Swarovski Teams Up With Marc Newson To Design World’s First Smart Binoculars

Image via Swarovski Optik

A little birdy, or swan, tells us this pair of binoculars will soar above all others. Swarovski Optik, long established in sports optics, is marking its 75th year with a technological twist: the AX Visio, the world’s first artificial intelligence-supported binoculars.

The sleek device is crafted by none other than renowned industrial designer Marc Newson, emphasizing a modern look and ease of use. Produced in Absam, Austria, these binoculars are the result of about five years of meticulous development, incorporating around 390 hardware components. 

Image via Swarovski Optik

“I find binoculars generally to be awe-inspiring, wonderful, and fundamentally essential objects. The fact that they allow one to see things invisible to the naked eye is, in my opinion, akin to magic,” Newson expresses.

Image via Swarovski Optik

“The AX Visio is a particularly special project for me because it is the first of its kind,” the designer shares. “It’s rare for a designer to work on something that is the first product within a category, which is naturally exciting and suffice to say, challenging.”

Created with nature lovers in mind, the gear is capable of identifying over 9,000 species of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and mammals in real-time, truly bringing birdwatchers and wildlife observers closer to the natural world.

Image via Swarovski Optik

Not just for watching, the AX Visio lets you record and share what you see. It includes an integrated camera for photos and videos, which can be shared instantly through a smartphone app. There’s also a unique feature for guiding others to the observed object using on-screen markers.

Image via Swarovski Optik

The incorporation of a Neural Processing Unit facilitates fast processing of information for object recognition, but it also allows users to record and share images and videos. This feature seems to pivot the focus from observation to documentation, potentially altering how nature is experienced and shared.

Image via Swarovski Optik

Notably, Swarovski Optik has designed the observation equipment for longevity, with a commitment to regular updates.

Image via Swarovski Optik

Officially launched at CES in Las Vegas on January 8, the AX Visio will hit selected retailers and online on the Swarovski Optik site starting February 1, bearing a price of US$4,799.

Image via Swarovski Optik

[via Wallpaper* Magazine and PetaPixel, images via Swarovski Optik]