very similar to the previous HMT-1, and there are also similarities in the technical specifications. So what are the main differences and advantages of the RealWear Navigator 500 vs HMT-1?
The camera of the RealWear Navigator 500 has been significantly improved compared to the HMT-1. While the HMT-1 can shoot pictures with only 16 MP, the Navigator 500 can capture images at the highest quality with its 48 MP camera – equal to the resolution of professional cameras.
The video recording resolution remains unchanged at 1080p, however, the frame rate increases from 30 to 60 frames per second in the new device. This means that smooth pictures can still be recorded even during faster movements of the user.
RealWear also improved the computing power in the Navigator 500. The processor was changed to the newer Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 and in addition, the RAM has been expanded from 3 to 4 GB. The increase in computing power enables the RealWear Navigator 500 to run even more demanding applications than the HMT-1.
The internal memory has also been doubled to 64 GB. This allows even more files and applications to be stored on the Navigator 500. In addition, the RealWear Navigator 500’s memory can be expanded with an SD card up to 512 GB. This was also possible with the HMT-1, but only up to a maximum of 256 GB.
The RealWear Navigator 500 has been made a lot lighter. While the HMT-1 still weighs 380 grams, the latest device from RealWear is now just 272 grams. This means that it is always pleasant and even more comfortable to wear, even over longer work shifts.
In addition, the boom arm can be adjusted even better on the new device, so that the display can be positioned even better and more precisely for people with any head shape so that the display is always clearly visible.
A comparison between the specifications of the Realwear Navigator 500 and the HMT-1:
Smart glass | RealWear Navigator 500 | RealWear HMT-1 |
Display | LCD | LCD |
Resolution | 854×480 pixels | 854×480 pixels |
FOV | 20 degrees | 20 degrees |
Camera | 48 MP, 1080p, 60fps video | 16 MP, 1080p, 30fps video |
CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 |
Memory | 64 GB, 4 GB RAM | 32 GB, 3 GB RAM |
Weight | 272 grams | 380 grams |
Battery life | Up to 8 hours | 5-6 hours |